Abstract: Asphalt composition ridge cover formed from an approximately rectangular sheet of asphalt composition roofing material. The sheet of asphalt composition material is bent around a radius through approximately a ninety degree angle along the centerline so that no more than minimal bending of the ridge cover is required during later installation.

Abstract: A laminated shingle is provided, having lighter and darker granule portions visible from the front, at different planes; the front-most or anterior plane generally having granules of lighter shading and the more rearward or posterior plane generally having darker granules. The darker granules in the more posterior plane are visible from the front of the shingle to provide visually sharp, precise delineation between zones of lighter and darker shading. The shingles may be of multi-layer construction with suitable adhesives securing the layers together. The darker granules may be visible from beneath the lower edge(s) of the anterior shingle, to provide a shadow line effect. Alternatively, or in addition thereto, the darker shingle zones from the more posterior plane may be visible through tab-separating slots of the lighter shaded anterior shingle portion.

Abstract: There is provided a laminated roofing shingle having a first shingle sheet and a second shingle sheet. The first shingle sheet has a headlap section and a buttlap section, the buttlap section being about 7 inches or greater in height and including a plurality of tabs which are spaced apart to define one or more openings between the tabs. Each of the tabs has a relatively uniform color throughout the tab. The second shingle sheet is attached to the underside of the first shingle sheet and has portions exposed through the openings between the tabs. The second shingle sheet has at least first, second, third, and fourth horizontal striations thereon across at least partial portions of the second sheet which are exposed through the openings between the tabs. The first striation includes a first elongated quadrilateral area with a substantially uniform dark color throughout the first quadrilateral area. The second striation includes a second elongated quadrilateral area below the first striation.

Abstract: A shingle and a method of and apparatus for making the shingle is provided, whereby patches of preselected granules or combinations of granules are provided, separated by transverse areas of different, preferably darker granules, having slots centrally thereof, to yield the appearance of multi-tab shingles that are thicker than they actually are, with transverse shadow lines. A longitudinal shadow line is optionally provided, along the upper and/or lower portion of the exposed tab.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making laminated roofing shingles includes providing a substantially continuous sheet of shingle material, cutting the sheet material at a first cutting station to define a first pair of longitudinal strips having interdigitating tabs with a first pattern length, further cutting the sheet to define a second pair of longitudinal strips, further cutting the sheet at a second cutting station to define a third pair of strips having interdigitating tabs with a second pattern length, laminating together one of the first pair of strips, one of the second pair of strips and one of the third pair of strips in overlapping relation to form a substantially continuous three-layer laminated strip in which one of the second pair of strips is the lowermost layer and having the tabs of the remaining two strips oriented in a common lateral direction, and cutting the laminated strip into uniform longitudinal lengths whereby laminated roofing shingles are made.

Abstract: A shingle and a method of and apparatus for making the shingle is provided, whereby patches of pre-selected granules or combinations of granules are provided, separated by transverse areas of different, preferably darker granules, having slots centrally thereof, to yield the appearance of multi-tab shingles that are thicker than they actually are, with transverse shadow lines. A longitudinal shadow line is optionally provided, along the upper and/or lower portion of the exposed tab.

Abstract: A laminated shingle is provided, having lighter and darker granule portions visible from the front, at different planes; the front-most or anterior lane generally having granules of lighter shading and the more rearward or posterior plane generally having darker granules. The darker granules in the more posterior plane are visible from the front of the shingle to provide visually sharp, precise delineation between zones of lighter and darker shading. The shingles may be of multi-layer construction with suitable adhesives securing the layers together. The darker granules may be visible from beneath the lower edge(s) of the anterior shingle, to provide a shadow line effect. Alternatively, or in addition thereto, the darker shingle zones from the more posterior plane may be visible through tab-separating slots of the lighter shaded anterior shingle portion.

Abstract: The variegated shingle comprises a shingle layer having front and rear surfaces the front surface including a butt portion and a headlap portion. The shingle layer contains granules on the front surface forming a plurality of horizontal striations providing gradations having color values ranging from light to dark extending between a leading edge of the butt portion and an upper portion thereof. The striations include an upper striation along the upper portion, a lower striation closer to the leading edge, and an intermediate striation between the upper and lower striations. The upper striation is darker in color value than the lower striation, whereas the intermediate striation is no darker in color value than the upper striation and no lighter in color value than the lower striation. The color values of at least one of the upper, lower, and intermediate striations vary across the granule layer.

Abstract: An asphalt composition ridge cover and method of forming the same whereby a decorative appearance somewhat resembling that of a shake roof ridge cover is achieved. The ridge cover generally is a pair of flat, approximately rectangular pieces of asphalt composition roofing material, having a plurality of tabs at one end of each piece which are folded over one another thereby forming a region of increased thickness at that end. The two pieces are adhesively joined in a plurality of areas including an area disposed to both sides of the central fold that forms the ridge line of ridge cover when installed, thereby holding the ridge cover in a folded configuration. The adhesive joining in the vicinity of the central folding inhibits further bending along the central fold and thereby reduces cracking.

Abstract: A method for the production of a laminated shingle wherein at least two strips of a continuously advancing sheet are coated with differently colored aggregates of granules. Present among one of the aggregates are a multitude of granules having at least one color and/or hue thereof not present among the granules of the other aggregate or aggregates. The strips are cut from the sheet and laminated one above the other so as to form at least two layers with the differently colored aggregates exposed to view. The difference in coloration creates a pleasing color contrast and accentuates the difference in elevation between the shingle layers.

Abstract: Roof shingles (14) from used tires (10) are provided as well as a method of making the same. Used tires (10) are cut along the circumference on each edge to separate a tread piece (13) from the side walls (12) and the bead steel. Tread piece (13) is then cut by dye, shear or other method into a number of shorter pieces or shingles (14). The shingles are then secured in overlapping relationship, typically tread side outward, to form a waterproof covering on a building or other structure.

Abstract: Laminated shingles are manufactured from roll stock roofing material that is wider than that used to make similar laminated shingles. The roll stock includes longitudinal edge strips having a reduced thickness. The roll stock is cut into strips of tabbed top sheets and backing sheets. The strips of material used for the backing sheets are at once wider than commonly used in the industry, and include the longitudinal edge strips of reduced-thickness material. Because the backing sheet is wider two rain seal strips are laid down on the backing sheet prior to being laminated to the tabbed top sheet. The backing sheets are laminated to the tabbed top sheets with the longitudinal edges aligned. The wider backing sheet provides a substantially wider nail zone. In addition, since it allows for a second rain seal strip, provides somewhat more protection against leakage. The portion of the backing sheet that comprises the added width is relatively thinner than the remaining portions of the sheet.

Abstract: A trilaminated roofing shingle comprising:(a) an anterior layer consisting essentially of a rectangular, granular surfaced shingle sheet having an undivided headlap portion and a butt portion comprising a plurality of tabs of an average given breadth separated by spaces approximately 0.50 to 1.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing and installing a roof structure, in which clay is formed into tiles which simulate wood shakes, and the tiles are attached atop a supporting surface in a predetermined manner in a substantially unrecognizable pattern. The tile configuration provides a structure which is light in weight yet is structurally sound, which lends itself to ready installation upon a wide variety of structures. Secondary supporting ribs for strength and upwardly-directed support ridges for improved stackability are also provided.

Abstract: A method is provided for making a shingle by cutting a layer of shingle material to have a headlap area and a tab area, and with a plurality of tabs being present in the tab area, separated by slotted openings. The tab area of the shingle is made to have a predetermined design that has a repeatability in the longitudinal direction, or from one edge of a shingle to another in the right-to-left direction, which repeatability is a function of the length of the shingle between said left and right edges, as well as being a function of the number of tabs in the shingle, with the repeatability being greater or smaller than the length of the shingle in the longitudinal direction. Thereby, a method is provided for producing an ornamental appearance that has a random, natural-looking effect when the shingles are laid up on a roof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a laminated roofing and siding shingle unit including (a) a rectangular shingle sheet having an undivided headlap portion and a lower butt portion divided into tabs of a given color which are uniformly spaced from each other, each tab having two opposing bottom corners defining the bottom boundary of the butt portion and (b) an elongated undivided top strip of the same or a contrasting hue or color having indentations at its bottom edge conforming in outline to the corners of the tabs, said strip affixed over the shingle sheet at the upper tab boundaries where the tabs depend from the headlap and positioned in an offset manner so that each indentation corresponding to a corner of a tab is centered above the tab immediately below.

Abstract: A shingle roll system for shingling a roof structure quickly and easily. The system includes an elongate shingle sheet having top and bottom surfaces, a pair of opposite end edges and a pair of side edges extending between the end edges of the shingle sheet. The shingle sheet has a dividing line extending between the end edges of the shingle sheet which divides the shingle sheet into exposed and coverage portions. The exposed portion has a width about five-sixths the width of the coverage portion.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a multi-layer laminated shingle, wherein each shingle layer has granule and bituminous coated web, with the layers laminated together and with the butt zone of the base layer disposed against a bottom surface of the tab zone of the secondary layer and with the tab zone of the base layer disposed against the bottom surface of the butt zone of the secondary layer. The shingle lends itself to having tabs spaced by voids. Because the tabs in the base layer are inverted, the base layer's butt zone is visible through voids in the tabs of the secondary layer. The method of making the shingle lends itself to complementally cutting out the tabs of two side-by-side shingles from a given line. Enhanced nailing area is provided, and stacking of shingles for packaging is facilitated.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a multi-layer laminated shingle, wherein each shingle layer comprises granule and bituminous coated web, with the layers laminated together and with the butt zone of the base layer disposed against a bottom surface of the tab zone of the secondary layer and with the tab zone of the base layer disposed against the bottom surface of the butt zone of the secondary layer. The shingle lends itself to having tabs spaced by voids. Because the tabs in the base layer are inverted, the base layer's butt zone is visible through voids in the tabs of the secondary layer. The method of making the shingle lends itself to complementally cutting out the tabs of two side-by-side shingles from a given line. Enhanced nailing area is provided, and stacking of shingles for packaging is facilitated.

Abstract: A trilaminated roofing shingle comprising:(a) an anterior layer consisting essentially of a rectangular, granular surfaced shingle sheet having an undivided headlap portion and a butt portion comprising a plurality of tabs of an average given breadth separated by spaces approximately 0.50 to 1.

Abstract: A roofing membrane for installation on a roof or parapet. Tabs are affixed to the outside of the roofing material which fold back to allow insertion of a fastener. The ends of the roofing material are first fastened to the roof or parapet to be covered. The intervening portion of the roofing material is then fastened. The tabs affixed to the outside of the roofing material cover the fasteners and can be sealed shut to waterproof the roofing material.

Abstract: A laminated roofing shingle having staggered shadow lines comprises an underlay and an overlay attached to an underside of the overlay. The overlay has a plurality of spaced-apart tabs. An opening is defined between each one of the tabs. Portions of the underlay are exposed through the openings between the tabs. A layer of granules is disposed on the tabs and the underlay. The layer of granules on a lower portion of the overlay and on an upper portion of the overlay are substantially uniform in color and darker in color than the granules the remainder of the tabs and the underlay. The darker layers of granules produce staggered shadow lines which enhance the three-dimensional appearance of a roof surface upon which the shingles are applied.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a multi-layer laminated shingle, wherein each shingle layer comprises granule and bituminous coated web, with the layers laminated together and with the butt zone of the base layer disposed against a bottom surface of the tab zone of the secondary layer and with the tab zone of the base layer disposed against the bottom surface of the butt zone of the secondary layer. The shingle lends itself to having tabs spaced by voids. Because the tabs in the base layer are inverted, the base layer's butt zone is visible through voids in the tabs of the secondary layer. The method of making the shingle lends itself to complementally cutting out the tabs of two side-by-side shingles from a given line. Enhanced nailing area is provided, and stacking of shingles for packaging is facilitated.

Abstract: A surface expansion device that enables an area subject to vertical and/or horizontal expansion and contraction to continue to be passable with minimum disturbance to the adjacent surface areas. The device causes the entire surface subject to expansion to be elevated or elongated at a uniform rate. A series of break-off or collapsible tabs in each of several segments causes uniform movement of each of the several segments.

Abstract: A shingle system comprising a fastening strip and a plurality of shingles. The fastening strip includes a top flange portion and a fastener portion. A gasket is located along a bottom surface of the fastening portion. The plurality of shingles each include top and bottom edges and opposing side edges. The bottom edge includes an underturned flange for engaging the top flange portion of the fastening strip. Overturned or underturned flanges are provided on the side edges to connect adjacent shingles along the sides. In a further embodiment, the shingles comprise first and second shingle configurations where the first shingle configuration includes side edges that are tapered and either overturned or underturned, and where the second shingle configuration includes side edges having an opposite taper to the first shingle configuration as well as an opposite flange. In a further embodiment, the shingle system further comprises a roof cap including tailing and leading edges and opposing side edges.

Abstract: A multi-layer shingle is made by cutting an anterior layer of shingle material to have a headlap area and a tab area, and with a plurality of tabs being present in the tab area, separated by slotted openings. The tab area of the anterior layer has a predetermined design that has a repeatability in the longitudinal direction, or from one edge of a shingle to another in the right-to-left direction, which repeatability is a function of the length of the shingle between said left and right edges, as well as being a function of the number of tabs in the shingle's anterior layer, with the repeatability being smaller or greater than the length of the shingle in the longitudinal direction. Thereby, an ornamental appearance is provided that has a random, natural-looking effect when the shingles are laid up on a roof.

Abstract: A building siding panel and assembly each assembly having a plurality of interconnecting siding panels that are attached to the building using fasteners that are driven into the building through a plurality of aligned and spaced apart slot pairs in a uniform manner that reduces the distortion that accompanies thermal expansion and/or contraction of the siding material.

Abstract: A laminated shingle is provided, having lighter and darker granule portions visible from the front, at different planes; the front-most or anterior plane generally having granules of lighter shading and the more rearward or posterior plane generally having darker granules. The darker granules in the more posterior plane are visible from the front of the shingle to provide visually sharp, precise delineation between zones of lighter and darker shading. The shingles may be of multi-layer construction with suitable adhesives securing the layers together. The darker granules may be visible from beneath the lower edge(s) of the anterior shingle, to provide a shadow line effect. Alternatively, or in addition thereto, the darker shingle zones from the more posterior plane may be visible through tab-separating slots of the lighter shaded anterior shingle portion.

Abstract: Roof shingles (14) from used tires (10) are provided as well as a method of making the same. Used tires (10) are cut along the circumference on each edge to separate a tread piece (13) from the side walls (12) and the bead steel. Tread piece (13) is then cut by dye, shear, or other method into a number of shorter pieces or shingles (14). The shingles are then secured in overlapping relationship, typically tread side outward, to form a waterproof covering on a building or other structure.

Abstract: This invention relates to a rectangular roofing shingle defined as a shingle unit having front and rear stepped edges and having (a) an undivided headlap portion and (b) a butt portion horizontally divided into at least 4 dissimilarly shaped, space-separated, snaggle-toothed tabs which are integral with, and extend from the bottom portion of said headlap and which are recessed from the side edges of said headlap; said shingle unit, having an overall length in inches approximately equal to from about 9 to about 12 inches multiplied by the number of tabs, is secured to a reinforcement strip which is positioned to underlay said tabs, and from about 0.75 to about 5 inches of said adjoining headlap and which has a length equal to the overall length of the shingle unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the installation of roofing material. The method of installing roofing material of the present invention requires less manpower and consumes less time. Tabs are affixed to the outside of the roofing material which fold back to allow insertion of a fastener. The ends of the roofing material are first fastened to the roof or parapet to be covered. The intervening portion of the roofing material is then fastened. The tabs affixed to the outside of the roofing material cover the fasteners and can be sealed shut to waterproof the roofing material.

Abstract: A surface expansion device that enables an area subject to vertical and/or horizontal expansion and contraction to continue to be passable with minimum disturbance to the adjacent surface areas. The device causes the entire surface subject to expansion to be elevated or elongated at a uniform rate. A series of break-off or collapsible tabs in each of several segments causes uniform movement of each of the several segments.

Abstract: A building siding panel and assembly each assembly having a plurality of interconnecting siding panels that are attached to the building using fasteners that are driven into the building through a plurality of aligned and spaced apart slot pairs in a uniform manner that reduces the distortion that accompanies thermal expansion and/or contraction of the siding material.

Abstract: Sheet metal multiple stepped tile panels are joined to similar roof panels in interlocking relationship. On one edge running the length of the panel is a single female groove while the opposite edge of the panel has a plurality of male members which can engage the single groove of a similarly shaped panel. The stepped panel is quite long compared to its width. Hidden screws in a securing flange join the panel to a roof.

Abstract: A shingle system comprising a fastening strip and a plurality of shingles. The fastening strip includes a top flange portion and a fastener portion. A gasket is located along a bottom surface of the fastening portion. The plurality of shingles each include top and bottom edges and opposing side edges. The bottom edge includes an underturned flange for engaging the top flange portion of the fastening strip. Overturned or underturned flanges are provided on the side edges to connect adjacent shingles along the sides. In a further embodiment, the shingles comprise first and second shingle configurations where the first shingle configuration includes side edges that are tapered and either overturned or underturned, and where the second shingle configuration includes side edges having an opposite taper to the first shingle configuration as well as an opposite flange. In a further embodiment, the shingle system further comprises a roof cap including tailing and leading edges and opposing side edges.

Abstract: A shingle having a headlap section and a buttlap section with at least one portion of the buttlap section having a relatively uniform color and another portion of the buttlap section having a color gradient or gradation from light to dark. An illusion of depth or thickness is created on the portion of the buttlap section having the color gradient. The buttlap section defines in part the exposed weather surface of the associated shingle. The relatively uniform color portions may be formed on tabs or dragon teeth and the color gradient formed on a backer sheet disposed beneath the tabs. Openings between adjacent tabs expose the color gradient to view. A plurality of horizontal striations may be used to establish the desired color gradient from light to dark. The amount of tone and contrast may be selected to create the desired illusion of depth or thickness. The amount of contrast may be varied depending upon the color selected for each shingle.

Abstract: A laminated shingle is provided, having lighter and darker granule portions visible from the front, at different planes; the front-most or anterior plane generally having granules of lighter shading and the more rearward or posterior plane generally having darker granules. The darker granules in the more posterior plane are visible from the front of the shingle to provide visually sharp, precise delineation between zones of lighter and darker shading. The shingles may be of multi-layer construction with suitable adhesives securing the layers together. The darker granules may be visible from beneath the lower edge(s) of the anterior shingle, to provide a shadow line effect. Alternatively, or in addition thereto, the darker shingle zones from the more posterior plane may be visible through tab-separating slots of the lighter shaded anterior shingle portion.

Abstract: A shingle is formed with a first, or trailing, side edge folded over toward the top surface of the shingle to catch moisture and direct it down to the top surface of the next lower shingle. A second, or leading, side edge of the shingle is not folded. An "S" shaped fold, spaced apart from the trailing edge fold, receives the unfolded leading edge of an adjacent shingle. The trailing edge and S fold form a gutter under the leading edge of the adjacent shingle. The top edge of the shingle is folded-over toward the top surface of the shingle for engagement with the folded-under lower edge of the next higher shingle. The folded-over top edge extends to the right or leading edge of the shingle and slides under the left edge of the folded-over top edge of the next adjacent shingle to the fight side. The folded-under lower edge extends along the lower edge of the shingle but leaves a gap relative to the folded-under lower edge of the lateral adjacent shingle.

Abstract: A shingle is provided having a headlap section and a buttlap section with at least one portion of the buttlap section having a relatively uniform color and/or value and an adjacent portion of the buttlap section having a value gradation from light to dark. A plurality of horizontal striations with transition stripes disposed between adjacent horizontal striations may be used to establish the desired value gradation. An illusion of depth or thickness is created on the portion of the buttlap section having the value gradation. The buttlap section defines in part the exposed weather surface of the associated shingle. The relatively uniform color and/or value portions may be formed on tabs or dragon teeth and the value gradation formed on a backer sheet disposed beneath the tabs. Openings between adjacent tabs expose the associated enhanced value gradation to view.

Abstract: A roof single includes a substantially rectangular tab extending from an end portion of a widthwisely extending eave side of a shingle body. When a long side of the rectangular tab is X and a short side thereof is Y, the shingle body has a width of 2X and a depth of 2Y+a (where a>0).

Abstract: An advanced, lightweight composite roofing shingle specifically designed to prevent hail damage and high wind uplift. The inventive laminate includes a conventional random fiberglass mat (20) used for shingle stability, sandwiched by an upper ply of Kevlar fabric (28) selected for high impact resistance, and a bottom ply of E-glass fabric (24) or similar type oriented for exceptional bending resistance. The fibrous materials are saturated or coated, and bonded with a suitable matrix such as roofing asphalt. Design flexibility, inherent in the novel roofing shingle concept, allows the material properties to be optimized for cost and performance based on weather requirements in various geographical regions of the country.

Abstract: A roofing shingle is provided for shingling a roof with overlapped shingles, wherein the exposed portion of the shingle is selected to be of a height in the installed condition relative to the overall height of the shingle that enhances material utilization, to be at least approximately 44.4% efficient. This is accomplished by using an exposure height of 8 inches relative to an overall shingle height of 18 inches. The shingles are preferably constructed to have either 3 or 4 tabs, thereby having a ratio of exposure height to tab width of either 0.667 or 0.889, respectively. A larger exposure allows one to obtain 200 shingles for each 300 lineal feet of sheet shingle material, when the shingles have 18 inch overall height, and further allows an overall saving in the number of nails required to install a roof. The invention also contemplates variations in tab width within a given shingle and variations in number of tabs from about one to nine tabs in a given shingle.

Abstract: A laminated shingle is provided, having lighter and darker granule portions visible from the front, at different planes; the front-most or anterior plane generally having granules of lighter shading and the more rearward or posterior plane generally having darker granules. The darker granules in the more posterior plane are visible from the front of the shingle to provide visually sharp, precise delineation between zones of lighter and darker shading. The shingles may be of multi-layer construction with suitable adhesives securing the layers together. The darker granules may be visible from beneath the lower edge(s) of the anterior shingle, to provide a shadow line effect. Alternatively, or in addition thereto, the darker shingle zones from the more posterior plane may be visible through tab-separating slots of the lighter shaded anterior shingle portion.

Abstract: A roofing shingle is provided for shingling a roof with overlapped shingles, wherein the exposed portion of the shingle is selected to be of a height in the installed condition relative to the overall height of the shingle that enhances material utilization, to be at least approximately 44.4% efficient. This is accomplished by using an exposure height of 8 inches relative to an overall shingle height of 18 inches. The shingles are preferably constructed to have either 3 or 4 tabs, thereby having a ratio of exposure height to tab width of either 0.667 or 0.889, respectively. A larger exposure allows one to obtain 200 shingles for each 300 lineal feet of sheet shingle material, when the shingles have 18 inch overall height, and further allows an overall saving in the number of nails required to install a roof. The invention also contemplates variations in tab width within a given shingle and variations in number of tabs from about one to nine tabs in a given shingle.

Abstract: A roofing shingle is provided for shingling a roof with overlapped shingles, wherein the exposed portion of the shingle is selected to be of a height in the installed condition relative to the overall height of the shingle that enhances material utilization, to be at least approximately 44.4% efficient. This is accomplished by using an exposure height of 8 inches relative to an overall shingle height of 18 inches. The shingles are preferably constructed to have either 3 or 4 tabs, thereby having a ratio of exposure height to tab width of either 0.667 or 0.889, respectively. A larger exposure allows one to obtain 200 shingles for each 300 lineal feet of sheet shingle material, when the shingles have 18 inch overall height, and further allows an overall saving in the number of nails required to install a roof. The invention also contemplates variations in tab width within a given shingle and variations in number of tabs from about one to nine tabs in a given shingle.

Abstract: A generally rectangular roofing element adapted to be positioned with other similar elements in an overlapping relation to yield a simulated slate roof covering comprising a main body portion bordered by a top edge, butt edge, leading edge and trailing edge. The leading and trailing edges extend between the top edge and the butt edge. A headlap portion is provided and is bordered by the top edge. A butt portion is also provided and is bordered by the butt edge. At least a portion of the headlap portion is substantially darker than the butt portion in the area of contact with the butt portion. The darkened portion in the area contact with the butt portion forms a substantially straight line parallel to the butt edge. The butt portion includes a series of laterally adjacent simulated shingles extending from the leading edge to the trailing edge. Each simulated shingle has an edge forming a portion of the overall butt edge.

Abstract: A roofing shingle is provided for shingling a roof with overlapped shingles, wherein the exposed portion of the shingle is selected to be of a height in the installed condition relative to the overall height of the shingle that enhances material utilization, to be at least approximately 44.4% efficient. This is accomplished by using an exposure height of 8 inches relative to an overall shingle height of 18 inches. The shingles are preferably constructed to have either 3 or 4 tabs, thereby having a ratio of exposure height to tab width of either 0.667 or 0.889, respectively. A larger exposure allows one to obtain 200 shingles for each 300 lineal feet of sheet shingle material, when the shingles have 18 inch overall height, and further allows an overall saving in the number of nails required to install a roof. The invention also contemplates variations in tab width within a given shingle and variations in number of tabs from about one to nine tabs in a given shingle.

Abstract: This invention provides a process and apparatus which automatically and in a continuous and uninterrupted manner laminates a narrow strip of bituminous coated glass mat to the bottom side of a coated glass mat, cuts the laminated product to produce a laminate having cut-out areas between remaining tabs and then adheres thin strips of coated glass mat across the tabs to underlie the tabs and the cut-out areas. The final shingle is made from a single glass mat which is processed into a three level shingle, each level being made of a portion of the original glass mat.

Abstract: A roofing shingle consisting of composite plies of thin sheet material adhered together by asphalt having exposed areas with or without cut outs between tabs, and a flexible region at the end top of the exposed area. The top end of the cut outs may lie in this flexible region.