When you think about shingles, you probably picture those neat little rectangles layered on rooftops all across the country. But did you know that shingles have a surprisingly quirky past? The kind of roofing materials we rely on today—durable, weather-resistant, and long-lasting—are a far cry from what used to be nailed to rooftops a century ago. Grab your hard hat, because we’re about to take a fun trip through the history of shingles.

Let’s rewind to the early 1900s. Back then, roofing shingles were basically made from cotton rags. Yep—old t-shirts, linens, and other fabric scraps were repurposed into the base of early shingles. These were then soaked in asphalt to make them somewhat waterproof. It was clever, resourceful, and definitely a product of its time—but by today’s standards, not exactly a high-performance solution.

As time went on, manufacturers got bolder. Enter: wood pulp and cardboard. That’s right, the next generation of shingles was built on a paper-like base. While these shingles were more uniform and easier to produce than fabric-based ones, they still didn’t hold up too well against the elements. If your roof was rocking cardboard shingles and a big storm rolled in, well… you were rolling the dice.

The challenge was durability. While early homeowners were doing the best they could with what they had, it didn’t take long to realize that t-shirt-and-cardboard shingles weren’t going to cut it in the long haul. Wind, water, and sunlight were relentless enemies, and the roofs often needed frequent repairs or replacements. Some homeowners even layered new shingles over the old ones to try and buy time, leading to bulky roofs that still didn’t perform well.

Eventually, the roofing industry caught up with modern innovation. By the mid-20th century, fiberglass became the new gold standard. Fiberglass shingles introduced a new level of durability, better fire resistance, and a much longer lifespan. Lightweight yet strong, they were far less likely to curl, split, or crack, making them a game-changer. And perhaps more importantly, fiberglass gave manufacturers more consistency in quality and performance.

Today’s shingles are practically the superheroes of roofing materials. They’re engineered with advanced adhesives, impact resistance, UV protection, and algae-fighting technology. Some are even ENERGY STAR® rated, reflecting sunlight to keep your building cooler. You can find shingles in designer colors and textures that mimic the look of slate or cedar, giving you aesthetic appeal without the high cost or maintenance.

But it’s not just about looks—today’s shingles mean business. Thanks to years of trial, error, and technological leaps, they now withstand everything from hailstorms to high winds. Manufacturers even offer limited lifetime warranties, a huge leap from the “fingers crossed” approach of early shingle systems. So when you’re investing in a roof today, you’re buying into a century of progress and innovation.

At Dynamic Alliance Roofing LLC, we know the story of shingles well—because we’ve seen firsthand how far they’ve come. From fragile fabric layers to impact-resistant composites, shingles today are built to protect. Whether it’s for a business, a church, or a public building, choosing high-quality shingles means choosing peace of mind.

So, next time you’re looking up at a shingle roof, give it a little nod of appreciation. It’s come a long way from its humble, fabric-based beginnings. And if you’re in the market for expert installation backed by industry knowledge, Dynamic Alliance Roofing LLC is here to make sure your shingles are the best the century has to offer.