Abstract: Shingle material, preferably comprising a core with a capstock applied thereto is extruded, preferably by means of a co-extrusion process, onto a series of individual carrier plates, with the shingle material then being severed such that each carrier plate carries its own layer of shingle material thereon and the carrier plates are then delivered to a compression mold, in which the shingle is molded. The carrier plate and shingle is then removed from the mold and carried through a series of hold-down stations, after which the shingle is delivered to a trimmer, where flashing is simultaneously trimmed from its edges. The shingle is then cooled, preferably by sandwiching it between upper and lower retention members, which are cooled via a cooling tower. The retention members impart a curvature to the shingle. The carrier plates are returned via a return conveyor, to be heated, for re-use.

Abstract: Synthetic shingles are made and treated, such that upper surfaces thereof that are to be weather-exposed in the installed condition, are scuffed, abraded, or scraped in such a manner that different visual appearances occur between abraded zones and unabraded (or lesser abraded) depressions, to enhance the natural-appearing materials that the synthetic shingles are designed to resemble. The shingles and the abrading medium have motion relative to each other. The abrading medium may take on various forms, such as a roller, a brush, a pad, etc. Some portions of the upper surface of the shingle remain unabraded, preferably being those portions that are depressed relative to higher portions of the shingle. The shingle may be of a single layer construction, or a multi-layer laminate.

Abstract: Shingle material, preferably comprising a core with a capstock applied thereto is extruded preferably by means of a co-extrusion process onto a series of Individual carrier plates, with the shingle material then being severed such that each carrier plate carries its own layer of shingle material thereon and the carrier plates are then delivered to a compression mold in which the shingle is molded. The carrier plate and shingle Is then removed from the mold and carried through a series of hold-down stations, after which the shingle is delivered to a trimmer, where flashing is simultaneously trimmed from its edges. The shingle Is then cooled, preferably by sandwiching it between upper and lower retention members which are cooled via a cooling tower. The retention members impart a curvature to the shingle.

Abstract: Synthetic shingles are made and treated, such that upper surfaces thereof that are to be weather-exposed in the installed condition, are scuffed, abraded, or scraped in such a manner that different visual appearances occur between abraded zones and unabraded (or lesser abraded) depressions, to enhance the natural-appearing materials that the synthetic shingles are designed to resemble. The shingles and the abrading medium have motion relative to each other. The abrading medium may take on various forms, such as a roller, a brush, a pad, etc. Some portions of the upper surface of the shingle remain unabraded, preferably being those portions that are depressed relative to higher portions of the shingle. The shingle may be of a single layer construction, or a multi-layer laminate.