Bitumen shingles are an attractive and reliable roof covering that is lightweight and inexpensive. Nowadays the carrier membrane is made from cellulose, recycled cardboard and wood pulp. The product is supplied on large rolls and the paper is saturated in hot bitumen, which makes the paper impermeable, and then coated in asphalt. Coloured granules are then dropped onto the top surface, while talc is spread across the back to prevent the shingles from sticking together when packaged. Cooling rollers then press the granules firmly into the membrane while bringing the temperature of the material down. The material is then accurately cut to size, packaged and wrapped for shipment.
