GAF's Royal Sovereign Shingles turn 50

GAF's Royal Sovereign Shingles are celebrating a 50th anniversary.

First introduced as “Sovereign” in December of 1961, the shingle that has now evolved into GAF’s popular Royal Sovereign is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Initially launched as an organic shingle, Sovereign became one of the first glass mat shingles in 1972, and is one of the longest-running asphalt shingle brands on the market, according to the Wayne, N.J.-based GAF.

GAF, North America’s largest roofing manufacturer, has sold enough squares of Sovereign and Royal Sovereign Shingles over the past 50 years to circle the earth more than 200 times, the company said.