SHINGLES.

Press, Volume LXIV, Issue 19462, 8 November 1928, Page 4

SHINGLES.

RAG-PELT OR ASBESTOS ?

In spite of the national advertising done by asbestos, shingle manufacturers and the campaigns carried on in newspapers by contractors who use plates furnished by the manufacturers, there come- reports of a. widespread confusion between rag-felt and, asbestos shingles. In many cases customers have entrusted their homes to a covering of rag-felt, thinking they had the asbestos shingles they ordered. There is a great difference between the two, a difference which is apparent at a glance, and there are other differences which inspection will bring to light. The .most apparent (difference is that the asbestos shingle is rigid, while the rag-felt shingle is flexible. The asbestos shingle is made of asbestos fibres and Portland cement united under terrific hydraulic pressure, while she ragfelt shingle is made of felts impregnated with asphalt and coated with slate particles. Thus, the first apparent difference is magnified into the larger consideration of fireproofness. The rigid asbestos shingles are absolutely fireproof throughout, while the slate coating on the rag-felt shingle is the only barrier to flame. In a campaign of master model homes, sponsored by a newspaper, rigid asbestos shingles are recommended. While many other roofing materials are widely used and worth the price asked, it is felt a fireproof, permanent roofing is most to be desired To ascertain a further difference between the rigid and flexible shingles, examination discloses that the rigid asbestos shingtes are made only in the individual form, never in strips or combinations, as used in the flexible •shingles to facilitate. speedy manufacture and laying. While slate is sometimes embedded in the surface of an asbestos shingle, its purpose is merely to add colour, and | its presence does not affect the fireproof qualities of the shingle. These are the earmarks by which the novice can distinguish between the fireproof asbestos shingle and the shingle whose surfacing is its only fireproof part. . Of course, there are other fireproof rigid shingles, namely slate and tile, but a close comparison will reveal the identifying white fibres in the asbestos shingle, against the single material in each of the others. ■ In the matter of a roof, the conscientious home-builder or owner cannot afford to be disinterested. He should demand a sample of the shingle the contractor proposes to apply, and look I for the identifying characteristics explained above. To protect owners against substitution one firm even I mou ]d3 its initials on the back of each ! ghingle. When the shingles are dellivered, he should examine samples. ! * fter the roof is on, it is hard to ob- ! tn j n satisfaction', if the shingles are not i'what were ordered.—New York ex- ; change.