Surface covering unit methods of use and manufacture

A method of manufacturing shingles made of plastic material, each individual one of said plastic material shingles being configured for use to cover a roof surface as a substitute for a more traditional shingle made of a different material, said method comprising the steps of:

• providing plastic material having a durometer of between about 90 and 100;
• making a mold having first and second sections, said first section of which is made by taking a casting of one of the more traditional shingles made of a different material;
• mounting said mold in a molding machine;
• and
• injecting said plastic material into said mold so that said each individual one of said plastic material shingles is formed having a size, overall dimensions, and first exposed surface configuration substantially similar to the one of the more traditional shingles utilized to make said first section of said mold, and with a second substantially planar surface opposite said first surface configuration.

A method for providing plastic material shingles for covering a planar surface of a structure to shield the surface from the elements, said method comprising the steps of:

• selecting a wooden shingle;
• making a metal casting of said wooden shingle;
• forming a cavity mold utilizing said casting;
• mounting said mold in an injection molding machine;
• utilizing said injection molding machine to inject a plastic material into said mold to from a plastic material shingle having a planar mounting surface;
• removing said plastic material shingle from said mold;
• and
• fastening said plastic material shingle onto the planar surface of the structure with said planar mounting surface abutting the planar surface of the structure.