Abstract:
A composite shingle having unitary construction is presented that includes a body shell, a plurality of longitudinal ribs, and a plurality of rib stiffeners. The present composite shingle may also include transverse ribs, a depressed nailing zone, nailing zone ribs, and/or at least one alignment aid. The plurality of rib stiffeners may include a material saving profile. Further, the dimensions of the composite shingle more closely resemble true slate and shake shingles and at least a portion of the outside face of composite shingle may be textured to resemble slate or wood shake shingles. 
     A plurality of assembled composite shingles of the present invention is also claimed as part of this invention. Finally, a method of applying multiple courses of shingles on a roof including the composite shingle of the present invention is presented.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     None 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The use of natural-appearing materials such as slate or wood shake for composite shingles is a very established practice in building construction. These natural materials are coveted for their appearance and material properties. However, the use of natural materials often has drawbacks that make them less desirable and uneconomical for many applications in modern building construction. Natural slate is coveted for its appearance and durability; however, slate is a very heavy building material with high material and installation costs. The material cost for slate shingles is much greater than the standard asphalt shingles used in most residential construction and its use in certain applications is nearly cost prohibitive. In addition to the higher material price, slate shingles have high installation costs because the shingles must be hand nailed due to the tendency of slate to chip or split under the impact of a nail driven by a pneumatic nail gun. To further add to its disadvantages, slate shingles are much heavier than asphalt shingles. Traditional roof construction may not always be adequate to support the weight of slate shingles; as a result, the structure supporting a slate roof must be stronger to accommodate the increased loads. The increased design load associated with slate shingles ultimately increases entire structure costs as the extra load in the roof must be carried all the way down to the foundations. 
     Wood shake shingles are similar in weight to common asphalt shingles and do not require increased structure costs; however, wood shingles also have some competitive drawbacks in modern construction. Wood shingles do not have an equivalent life span to asphalt shingles; thus, they need to be replaced much sooner. Further, wood shingles are typically more expensive than asphalt shingles thereby increasing the up front material costs. Wood shingles without sufficient sun exposure are subject to the growth of moss and subsequent rot. Wood shingles also absorb water which results in a tendency to curl and not remain flat on the roof. Wood shingle roofs require frequent “conditioning” wherein rotten shingles are identified and replaced. All of these factors result in increased maintenance costs. Further, wood shingles do not have the fire resistance of asphalt shingles and, in fact, may create a fire hazard as wood shingles are often dry and can actually accelerate a fire if an errant airborne cinder lands on the roof. 
     Because of the aesthetic appeal of slate and wooden shake shingles, light weight composite shingles made to resemble slate and wooden shake shingles have been developed. Advancements in composite materials have made it possible to manufacture composite shingles that are colored and textured to realistically imitate slate or wood shake shingles. Composite shingles have many advantages over shingles made from natural materials. Composite shingles are lighter in weight and allow a homeowner to obtain the look of slate while maintaining the structural load and framing requirements for a roof with traditional asphalt shingles. Composite shingles will not rot and often have at least a fifty-year life span resulting in low maintenance costs during a roofs life span. Some composite shingles can be installed using a pneumatic nail gun to reduce installation costs. For someone seeking the look of a slate roof, without the associated high cost of materials and installation, composite shingles have great appeal. Likewise, a consumer desiring the look of wooden shake shingles but with lower maintenance costs and increased life span, composite roof shingles have great appeal. 
     As the demand for composite shingles has increased, many improvements have been made to increase the performance of previous generations of composite shingles. Technologies improving the manufacturing efficiency allow composite shingles to be made with less material. In addition, alignment aids, such as laying lines, scales and spacing nibs, increase the efficiency of installation. However, known composite shingles still have performance defects. For example, when shingles include a cavity under the top surface to achieve a greater, more realistic height while still maintaining a low shingle weight, the top surface often deforms when the composite shingles sit in the sun for prolonged periods of time, thereby creating sag in the middle of the shingle or between the surface supports. Support rails are often added lengthwise within the cavity under the top surface for support in an attempt to remediate this problem; however, while support rails helped reduce the sag in the middle previously experienced, sag between the support rails is still present. In addition, by only including lengthwise support rails, the shingle is still vulnerable to buckling upon application of an uplift force load due to wind loads. In an attempt to adequately resist uplift forces, these rails must be thick to prevent buckling which increases the amount of material required and thus the overall weight of the shingle. 
     A need exists to increase the performance and efficiency of the structural design of composite shingles with a thick butt end and a formed cavity below the top surface all the while meeting the manufacturing and material constraints of the industry. Improvements of the present invention reduce or maintain the amount of material used in manufacture while simultaneously maintaining or increasing the performance of composite shingles. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is generally directed toward a thick butt end composite shingle including a body shell including a top surface, a bottom surface, a butt end wall, a first side wall, second side wall, a tab portion and a lap portion. A portion of the top surface of the body shell may be textured to resemble slate or wood shake shingles. The butt end wall includes a height that creates a shingle profile to more closely resemble natural slate or shake shingles. The first side wall and second side wall generally taper from a greater height at the butt end to a lesser height at the top end. The longitudinal ribs generally extend downward from the bottom surface of the body shell to a common plane. A plurality of rib stiffeners are provided and also extend from the bottom surface of the body shell to the common plane. Further, the rib stiffeners are generally integral to the longitudinal ribs and laterally reinforce the longitudinal ribs at intersection points along the length of the longitudinal ribs. 
     The rib stiffeners may include a material saving profile having a smaller depth in the mid portion of the stiffener than at the ends, for example, a notched “V” or arched profile. This material saving profile still provides the necessary force transfer and stiffening properties, as well as reduces the amount of material required to manufacture the composite shingle. Generally, rib stiffeners have an orientation with respect to the longitudinal ribs having an angle of incidence less than ninety degrees. The rib stiffeners may be positioned in a centered rectangular lattice pattern or other pattern that creates an adequate framework to support the top-surface of the composite shingle. 
     The rib stiffeners can support the body shell and greatly reduce the effective span of the body shell using plate action to reduce shear and bending loads. A reduced effective span allows the body shell thickness to be less, thereby further reducing the material required to make the composite shingle. Additionally, rib stiffeners reduce the unbraced length of the bottom edge of the longitudinal ribs. When the body shell is subjected to an uplift force due to wind loads, the bottom edge of the longitudinal ribs is subjected to compression and the composite shingle is vulnerable to web buckling. The reduced unbraced length of the bottom edge increases the composite shingles resistance to buckling caused by uplift. Further, stiffening the longitudinal ribs allows the longitudinal ribs to be narrower; thus, providing the ability to further reduce the amount of raw material required per shingle. 
     The composite shingle may also include a nailing zone and/or nailing zone ribs. A nailing zone is generally a recessed portion of the top surface located in the lap portion of body shell. The recessed portion allows a head of a fully driven nail to be below the general bearing plane of the top surface of the shingle. The depressed nailing zone also can visually identify to an installer the proper locations to drive the roofing nails. Further, embodiments of composite shingle  10  use nailing zone ribs integral with the depressed nailing zone. These nailing zone ribs strengthen the area surrounding the nailing zone. The nailing zone is subjected to stress concentrations during installation from the use of pneumatically driven fasteners and throughout the life of the composite shingle from being the anchoring point of the composite shingle. Generally, the nailing zone ribs extend downward from the bottom surface of the body shell in direct proximity to the nailing zone. The nailing zone ribs are generally spaced closer together than the longitudinal ribs, but far enough apart that a fastener body may be driven between the ribs. In addition, the nailing zone rib spacing may be set to prevent a fastener head from passing between two adjacent nailing zone ribs. 
     An additional embodiment of the composite shingle further comprises alignment aids. Alignment aids may be a laying line, spacing nibs and/or a scale on the top surface. An embodiment of composite shingle includes an alignment aid comprising a laying line. A laying line includes a width that facilitates the application of a second course of composite shingles on top of an underlying course of composite shingles by providing a guide that allows for proper spacing between each of the composite shingles on the second course and ensuring second course is properly aligned with first course. Alternatively, the alignment aid may include at least two spacing nibs. The spacing nibs extend outwardly from the left-side wall, the first side wall, or both side walls. The spacing nibs aid an installer in properly spacing the shingles horizontally when installing composite shingles on the roof. Certain embodiments of the composite shingle include at least two nibs on one side wall. Two spacing nibs on one side wall help square the first shingle in relation to a second shingle horizontally adjacent to it. Additionally, the spacing nibs may be used in concert with the scale located on the top surface of the body shell to help an installer create offset composite shingle patterns or help make sure all the composite shingles have a uniform tab exposure. 
     A plurality of assembled composite shingles, as presented above, is also claimed as part of this invention. Finally, a method of applying multiple courses of shingles on a roof comprising the steps of providing an underlying shingle, coupling the underlying shingle to the roof, laying an overlying shingle of the type presented above on top of a least a portion of the underlying shingle and coupling the overlapping shingle to the roof. 
     Further, the method may also include providing a second overlapping shingle as presented above, laying the second overlapping shingle, horizontally proximate to first overlapping shingle, on at least a portion of the underlying shingle wherein the spacing nibs of the second overlapping shingle are in proximate contact with the first overlapping shingle and coupling the second overlapping shingle to the roof. 
     Additional objects, advantages and novel features of the composite shingle will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and will in part become apparent to those in the practice of the invention, when considered with the attached figures. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the specification and are to be read in conjunction therewith in which like reference numerals are used to indicate like or similar parts in the various views: 
         FIG. 1  is a top plan view of a composite shingle according to an embodiment of the composite shingle; 
         FIG. 2  is a bottom plan view of a composite shingle according to an embodiment of the composite shingle; 
         FIG. 3  is a bottom perspective view of a composite shingle according to an embodiment of the composite shingle; and 
         FIG. 4  is a top perspective view of an assembly of composite shingles according to an embodiment of the composite shingle. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention will now be described with reference to the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout. For purposes of clarity in illustrating the characteristics of the present invention, proportional relationships of the elements have not necessarily been maintained in the drawings. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , reference numeral  10  generally denotes a composite shingle. Composite shingle  10  may be formed of any suitable material such as, but not limited to, rubber (e.g., ground up tire rubber), polymers such as polyethylene (e.g., various grades, recycled or virgin), fillers (e.g., wood fibers, glass, stone, limestone), asphalt embedded mats, tile, or any or suitable material. Further, composite shingle  10  may be made and cut, or molded, to any shape desired using known techniques. For example, one manner of making composite shingle  10  is through use of a combination mixer and extruder; however, any method to make composite building materials known in art may be utilized to manufacture composite shingle  10 . Natural versions of shingle  10  may also be made of stone, slate, wood, or any other suitable material and may be cut to shape using known techniques. 
     Shingle  10  generally includes a body shell  12  having a top surface  16 , a bottom surface  18 , a top end  20 , a butt end  22 , a first edge  24 , and a second edge  26 . Further, shell  12  includes a thickness defined as the distance between top surface  16  and bottom surface  18  from about 1/16 inches to about 1 inch or any other thickness suitable for use in the present invention and sufficient to meet applicable industry design standards. It will be appreciated that first and second edges  24 ,  26  may also be referred to as a right edge or left edge or a leading edge or trailing edge depending on the direction the shingles are being laid on the roof (i.e., right to left or left to right). Top surface  16  generally includes a lap portion  28  and a tab portion  30 . In one embodiment, tab portion  30  of top surface  16  includes a textured face  32  configured to resemble either wood shake shingles or slate shingles. Additional embodiments may include texturing tab portion  30  to resemble shingles made of other suitable materials or having a desired aesthetic design. For example, at least a portion of top surface  16  may be textured to resemble slate or wood, and texturing may be accomplished by molding, cutting or otherwise forming one side to simulate natural slate or wood. When an embodiment includes a textured top surface  16 , the textured area of top surface  16  may range from just tab portion  30  to the entire top surface  16 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , shingle  10  may include at least one nailing zone  34  located on top surface  16 . Nailing zone  34  is an area in which shingle  10  can be fastened to a roof by a nail, adhesive or any other suitable method or device. Nailing zone  34  is generally positioned on top surface  16  so that shingle  10  will be adequately secured to the roof and also so that nailing zone  34  is covered by an overlying shingle. Nailing zone  34  may a rectangle, a square, a circle or any other shape suitable for use in the present invention. In the embodiment shown, a first nailing zone  34   a  is generally disposed toward the bottom end of tab portion  30  proximate first edge  24  and a second nailing zone  34   b  is generally disposed toward the bottom end of tab portion  30  proximate second edge  26 . Nailing zone  34  may be flat or recessed below the common plane of top surface  16  of body shell  12  and is configured to allow for the head of a fully driven nail to be below the general bearing plane of an overlapping shingle. Top surface  16  may also include at least one nail location indicia  36  proximate the top of nailing zone  34  to indicate to an installer where the nail or other suitable fastener should be driven. 
     In certain embodiments of the present invention, alignment aids such as a laying line  38 , at least one spacing nib  48 , and at least one scale  52  may be provided anywhere on top surface  16  to facilitate the alignment of an overlying course of composite shingles  10  with respect to an underlying course of shingles  10 . Laying line  38 , spacing nib  48  and scale  52 , as incorporated into the present invention are fully disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,475,516 to Jolitz et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 7,516,593 to Jolitz et al. which are hereby incorporated by reference. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , laying line  38  is generally centrally disposed on top surface  16  proximate to top end  20 . Laying line  38  may be thin or thick and may be a single line, a pair of lines, or a series of lines: As further illustrated, laying line  38  includes a left edge  40  and a right edge  42  that may also be referred to as a near edge and a far edge depending on the direction the shingles are being laid on the roof. Laying line  38  may extend downwardly from top end  20  to a length  44 . A suitable length  44  may be any length that is equal to or less than the entire length of the non-exposed portion of shingle  10 . The non-exposed portion is the amount of shingle  10  that is covered by the second course of shingles laid on top thereof. For example, suitable lengths  44  may vary from about 1 to 6 inches or longer depending upon the particular application. It is also within the scope of the present invention to provide a laying line  38  that is slightly raised or elevated from top surface  16  or perhaps colored so as to contrast with the remainder of top surface  16 . 
     Furthermore, laying line  38  has a width  46  that has a thickness sufficient to allow laying line  38  to be at least partially exposed when the edge of an overlying shingle is placed in contacting proximity or aligned with either left or right edge  40 ,  42 . For example, a suitable width  46  for laying line  38  may be at least about ⅛ inches, but it will be understood that other widths such as, but not limited to 3/16 inches, ¼ inches, or ½ inches are also within the scope of the present invention. It will also be understood that the term “exposed” should be interpreted as meaning “visibly exposed” and “non-visibly exposed.” 
     In certain embodiments, composite shingle  10  may also include at least one spacing nib  48  to aid in spacing of shingles and to keep subsequent shingles aligned horizontally aligned with composite shingle  10 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , two spacing nibs  48  outwardly extend from each of first edge  24  and second edge  26 . It will be appreciated that shingle  10  may include more than two nibs on each side, a single nib on each side, or no nibs extending from either first or second edge  24 ,  26 . Each of nibs  48  may include an apex having a pointed or a rounded end and extends to a nib width  50 . It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the widths  50  are preferably equal but different widths are well within the scope of the present invention. Moreover, width  50  may be less than, greater than, or equal to width  46  of laying line  38 . Nibs  48  may be spaced apart at generally the same distance on each or first and second edges  24 ,  26  or nibs  48  on first edge  24  may be staggered lower than nibs  48  located on second edge  26  or vice versa so that nibs  48  extending from first edge  24  would not occupy same position as opposing spacing nibs  48  on second edge  26  of an adjacent composite shingle  10  thereby allowing a course of composite shingles  10  to maintain the desired spacing. Finally, nibs  48  may include thermal expansion relief characteristics as taught in U.S. application Ser. No. 11/463,445 to Shadwell et al. which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     In certain embodiments, at least one scale  52  is located on top surface  16  and extends inwardly from each of first and second edges  24 ,  26 . Scale  52  includes a center tick  54 , a lower tick  56  positioned below center tick  54 , and an upper tick  58  positioned above center tick  54 . Each tick may be assigned a number that corresponds to the amount that an underlying shingle will be exposed when the tick mark is aligned with the top end  20  of the underlying shingle. For example, upper tick  58  may be assigned a number “8” that would indicate to an installer that 8 inches or any other unit of measurement of an underlying shingle would be exposed if tick  58  was aligned with the top end  20  of the underlying shingle. Scale  52 , alone or in combination with spacing nibs  48 , can be used by an installer to ensure a uniform exposure of tab portion  30  or aid in setting a staggered shingle pattern having varying tab portion  30  exposures. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 2 and 3  (disclosing the bottom surface of the shingle), bottom surface  18  of body shell  12  generally includes top end  20 , a first side wall  60  extending along first edge  24 , a second side wall  62  extending along second edge  26 , and a butt end wall  64  extending along butt end  22 . Side walls  60 ,  62  and butt end wall  64  cooperatively define a cavity  66  and may be textured to match the texture of top surface  16 . As shown more clearly in  FIG. 3 , top end  20  has a top end height  68  approximately equal to the thickness of body shell  12  whereas butt end wall  64  has a butt end height  70  of from about ⅛ inch to about 1.5 inches although any height suitable for a particular use or application may be used. First side wall  60  gradually tapers and decreases in height  72  from butt end  22  to top end  20 . Similarly, second side wall  62  also gradually tapers and decreases in height  74  from butt end  22  to top end  20 . It will be appreciated that the degree of tapering between first and second side walls  48  and  50  will be generally identical and uniform from butt end  22  to top end  20 . 
     Bottom surface  18  of body shell  12  further includes a plurality of longitudinal ribs  76  most of which extend substantially along the length of the shingle and are configured to support body shell  12  so as to prevent shell  12  from bending or displacing. Longitudinal ribs  76  generally include a first end  78 , a second end  80 , a top edge  82  and a bottom edge  84  and extend longitudinally from first end  78  located proximate to the butt end  22  to second end  80  located proximate to the top end  20 . It will be appreciated that the length and therefore the location of second end  80  of each longitudinal rib  76  may be the same or different and may also be alternately staggered. Longitudinal ribs  76  generally extend downwardly from bottom surface  18  of body shell  12  to a common plane. 
     In certain embodiments, bottom surface  18  may include transverse ribs  86  generally extending perpendicularly to longitudinal ribs  76 . Transverse ribs  86  may be spaced along the length of composite shingle  10  and generally extend from between first side wall  60  and its nearest longitudinal rib  76  and from between second side wall  62  and its nearest longitudinal rib  76 . A plurality of x-shaped rib stiffeners  88  are also provided although it will be appreciated that rib stiffeners  88  may be any shape suitable for use in the present invention. Rib stiffeners  88  generally include a first end  90  and a second end  92  and may be integral with longitudinal ribs  76  having an angle of incidence  94  with respect to longitudinal ribs  76  of less than ninety degrees as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . Further, longitudinal ribs  76  in conjunction with rib stiffeners  88  may be spaced and orientated to create a lattice pattern or any or pattern suitable for use in the present invention. In general, first end  90  of rib stiffener  88  may be integral with a longitudinal rib  76  at an intersection point  96 . A plurality of intersection points  96  are spaced along the length of longitudinal rib  76 . Second end  92  may be integral with a second longitudinal rib  76  at another intersection point  96  along the length of second longitudinal rib  76 . Certain embodiments include rib stiffeners  88  in a centered rectangular lattice pattern.  FIG. 3  illustrates one embodiment including rib stiffeners  88  in a centered square lattice pattern wherein the angle of incidence  94  with longitudinal ribs  76  is about forty-five degrees. 
     Rib stiffener  88  may further include a material saving profile  98  having an end height  100  at intersection point  96  that is greater than a midpoint recess depth  102 . Alternatively, rib stiffener  88  may have a constant height over the entire length as plurality of longitudinal ribs  76 . The embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 3  includes rib stiffeners  88  having a generally arched cross-section. Another embodiment may include a v-shaped stiffener or any shape with a recessed midpoint. In certain embodiments, the amount of exposed top side of each rib stiffener  88  decreases due to a decrease in side wall heights  72 ,  74  as side walls  60  and  62  taper from butt end  22  to top end  20 . In other embodiments, an interrupted rib stiffener may be provided. Interrupted rib stiffener may result from side wall heights  72 ,  74  not exceeding midpoint recess depth  102  of rib stiffener  88  plus the shingle thickness as heights  72 ,  74  taper from butt end  22  to top end  20 . Alternate embodiments include a rib stiffener  88  with material saving profile wherein midpoint recess depth  102  may be decreased as heights  72 ,  74  decrease, or alternatively, a rib stiffener  88  may have a uniform profile wherein its height is adjusted proportionately to match that of longitudinal ribs  76  at each intersection point  96 . 
     The spacing between rib stiffeners  88  is dependent on both downward shear force and the thickness of body shell  12  and the uplift force, primarily due to wind loading, that body shell  12  must resist. Rib stiffeners  88  work with body shell  12  and longitudinal ribs  76  to resist force due to both shear and bending. Rib stiffeners  88  allow designers to use less material in body shell  12  and longitudinal ribs  76  because rib stiffeners  88  can be used to reduce shear stress on body shell  12  at top edge  82  of longitudinal rib  76  by reducing the effective span of body shell  12  through plate action. Rib stiffeners  88  can also increase the structural resistance of composite shingle  10  when uplift force causes compression in bottom edge  84  of longitudinal rib  76  by reducing an unbraced length of bottom edge  84 .  FIGS. 2 and 3  illustrate an embodiment of composite shingle  10  that utilizes a center rectangular lattice pattern having a longitudinal rib spacing of about 1 inch, and a rib stiffener spacing of about 1.4 inches, and an unbraced length of about 2 inches. 
       FIGS. 2 and 3  also illustrate one embodiment of composite shingle  10  that includes a plurality of nailing zone ribs  110  located between longitudinal ribs  76 . Nailing zone ribs  110  generally extend downwardly from bottom surface  18  and located generally beneath nailing zone  34 . Concentrated stress forces occur at anchoring locations (the locations where fasteners couple composite shingle  10  to the roof) and nailing zone ribs  110  are configured to reinforce composite shingle  10  at these high stress locations. Alternatively, increasing the strength of composite shingle  10  at anchoring locations could also be achieved by increasing thickness of body shell  12  at these locations. Nailing zone ribs  110  can also be used to reinforce nailing zone  34  so that a pneumatically driven fastener does not shear through body shell  12  of composite shingle  10 . 
     The dimensions of composite shingle  10  may be altered depending at least in part upon the application or design considerations for which composite shingle  10  will be used. For example, composite shingle  10  may be ¼ inches thick, 12 inches wide and 18 inches long. 
     A composite shingle  10  constructed in accordance with the present invention may be used to form a roofing system, or at least a portion thereof. Turning now to  FIG. 4 , an assembly  200  of composite shingles  10  includes a first course  210  and a second course  212  of composite shingles  10  on a roof. Composite shingle  10  can be used to shingle a roof using methods well known in the art including the use of a pneumatic nailing gun to affix composite shingle  10  to the roof. In a typical installation method, a waterproof membrane, such as roofing paper is applied to the roof. Next, composite shingles  10  are installed on the roof beginning with first course  210 . Each course consists of laying shingles in horizontal proximity to each other to form a first row. In some embodiments of an assembly of composite shingle  10 , spacing nibs  48  and/or laying line  38  are used to uniformly position adjacent composite shingles  10  and help an installer properly align composite shingles  10 . 
     Each composite shingle  10  is then individually coupled to the roof. Typically, composite shingles  10  are coupled to the roof using either hand driven fasteners or pneumatically driven fasteners. One embodiment of the present invention utilizes either hand driven or pneumatic driven roofing nails. Composite shingle  10  should not be limited to being coupled to the roof using roofing nails; however, roofing nails are currently the industry standard. Some embodiments of composite shingle  10  utilize nailing zones  20  to provide a designated area in which an installer should drive a fastener. Additional embodiments provide for nail location indicia  36  on top surface  16  of body shell  12  to specifically identify the point on composite shingle  10  where a fastener should be driven. Each shingle should be coupled to the roof with at least two fasteners. 
     When first course  210  has progressed, then second course  212  may be started. Second course  212  positions tab portion  30  of composite shingle  10  overlapping lap portion  28  of first course  210  of composite shingles  10 . In addition, second course  212  of composite shingles  10  are horizontally staggered such that vertical joint  214  between two adjacent composite shingles  10  on first course  210  is overlapped by tab portion  30  of composite shingle  10  of second course  212 . The placement of composite shingle  10  repeats in the same manner for the entire roof. An alternative embodiment includes using alignment aids such as a laying line  38 , spacing nibs  48  and scale  52  that facilitates the application of second course  212  of composite shingles  10  on top of first course  210  of shingles by providing a guide that allows for proper spacing between each composite shingle  10  on second course  212  and ensuring second course  212  is properly aligned with first course  210 .  FIG. 4  illustrates an exemplary partial layout of first course  210  and second course  212  of composite shingle  10 . Subsequent courses are laid until the entire roof is covered. When composite shingles  10  have reached the upper-most point of the roof or a change in roof plane, any number of specially formed hip or ridge members are used at any transition in the roof plane to complete composite shingle  10  installation. 
     While particular embodiments of the invention have been shown, it will be understood, of course, that the invention is not limited thereto, since modifications may be made by those skilled in the art, particularly in light of the foregoing teachings. Reasonable variation and modification are possible within the scope of the foregoing disclosure of the invention without departing from the spirit of the invention.