Asphalt shingles are the most common type of residential roofing. They are not made of asphalt all the way through. Rather, they consist of either a fiberglass or felt paper base coated with a waterproof later of asphalt and topped with ceramic granules.

Since its development in the 1980s, the fiberglass base has been the more popular product. It is lighter and less expensive but still lends considerable strength to the roof. Asphalt shingles are extremely durable, economical and comes in a variety of colors and styles.