The average family spends a significant amount of money on their home, and it makes sense to make sure you’re getting the best value for your investment. Deciding which roofing material to install is a big decision and there are many options that homeowners need to consider. The roof is one of the most expensive parts of your home, and the choice of roofing material can affect how your roof looks and performs. The roofing material you choose can even affect the resale value of your home!
At A. Fricker Roofing & Waterproofing, we strive to provide the best information to our customers so that they can have the best roof possible. In this blog, we will take a look at asphalt shingles vs. composite shingles, and we will explain how they are similar and different. At the end of this article, you’ll have enough information to make a smart choice about what works best for you and your budget!
What Are Asphalt Shingles?
Asphalt shingles are a type of roofing material that is commonly used on residential homes. They are primarily made of asphalt, which is a black, sticky material that can be melted and has numerous applications. Other materials used to manufacture asphalt shingles include organic fibers, glass, and sand and are coated with mineral granules.
Experts classify Asphalt shingles into three broad categories based on their characteristics and pricing. The three types of asphalt shingles are 3 tabs, architectural, and luxury asphalt shingles.
Asphalt shingles are currently the most popular roofing material used throughout the country. If you are a homeowner that likes to stay abreast of the current trends, then you might have heard of composite shingles.
So what are composite shingles, and why are they a hot topic in roofing? Let’s find out.
What Are Composite Shingles?
Composite shingles are the new age type of residential roofing shingles that are primarily made from recycled materials. These are also known as synthetic shingles because these shingles include a mix of several man-made materials such as rubbers, plastics, and other polymers.
One of the major reasons these shingles have burst into the scene is because composite shingles can mimic the appearance of natural materials, such as slate or wood shakes.
Asphalt Shingles Vs. Composite Shingles: A Comparison
Deciding whether to install asphalt shingles or composite shingles should be based on more than just appearance—you also need to consider durability, maintenance requirements, and price. In the following section, we will discuss each of these parameters so that you can better understand the asphalt shingles vs. composite shingles debate.
Lifespan
Before you decide which roofing material will be best for your home, you should know about how long it will last. Asphalt roof shingles last between 15-25 years on an average. High quality shingles such as architectural roof shingles from leading manufacturers such as Tamko can last for more than 30 years if they are properly installed and well maintained.
Composite shingles on the other hand have a longer lifespan. They can easily last upwards of 30 years with proper maintenance. Their lifespan is in the range of 35-50 years, and they are better suited for areas that experience harsh weather conditions frequently.
Cost
One of the major factors that can influence your decision is the cost of replacing a roof. This is where asphalt shingles excel. Asphalt shingles are one of the most affordable roofing materials in the United States, which is a major reason for their popularity.
Homeowners should expect to pay more for composite shingles than for asphalt. In fact, composite roofs are often 1.5 to 2x times more expensive than an asphalt roof.
This is one of the few drawbacks of composite shingles, since most homeowners often choose the roofing material they will use based on the price. Many factors contribute to this price discrepancy, the main ones being the durability and longevity of your investment in both materials.
Durability
The most noticeable difference in the asphalt shingles vs. composite shingles debate is in regard to their durability. Composite shingles are more durable than asphalt shingles! This means that composite shingles will last longer, and they will be able to withstand the elements better over time. On the other hand, asphalt shingle roofs can start to crack and warp after a few years.
Here are a few points that can test the durability of these shingles:
Wind Resistance: Both asphalt shingles (architectural and luxury) and composite shingles offer high-quality wind resistance. They can offer wind resistance of up to 130 mph.
Sun Damage: Composite shingles fare better against the sun and UV rays. They do not warp easily and have a coating that can offer UV rays protection.
Maintenance
Every roof needs proper maintenance! So whether you install asphalt or composite shingles, you will need to maintain them properly to ensure they function properly for years to come.
Asphalt shingles are prone to damage from mold and mildew growth which can reduce the visual appeal of the shingles. However, some modern shingles, such as Timberline HDZ and Landmark shingles, come with algae-resistant technology.
Availability
Asphalt shingles have been one of the most popular roofing materials for a long time, and almost 70% of the homes in the United States still have an asphalt shingle roof. They are trusted by both homeowners and contractors in Tulsa, OK. Asphalt shingles are widely available, and a large number of companies manufacture them. Also, almost every roofing company offers asphalt shingle roofing services.
On the other hand, composite shingles are relatively new, and they may not be widely available. They do offer many advantages over other popular roofing materials, and their usage is constantly growing.
Appearance
The roof on your home can greatly affect your home’s curb appeal. More than ever, homeowners are paying attention to the aesthetics of the roofing material they choose.
You can use both asphalt shingles and synthetic shingles to give your roof a beautiful and serene look. Asphalt shingles come in a large number of style and color options, but composite shingles can be customized to your taste. Composite shingles can be made to look like anything be it classic slate or wood shakes, etc.
Some asphalt shingles, especially architectural and luxury shingles, are available in different colors and textures, and they can also be made to look like slate and shakes. However, homeowners will find more variety in the look of composite shingles.
You can choose from several colors and finishes for each type of roofing material, whether you want a weathered look or a uniform appearance.
Want To Install High Quality Asphalt Shingles In Tulsa, OK?
In short, both asphalt and composite shingles have pros and cons. Composite shingles are often more expensive than asphalt shingles, but they are also more durable and long-lasting. Composite shingles are relatively newer in the market while asphalt shingles are more prevalent and are trusted by homeowners.
If you want to install premium asphalt shingles on your roof in Tulsa, OK., then make sure you contact the team of A. Fricker Roofing & Waterproofing. We offer the best asphalt shingle roofing services in Tulsa, OK. We install roofing products from leading manufacturers such as GAF, TAMKO and CertainTeed manufacture. Contact us today at (918) 402-7167 to learn more about us and our services.
