When you’re looking at your home’s value, it’s important to remember that the roof is one of the most significant investments you’ll make for your home. A new roof protects your property and family from the elements, and can also add to your curb appeal.
If you’ve decided that you need a new roof, then you’ve most likely started researching different roofing materials. During this time, there is a chance you have come across what’s known as a composition roof.
Most homeowners are aware of common roofing materials, such as tiles and metal roofs, but composition shingles are rarely discussed.
The following blog will discuss the top facts about composition roofing systems.
#1 What Is A Composition Roof?
A composition roof is a type of roofing system made of composite shingles. Composition shingles are a variant of asphalt shingles that are the most common roofing material in the United States. Composition shingles are made by blending several materials, such as asphalt, fiberglass, recycled plastics, and rubber. Other popular roofing materials, such as metal, wood shakes, and tiles, are usually made of a single material.
A composition roof gets its name because the material composition is made of two or more substances, while other shingles are normally made from one. The material is synthetic, or man-made, and elements of fiberglass and rubber granules are combined with natural materials to form the shingle.
Asphalt shingles and composite shingles are similar in most aspects. Due to their similarity, many companies use both terms interchangeably, but there is a slight difference between asphalt and composite shingles in quality and durability.
#2 There Are Three Types of Composition Roofs
In the early 1900s, the first composition roofs used organic felt, but over the years, manufacturers have developed a unique blend of materials that does a better job.
Just like asphalt shingles, composite roofs are classified into different categories. The categories differ on certain factors, such as quality, cost of the shingles, and lifespan. Below are the three categories of composite roofing shingles.
3-tab
This is the standard category of composition roofing materials. These roof shingles are characterized by their distinctive ‘three cuts’ on the lower tab. They are the most traditional roofing material and are very affordable. 3-tab composite shingles only have one layer of shingles, making them lightweight and easy to install.
Architectural
These are more expensive than 3-tabs but are also the most aesthetically pleasing. They’re made from higher-quality materials and can be customized to suit your home’s style. Their random patterned design also gives your roof more depth.
Luxury
These types of shingles are larger than others and have a slate-like appearance that makes your home stand out amongst others. Homeowners who want their roofs designed to match their luxurious lifestyle inside choose this premium line of shingles. They are also more durable due to their enhanced thickness and size.
#3 Composite Roofs Are Affordable
One factor that works in favor of composition roofs is that they are one of the most cost-friendly roofing materials available on the market. Composition roofs are made with asphalt, fiberglass, and other recycled materials. This makes them far lighter than concrete tiles or metal roofing materials. Their light weight makes the composite shingles easier to handle, and also reduces the labor required by contractors to install them. Since they don’t need any special tools or equipment for installation, it’s quicker and less costly. Also, composite roofs are installed by the majority of contractors, so you will not have trouble finding a company that can do the job!
#4 Composite Roof Lifespans
Each roofing material has a specific lifespan around which the material lasts. The lifespan of a composite roof is in the range of 25-40 years, depending on the area you live in and the time you put in to maintain it. This is not very high when we compare it to steel or a clay tile roof, but it is still satisfactory, given the affordable price range of the roof shingles.
The 3-tab composite roof material has the shortest lifespan of about 25-26 years because of its light nature and single asphalt strip. However, laminated shingles can easily last for 30-35 years on your roof.
While 3-tab has the shortest lifespan, luxury shingles have the longest due to their thickness and durability compared to the other two shingle categories.
#5 Wide Variety Of Color Options
These days homeowners take the visual appearance of their roof seriously, and curb appeal is a common factor in this decision on what roof shingles to use. Luckily, composition roof shingles come in a wide variety of colors. From classic browns and grays, to more modern colors like red, blue, and green, you have no shortage of options.
Though laminated shingles are more costly, they usually offer more color choices and are available in different textures.
#6 Top Brands For Composite Roofs
Some of the well-known brands, not only in the U.S. but throughout the world, manufacture composite shingles. Below we’ve provided you with some of the most popular manufacturer names, so you can quickly get good quality material for your roof.
- CertainTeed
- GAF
- Atlas
- Tamko
#7 Composition Roofs Are Eco-Friendly
Composition roofs are made from materials that can be recycled. As we discussed earlier, composite roofs use a combination of materials such as asphalt, fiberglass, recycled rubber, and plastic products, all of which can be recycled so that they have less of an environmental impact.
#8 Wind Resistance and Fire Resistance
Composite shingles offer better durability than traditional asphalt-based shingles and come with stronger features. Composition roofs are also fire-resistant, so if your home experiences a fire, it is less likely to spread.
Not only are they fire-resistant, but these shingles also come with the capability to be wind and water-resistant. Most manufacturers make shingles that are resistant to blue-green algae as well.
#9 Can Be Used To Mimic Other Styles
Premium roofing materials such as slate roofs or wood shake shingles are known for their visual appeal, but the cost of installing these roofing materials is very high. If you are on a budget and want a roof that looks great, then consider installing a composition roof. They also come in various styles and colors that mimic traditional roofing materials like clay or slate tiles.
#10 Warranties
While there are many advantages to choosing a composition roof, one of the most important factors is that it can be backed by a warranty. Warranties are essential for any roofing project. If the shingles come with a warranty, and they’re installed properly, then you will have greater peace of mind that you’re purchasing a quality product.
#11 Can Get Damaged In Harsh Conditions
One of the most significant drawbacks to composition shingles is that they are easily damaged in harsh weather conditions. Their level of durability is not as high as slate, or a metal roof. When harsh weather conditions such as heavy rains or wind storms come around, these shingles can get damaged, compromising the structural integrity of your home. Composition roofs can be affected by hail, wind, and other conditions like snow and ice, so this type of shingle is best for areas with moderate weather conditions or temperatures.
Best Shingle Roofing Services Is A. Fricker Roofing & Waterproofing
Now that you have more information on composite roofs, and may be considering installing your own, make sure to call the team at A. Fricker Roofing & Waterproofing to help. With more than 50 years of combined experience, our team has provided service to customers all over the Oklahoma area. Our reputable team will help you add value to your home by providing a variety of shingle options and installation styles, including the reputable brands of CertainTeed, and Tamko. If you have questions about composition shingles or simply want more information before deciding if they’re right for your home, contact us today at, (918)-402-7167.
