A composition roof is composed of multiple materials. Unlike other roofs, which may feature only one material, a composite roof may combine slate, paper, wood, and fiberglass materials. Apart from having a high aesthetic appearance, composite roofing is more long-lasting than some cheap roofing materials.
Types of Composition Roofs
Manufacturers of composition roofing make them in three main types, depending on the dominant shingle material used. They include the following:
- 3-Tab Shingles: From the name, 3-tab shingles are made from three 12-inch tabs. It could be layers of slate, wood, and other granules. Their simple, lighter structure makes them flimsy and the least expensive. However, their significant advantage is the ease with which you can maintain these roofing shingles.
- Laminate Shingles: Laminate shingles feature an additional layer at the base. With the increased shingle thickness, you get greater durability than some cheaper asphalt shingles. Thanks to their extra thickness, laminate shingles come with an extended warranty (warranties).
- Architectural Shingles: Architectural shingles are large-sized roofing materials with an additional synthetic coating that makes them weather-proof, corrosion-resistant, and moss-resistant. This type of composition shingles, therefore, tend to last longer. They can provide a 50-year service, making them the most expensive shingle type.
Benefits of Composition Roofs
No matter the shingles composite roofs are made of, they have several attractive benefits. Composite roofing is the preferred shingle style for individuals remodeling or renovating their roofs. Here are some of the benefits you will enjoy using composite roofing:
1. Environmentally Friendly
Of all the available roofing options, a composition roof is the most environmentally friendly. They are manufactured using recycled paper backing to protect them from damage. Therefore, they are eco-friendly, helping remove waste material from the environment. That’s also true for a fiberglass composition roof since they include recycled plastic.
2. Cost-Effective
Some would argue that composite roofing is more expensive than asphalt roofing shingles. However, they last for at least 20 years, making them more cost-effective than other roofing options. In the end, you will save the money you would have used to have your roof replaced or repaired. If you want value for money, look no further than composite roofing.
3. Impressive Lifespan
Composition roofs are more long-lasting than other roofing options. Typically, a composition roof should last for up to 20 years. If the roof is high-end, including a layer of ceramic granules, it may last for up to 50 years. With asphalt shingles, you wouldn’t get that kind of life out of your roof. However, the most long-lasting materials with a synthetic coating on fiberglass can last for a lifetime. They are usually fireproof and and capable of lasting throughout your life.
4. Offering a Variety of Styles and Choices
There are three main types of composition shingles: architectural shingles, 3-tab shingles, and laminate shingles. They provide several slate choices in terms of unique styles and colors. With such a wide range of choices, you can customize your home’s exterior appearance. Therefore, you shouldn’t install a roof just for the sake of it. Instead, you should choose one that enhances your home’s style and aesthetic appeal. In that regard, color is one of the most important considerations. Composition roofs are available in many colors, including shades of blue, black, brown, green, and white, and anything in between.
5. Require Little Maintenance
Composite roofs have very minimal maintenance needs. They are made of a synthetic coating that resists stains, molds, and algae. Therefore, annual service will cost you less time and money. At most, maintenance work takes the form of giving your composition roof a simple power wash. It is not like the case of asphalt shingles, which may require the replacement of various sections.
6. Easy Replacement of Old Roofing Shingles
Composition roofing provides for easy shingle installation and replacement. If you have an old roof with different shingles, you may install new composite shingles over the old ones. It works with all kinds of roofing materials, including slate, asphalt shingles, wood shingles, and fiberglass shingles. So, don’t hesitate to install new composite shingles on your old roof.
7. Easy to Replace
We have already talked about the durability provides by composite shingles. Despite that, a time will come when you must replace a small section or the whole roof. Luckily, replacing composite shingles is one of the easiest things you can do. Therefore, you can replace a tiny section or the entire roof, depending on your needs.
8. It Is Fire-Resistant
If you are looking for fire-proof roofing options, then you have come to the right place. Using this kind of roofing shingles is the best way to prevent fire from spreading to the rest of your house when an accident happens. Most manufacturers go to great lengths to produce roofing materials with a class-A fire rating. You should, therefore, check just how fire-proof a set of composite shingles is before buying it.
9. Damage-Proof
A composition roof has a synthetic, durable outer coating that can withstand pounding from rain, wind, hail, and heavy snowfall. As a homeowner, you will have greater peace of mind when you know that your roof will last through the winter or rainy season. Apart from withstanding harsh weather conditions, composite shingles are also fade-resistant. The roofing material is UV-resistant and retain their original color throughout the year. These materials are also lighter and won’t shake during a rainstorm.
Disadvantages of Composition Roofs
No matter how good composite roofing is, it comes with several downsides. An awareness of these issues can help you know what to expect with these roofing materials. The following are the disadvantages of composition roofs:
1. Costlier
Composition shingles are costlier than standard asphalt shingles. Even though their upfront price is a tad high, durable and, therefore, more cost-effective. So, you can set aside more funds from the start if you want to install a composition roof.
2. Require Additional Finishes
Composite roofs are resistant to the build-up of mold and mildew. However, they may require a certain kind of finish that helps make them waterproof. A professional builder can recommend to you the things to keep the roof completely mold-free.
Why Hire a Professional Roofing Contractor?
Whether your composite roofs are made from a combination of wood, fiberglass, or synthetic materials, you require a professional contractor for installation. You will get a free estimate of the materials you need to buy and the labor costs. That ensures that the roof can last for a lifetime. So, call Hopkins Custom Roofing today for the best possible finish!