An asphaltic polyurethane foam useful in roofing applications. The foam is made from asphalt having a penetration range of between approximately 5-25, a softening point of between approximately 120.degree. F. and 200.degree. F., and an asphaltene content of no more than about 30%. This asphalt is liquified and mixed with a mixture of polyols such as Voranol 270, Multranol 9138, and castor oil. Other chemicals, such as a surfactant, a viscosity reducer, and a flame retardant can also be included in this mixture. The mixture is then brought to a temperature of between approximately 140.degree. F. and 220.degree. F., mixed with a polyisocyanate and water, and reacted to form an asphaltic polyurethane foam.

The present invention provides a shingle for covering a roof or other surface. The shingle has an integral heat shield for shielding the roof from direct solar radiation. The shingle is substantially L-shaped when viewed from above and comprises two main parts, a shingle portion that is fastened to the outer surface of the roof in the usual overlapping courses, and a heat shield portion projecting upwards from the plane of the shingle portion. The heat shield portion extends over a part of an adjacent shingle, shading the shingle. The heat shield portion also provides an air passage with open top and bottom ends allowing air flow under the heat shield thereby preventing a heat build-up beneath the heat shield.

A decorative shingle has a first element including a reinforcing web, a first asphaltic binder, and a first adherent surfacing material. A second element including discontinuous sections is overlaid on the first element. The second element includes a layer of a second asphaltic binder and a second adherent surfacing material to provide a decorative effect. The second asphaltic binder has greater elongation at low temperature than the first asphaltic binder, providing greater resistance to environmental stresses.

An asphaltic isocyanurate foam useful in roofing applications. The foam is made from asphalt having a penetration range of between approximately 5-25, a softening point of between approximately 120.degree. F. and 200.degree. F., and an asphaltene content of no more than about 30%. This asphalt is liquified and mixed with a mixture of polyols such as Voranol 270, Multranol 9138, and castor oil. Other chemicals, such as a surfactant, a viscosity reducer, and a flame retardant can also be included in this mixture. The mixture is then brought to a temperature of between approximately 140.degree. F. and 220.degree. F., mixed with water and a polyisocyanate in a molar ratio of polyisocyanate:polyol of between about 2.0:1 and about 2.5:1 and reacted to form an asphaltic isocyanurate foam.

A ridge cap has an upper surface and a lower surface which is adapted to be placed in contact with a roof of a building. The ridge cap also includes a longitudinal axis having a front end and a back end, as well as two sides located axially distal of the longitudinal axis. A central channel along the longitudinal axis is located in the lower surface. A protuding member extends from a surface of the central channel. Another surface of the central channel includes a notch adapted to receive the protuding member. The protuding member and the notch are adapted to cooperate so as to at least substantially block the central channel when the ridge cap is bent and a distal end of the protruding member is made to enter into the notch.