What Is A Composition Roof?

What Is A Composition Roof?

A composition roof, or asphalt shingle roof, is a roofing option made of multi-material shingles as opposed to traditional metal, slate, or tile roofs. These roofs can be more economical and provide a lot of room for customization. They often feature extended manufacturer warranties, and the highest quality composite roofs may last up to 50 years.

However, not all composition roofs are the same, and there are some concerns about some types of composition roofs, including durability and weather resistance. If you’re considering this type of roof as opposed to a metal, tile, or slate roof, it’s essential to do your research and learn about the different types of composition shingles available. It may come down to your personal preference as well as the factors you value most in a good roof.

About Composition Roofs

Sometimes called asphalt shingles, a composition roof is a roof that is made of multiple roofing materials. Some of the materials used to make these types of roofs include:

• Recycled paper
• Fiberglass
• Asphalt

These roofing materials are often placed on a fiberglass mat, covered in layers of asphalt, and then topped with ceramic granules to make shingles. Granules are often colorful to add to the aesthetic of the shingles and also provide protection from UV rays.

Types of Composition Roofs

There are three basic types of composition roofs, including:

• 3-Tab Shingles: This is the most cost-effective choice, consisting of materials that are about a quarter of an inch thick and last up to 20 years.
• Architectural Shingles: Made of high-quality materials, architectural shingles (also called dimensional shingles) can be up to 1/2 an inch thick and last up to 30 years.
• Premium Shingles: The most expensive, yet highest quality option with massive curb appeal, these luxury shingles look like slate or wood shake. They’re typically over 1/2 an inch thick and may last up to 50 years.

The type of composition roof shingles you choose is important, as it can affect the durability and lifespan of your new roof.

Advantages of Composition Roofs

Composition roofs have advantages over other types of roofs, such as: [1]

• Ease of roof replacement and repair
• Affordability
• Long lifespan
• Manufacturer warranties
• Can be customized

Composition roofs are widely known for their affordability and versatility. They come in a variety of colors and designs to match nearly every aesthetic. Shingles are lightweight and less expensive compared to other roofing materials such as tile, metal, or slate. You may save on the cost of both the materials and roof replacement when you choose a composition roof. Many of these roofs have long manufacturer’s warranties, and lifetime warranties are not uncommon.

Disadvantages of Composition Roofs

Composition roofs have their downsides. Even though they’re a popular choice, there may be some disadvantages of composition roofs to consider, including:

• Lack of weather resistance
• Not 100% fire-resistant
• Durability concerns

Because they’re made of lighter-weight materials, there could be concerns over the durability of a composition roof. If you live in an area prone to severe weather, such as tornadoes or heavy snow, for instance, a more traditional roofing system may be the way to go. Composition roofs also lack the fire resistance of other roofing options.

Composition Roof Cost

You can expect to pay between $4 and $8 per square foot for a composition roof. [2] Most homeowners pay an average of $20,000 for the entire job. It’s possible to spend less than $10,000 or over $30,000, so the cost can vary widely. To estimate the cost of your roof replacement or installation, you may want to consider the following factors:

• Roof size
• Roof pitch
• Cost of labor
• Roof features like skylights
• The type of composite shingles (e.g., wood shakes, cedar shakes)

Installing a Composition Shingle Roof

Installing composition shingles may be easier than installing tile or metal roofs, but it still requires an experienced roofing contractor. Choose a roofer with a solid reputation in the area who has experience installing the type of roof you prefer. Many roofers will provide a free or reasonably priced consultation to give you an idea of the budget and timeline for your roofing project.