Making the choice of what material to use when a hiring a new roof replacement company is needed can be difficult. Since the introduction of the fiberglass composition shingle in the 1970s, homeowners have had hundreds of options in terms of shapes, colors, and durability. We have come a long way from the first organic asphalt shingles invented in 1901.

A composition roof combines a variety of materials instead of being manufactured from one single material like wood or metal. We refer to this as composition roofing because it is a combination of materials such as laminate, wood, slate, fiberglass, cellulose mat, ceramic granules, and asphalt.

Shingles used to construct composite roofs have fiberglass mat at their core. Asphalt and mineral fillers are used to create the mats. They are the most popular option and more economical than other roofing materials. In addition, composition roofing outperforms the previous 3-tab shingle shingles in terms of strength and durability.

How Long Does a Composition Roof Last?

Because composite roofs are made from a blend of roofing materials, they withstand severe weather conditions better than asphalt roofing. Generally, composite roofing lasts about 20 years. But with proper installation and maintenance, composite shingles last for 50+ years.

What are the Benefits of Composite Shingles?

The benefits of composition roofs come from the combination of materials that are specifically chosen by composite shingle manufacturers. Composition roofs are an ideal choice for homeowners due to their durability, versatility, extended life span, and reduced weight. 

  • Durability – Despite being lighter than asphalt shingles, composite roof shingles are just as durable. The materials and chemicals used in conjunction throughout the production process provide excellent protection against various weather conditions. You might be shocked to hear that composite shingles will be the perfect roof covering if you reside in a high-wind environment. High-quality composite shingles can resist wind gusts of up to 130 mph, whereas typical shingles provide protection from winds up to 60 mph.
  • Versatility – The adaptability that composite shingles provide is another advantage. You or your Elkridge roofing company may mix and match these shingles from a variety of color combinations to give your house a roof that is attractive from an architectural standpoint. Enhancing exterior appeal with complementary composite shingles helps increase curb appeal.
  • Extended Lifespan – Composition shingles are made to endure significantly longer than ordinary asphalt shingles, which typically only last 20 years. Additionally, due to the longevity of composite shingles, most manufacturers provide lengthier warranties. The lifespan of composite shingles even exceeds the lifespan of metal roofs.
  • Reduced Weight – Some composition shingles are even created from recycled plastic materials, which reduces the weight of the shingle.  This in turn benefits the environment by lowering your carbon footprint. In actuality, one barrel of oil is saved for every ton of recycled roof shingles.

What are the Disadvantages of Composite Shingles?

The downsides of composite shingles include:

  • The impact from hail or tree limbs can crack or break composition shingles leading to water intrusion and leaks
  • Small granules on the surface of every shingle can be removed by inclement weather
  • Trapped moisture and excess sun exposure cause premature shingle breakdown
  • Composite shingles’ lifespan is reduced by many factors, including lack of proper ventilation in attics
  • Asphalt composition shingles lose their color or crack in hot temperatures causing them to lose their aesthetic appeal
  • Composition roof shingles are made from petroleum-based products which aren’t particularly environmentally friendly.
  • They are expensive since they cost almost twice the price of regular asphalt shingles. However, composition slate roofing is cheaper than real slate roofs.

Composite Shingles vs Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt and composition shingles are the same thing. ‘Composition’ shingles is simply a term used in the roofing industry to refer to asphalt shingles made from a blend of man-made materials.

But despite the similarity between composition and standard shingles, the difference in materials used creates a number of differences as follows:

  • Curb appeal – both roofing materials improve your home’s curb appeal after installation. But because composite shingles resemble cedar shakes and real slate, they provide more curb appeal than an architectural shingle roof. Although luxury asphalt shingles mimic a slate look, they don’t look as good as composite shingles.
  • Lifespan – traditional asphalt shingles have a shorter lifespan of about 30 years, while composite shingles have up to 50 years.
  • Material warranty – is taken to protect homeowners from future issues with the material. Most types of asphalt roof shingles automatically come with a 30-year prorated warranty. However, if you choose shingles from one manufacturer, the warranty jumps to 50 years. On the other hand, composite shingle roofs have a limited warranty depending on the manufacturer.

What affects the Cost of Composition Roofs?

The cost of installing a composite roof varies depending on the size, roof pitch, roof type, and extra work required. Generally, reputable roofing contractors will charge composition roof installation per square foot. Moreover, steeper roofs are riskier and require additional safety precautions.

Roofs on split homes will demand more work, attracting a higher cost than traditional 2-story houses, and finally, removing existing shingles and disposing of them adds to the cost.

In addition to these factors, composite roofing project costs vary depending on the type of shingles. The types of composition shingles include:

  • 3-tab shingles
  • Luxury shingles
  • Architectural/dimensional/laminate shingles

Are Composite Shingles Worth Buying?

Composite shingles are a great alternative to asphalt shingles. Although asphalt roofing shingles are a popular choice, composition shingles’ popularity is increasing. They may be more expensive than other roofing options, but they are even more durable and will save maintenance costs.

For more information or help with your next roofing project, be sure to call Dunsmore Exteriors.