Your Ultimate Guide to Composition Roofs
There are many different types of roofs for your home, and one type you may be considering is the composition roof. But what exactly is a composition roof?
A composition roof is a roofing system composed of a variety of mixed materials, typically including fiberglass, asphalt, and architectural shingles, commonly utilized in both residential and commercial settings. If you’re looking for a roof replacement or considering a new roof, it’s important to understand the different types of roofing materials available to make an informed decision.
This blog post will take a detailed look into composition roofs, including comparisons with other popular types of roofs.
Deep Dive into Composition Roofs
Composition roofs are made from a mix of materials. The term “composition” refers to the composite nature of the product. The most frequently used materials incorporate composite shingles and asphalt shingles. Composition shingles, also known as composite shingles, generally contain a fiberglass mat core that gives your roof better strength and resilience. There are a few different types of composition roofs each with their own benefits.
Architectural Shingles
Laminate shingles, also referred to as architectural or dimensional shingles, are a type of asphalt roofing material known for their layered construction, providing increased durability and visual depth compared to traditional 3-tab shingles. These shingles feature multiple layers of asphalt and fiberglass mat, bonded together and coated with mineral granules for enhanced weather resistance and color retention. Offering a thicker profile and greater dimensional depth, laminate or architectural shingles create a textured and visually appealing roof while providing enhanced durability against wind, impact, and UV damage. With a wide range of colors, patterns, and styles available, homeowners can achieve their desired aesthetic while ensuring long-lasting performance and protection for their roofs.
3-Tab Shingles
3-tab shingles are a traditional type of asphalt roofing shingle characterized by their uniform size and shape, typically featuring three tabs per shingle. These shingles are lightweight and relatively inexpensive, making them a cost-effective option for roofing projects with budget constraints. 3-tab shingles are easy to install and provide a clean, uniform appearance on the roof. However, they are less durable and have a shorter lifespan compared to architectural shingles. While they may lack the dimensional look of architectural shingles, 3-tab shingles are available in a variety of colors to complement different architectural styles.
Luxury Shingles
Luxury shingles are a premium type of roofing material that offers homeowners the opportunity to achieve the elegant look of high-end roofing materials such as slate, cedar shakes, or tile, without the associated cost and maintenance requirements. These shingles are meticulously designed with intricate patterns, deeper profiles, and richer colors, providing an unparalleled level of aesthetic appeal for residential properties. While offering the appearance of luxury, these shingles maintain the durability and performance expected from asphalt roofing materials, ensuring long-lasting protection against the elements. With their combination of sophistication and practicality, luxury shingles are an attractive choice for homeowners looking to enhance the curb appeal and value of their homes.
Composition roofing makes use of mineral fillers, which are crucial in offering resistance to fire. These fillers also add weight to the composite shingles, enhancing their durability and resistance to wind lift. Overall, composition roofs exhibit a blend of aesthetic appeal and function, and with many designs and colors to choose from, you get an aesthetically appealing composite roofing material that doesn’t compromise on quality.
Composition Roofs VS. Other Types of Roofs
One of the most effective ways to understand the merits of composition roofs is by comparing them with other roofing alternatives in several key areas.
- Metal Roofs: Although metal roofs have been known to last longer, composition roofs are more cost-effective, especially when considering the cost per square foot. Also, while metal roofs excel in harsh weather conditions, they tend not to offer the same aesthetic diversity as composition roofs.
- Slate Roofs: These offer an unrivaled aesthetic appeal that lends a timeless grace to any residential property. However, the cost of slate as a material, as well as its installation process, can be prohibitive for many homeowners. On the other hand, composition roofs can simulate the look of slate at a fraction of the cost without compromising on curb appeal.
- Wood Shingles: Wood shingles such as cedar shake, offer a unique and rustic look but require regular maintenance and are often more expensive. Composition shingles have a comparable aesthetic appeal and are more durable and easier to maintain. Additionally, modern synthetic roofing materials do offer many benefits, but they haven’t been on the market as long as composition roofs, so their long-term dependability is still up for debate.
When it comes to balancing aesthetic appeal, durability, cost, and environmental impact, few roofing materials can compete with the time-tested merits of composition roofing.
Perks of Choosing a Composition Roof
If you’re looking for a roofing material that is reliable, accessible, and offers an aesthetically pleasing finish, then a composition roof might be your best bet. Here are a few compelling reasons why you should consider one for your home:
Eco-Friendly Recyclable Materials
One of the utmost benefits of a composition shingle roof is its recyclability. Many old asphalt shingles are taken to recycling centers, making the roofing industry in the United States more eco-friendly. Plus, the composition shingle roof takes less energy to manufacture than most metal and synthetic materials, making it a popular choice among green-conscious homeowners.
Longevity
They’re tough, thanks to the composite and asphalt shingles that have excellent durability and resist harsh weather conditions remarkably well. The regular maintenance required for these roofs is also minimal, reducing the homeowner’s lifetime investment.
Warranty Advantage
Composition roofs come with an impressive warranty. Most composition roofs have a longer warranty than other roofing materials, providing homeowners with added reassurance about their roofing investment.
Cost-Effective
Cost-effectiveness is another major advantage of composition roofs. They are undeniably a popular choice among homeowners, offering great value for money. Given the quality and durability it offers, composition roofing provides excellent value for every dollar spent compared to other materials like metal or clay tiles.
Aesthetics
The aesthetic appeal of a composition roof significantly enhances your home or business’s curb appeal. With a wide range of colors, styles, and designs to choose from, you can create a look that matches flawlessly with the rest of your property. From replicating the upmarket appearance of slate to the rustic charm of cedar shake, the possibilities are endless.
Ease of Installation
When the time eventually comes to replace your roof, the removal and replacement process for composition roofs is straightforward and hassle-free, reducing the overall cost and stress of the project.
In short, by choosing a composition roof, you’re opting for a durable, cost-effective, and aesthetically versatile roofing solution that serves both simple and luxury homes alike.
Choose Leverage Roofing for Your Composition Roof
So, you’re considering a composition roof for your home – great choice! But why should you trust Leverage Roofing with this important investment? Here are a few reasons:
At Leverage Roofing, we pride ourselves on delivering superior roofing services. As a locally owned and operated family business serving the Carolinas, we bring our deep understanding of local building codes and weather tendencies to every project. We’re genuinely vested in this community, and our commitment to maintaining its aesthetic beauty and functional durability runs deep.
When it comes to expertise, our roofing company has consistently shown our knowledge and skills in the roofing industry. We’re well-versed in a vast range of roofing materials and processes, notably composition roofing. Our team is highly skilled in installing composite shingles, asphalt shingles, and other components that make a composition roof strong, durable, and visually appealing.
Leverage Roofing isn’t just about providing roofing services; it’s about building trust, demonstrating expertise, and ensuring you are satisfied with your investment. So, whether you need a new roof or you’re exploring various roofing materials, trust Leverage Roofing to guide you through the process.
Get in touch with us and let’s discuss how we can elevate the look, functionality, and value of your home with a new composition roof.
Resources
Digital, Kellen. “Asphalt Shingle Recycling.” Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA), 17 Aug. 2021, www.asphaltroofing.org/asphalt-shingle-recycling/.