Composite Roofing Shingles Types
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Are you considering the use of composite shingles for your next roofing project? Well, if you are, you have definitely come to the right place. With our 20+ years of experience in the roofing industry, you can rest assured that our advice and installation services for composite roofs are beyond reputable.
Composite roofing shingles are the second most popular roofing systems in the U.S. after asphalt shingles – and for a variety of good reasons.
Here is what you need to know about composite shingles and why you should consider them during your next roofing material purchase.
Roofing Basics
Roofing is one of the most important aspects of any home or building, as it provides protection from the elements. However, with so many different roofing materials available on the market today, it can be difficult to understand which one is best for your needs. One popular option is composite roof shingles.
Composite roof shingles are a combination of two or more materials that are combined to create a unique look and provide enhanced durability and performance. These materials often include asphalt and fiberglass, but may also include other substances such as wood fibers, rubber granules, ceramic granules, slate dust, and more. Composite materials provide greater resistance to extreme temperatures, moisture, and fire than traditional asphalt shingle roofs do. Additionally, they can come in many colors and textures so you can customize your roof’s look to match your home’s exterior design perfectly.
What is composite roofing material?
Composite shingles are also referred to as synthetic shingles because they are made from a mixture of several roofing materials such as asphalt, recycled paper products, and fiberglass. A composition shingle can be made to look like any other roofing material on the market. When installed, they easily resemble wood, clay, or slate shingles. However, if you look at them carefully you will notice that they are long, rectangular, and feature three large notches.
What are Composite Shingles benefits?
Composite shingles are a high-quality product thanks to the combination of roofing materials used in their production. The most well-known quality of composite shingles is their toughness. Most composite roofing has a 30- to 50-year warranty, compared to the average lifespan of other roofing shingles, which is 15 to 20 years. Even lifetime warranties are offered on some composite shingles. Composite shingles offer several advantages including:
- Durability – Composite shingles are widely preferred over standard shingles because of their long lifespan. Depending on the manufacturer and individual rating of a composite shingle, most of them offer up to 30-50 years of service.
- Highly versatile – Composite shingles come in a wide variety of colors, sizes, and shapes, which makes them a flexible option that can match most houses’ exterior décor.
- Fire and wind resistance – The fire ratings for shingles vary from one manufacturer to the other depending on the type of raw materials used, but most composite shingles are Class A-rated. They are also strong enough to withstand winds of up to 110 mph resulting from storms.
- Mold and algae resistance – Some manufacturers also make composite shingles that can repel mold and algae growth.
- Easy to repair – If damaged, these shingles can be replaced one by one – which is an easy process than replacing whole roof sections.
- Impact-resistant – The roofing system stands up to damage-causing objects like hail well. It has a Class 4 impact resistance rating.
- Reliable – This roofing system does not split, peel, crack or warp, meaning it can maintain its aesthetic appeal for a long time.
- Eco-friendly – Synthetic roofs use recycled materials to manufacture and are also recyclable when their useful life is over.
- Fade resistance – Exposure to the sun over a long period causes many roofs to fade and look old/unkempt. These shingles can, however, be treated to become resistant to the sun’s harmful rays and give your house a pristine look for decades.
Composite and asphalt shingles have many similarities, but one is more popular than the other mainly because of its price. The first is more durable than asphalt shingles, and therefore more costly to purchase. They carry a longer warranty, can mimic the look of most other roofing materials, and are light in weight (hence easy to transport and install).
Advantages of Composite Shingles
Composite roof shingles are becoming increasingly popular as a roofing material due to their many benefits. This type of roofing offers homeowners a host of advantages over traditional materials, including longevity, energy efficiency, and cost savings.
The most notable advantage of composite shingles is the longevity they offer in comparison to other roofing materials. Not only are these roofs incredibly strong and durable, but they can also withstand extreme weather conditions such as heavy rains or high winds with ease. In addition, composite shingles require little to no maintenance once installed and can last for up to fifty years with proper care.
Another advantage of composite shingles is that they are highly energy efficient when compared to other materials like asphalt or wood.
Disadvantages of Composite Shingles
When it comes to roofing, homeowners have many options to choose from. One of the most popular materials used for roofing is composite shingles, but this material has some distinct disadvantages that you should be aware of before making a decision.
Composite shingles are made from a mixture of materials such as asphalt and fiberglass and often contain recycled rubber or plastic. While this makes them an environmentally friendly option, they are more prone to wear and tear than other types of roofing materials like metal. This means they may need to be replaced more often than other materials and can cost more in the long run. Additionally, composite shingle roofs are not as fire-resistant as some other options like slate or clay tiles, meaning if your home is located in an area at risk for wildfire you may want to consider alternative materials.
Cost & Durability of Composite Shingles
Composite roof shingles are one of the most popular options for homeowners looking to replace their home’s roof. Known for their cost-effectiveness and durability, composite shingles offer reliable protection from the elements and come in a variety of styles and colors.
Installation costs for composite shingles depend on several factors, such as the size of your roof, pitch, and complexity. In general, installation for composite roofs will range anywhere from $4 to $8 per square foot installed. Additionally, depending on what manufacturer you choose, there may be additional labor costs associated with trim work or other tasks that need to be done during installation.
In terms of durability, composite shingles typically have a lifespan between 20-50 years depending on the environment they are exposed to — making them one of the longest-lasting roof materials available today.
Types & Styles of Composite Shingles
Composite roof shingles are a popular choice for homeowners looking to improve their homes. They are durable, attractive, and can withstand a variety of weather conditions. There are several types and styles of composite shingles available on the market today that can offer homeowners a unique look and protection for their homes.
Asphalt is the most common type of composite shingle used in residential roofs. These shingles come in many colors and textures, offering homeowners a range of options to choose from to create their desired aesthetic. Asphalt shingles have been around for over a century and have stood the test of time when it comes to durability and water resistance. Laminated asphalt shingles offer even more protection against extreme weather conditions by combining multiple layers into one product.
Wood composite shingles are growing in popularity due to their classic charm and beauty.
Maintenance & Protection for Composite Shingles
Composite roof shingles are a popular choice among homeowners due to their superior durability, beauty, and energy efficiency. But in order to maximize the lifespan of these shingles, as well as ensure they keep their distinct look and functionality, proper maintenance and protection is essential.
Regular inspections throughout the year should be conducted by a qualified roofing contractor to identify any potential issues that may compromise the integrity of composite shingles. These can include broken or missing pieces, cracked caulking around corners or edges, mold or moss buildup on exposed surfaces, and other signs of deterioration. If any of these elements are detected during inspection, repairs should be made as soon as possible to prevent further damage from occurring.
Final Word
Composite roof shingles are an excellent choice for homeowners who want to keep their roofs in top condition. Not only are they highly durable and energy efficient, but they also come in a variety of colors, shapes, and styles. With all of these benefits, composite roof shingles can give your home a great look for years to come. Additionally, the installation costs for composite roof shingles tend to be lower than other types of roofs such as slate or tile.