There is a huge variety of shingle styles and it is really not easy to sort out. See for yourself, in addition to composite shingles, roofing materials also include asphalt, wood, clay, metal and slate tiles. How to choose the right one for your place? If you are one step away from roof replacement, we are here to guide you. So, what is a composition roof?
What Is a Composition Roof: The Short Answer
Composition roofs are a common type of roofing material used in the roofing industry. They are a cost-effective option for homeowners looking for a new roof.
A composite roof is so called because it is composed of man-made materials. It’s also known as an asphalt shingle roof, which is a more commonly used term.
Composite shingles are a type of roofing material made from a combination of asphalt, fiberglass, and granules. The fiberglass mat serves as the backing, while the asphalt coating provides a watertight seal. The granules protect the roof from ultraviolet rays and give it color.
Also designate that composite roof shingles and asphalt roof are not the same thing. Asphalt roofs are most often made of roll roofing or liquid asphalt. Asphalt coating is not resistant to roof damage and has a short lifespan. A composite shingle roof is a much more reliable housing option.
Types of Composition Roofing Materials
Composite shingles come in a wide range of styles and colors, making them a versatile option for homeowners. The roofing industry distinguishes three types of composite roof shingles, varying in cost and durability. Here they are in increasing order of composition roof replacement cost.
3-tab shingles
This composite roofing system gets its name from the way it is cut and installed. Three tab shingle roofs consist of a single layer of asphalt and then cut into strips. They are also the lightest type of composition roof, so they are much more affordable than architectural or designer shingle.
By the way, check to see if you know how many square feet is a roofing square. It’s not always as obvious as it seems, and the final cost of composite shingle installation is very much affected.
3-tab shingles are actually the most budget-friendly of all asphalt roofs and make a great choice for any homeowner. Costing around $90 per square, replacing your roof with 3-tab asphalt shingles will cost you an average of $7,500-$8,500.
The service life of composite roofing depends on the type of shingles, weather conditions and careful installation. So, three-tab shingles serve 15-20 years, and this is a good term at the lowest budget.
Architectural shingles
Also known as laminated or dimensional shingles, this is the most common type of asphalt roofing. Architectural shingles have two layers to create a textured appearance to your composition roof. Because of these extra layers and weight, architectural shingle is a very durable roofing material. Architectural roofing can be used in any type of roof with dormer windows, complex slopes and other nuances.
In the case of architectural shingles, composition roof cost will run between $9,000 and $14,000 to replace. Compared to three tab shingles, this composition roofing is more expensive, costing about $105 per square.
Architectural shingles have a life expectancy of 25 to 30 years under normal conditions. When properly installed, it can withstand winds up to 110 mph. Top quality architectural tile can have a warranty over 30 years.
Luxury shingles
Luxury shingles (also called designer shingles) are, as you can easily guess, the top end of the composition roof segment. Its cost ranges around 180 dollars per square, which is double the price of other roofing materials.
Unlike dimensional shingles, luxury tiles have three or more layers, so that absolutely any design is available. This brings luxury shingles closer to slate tiles, which are the benchmark among roofing products.
The installation process of designer shingles requires a customized approach, so it is difficult to estimate how much such a composite roof project will cost. Speaking of synthetic shingles, a luxury composition roof lasts at least 30 years with regular maintenance. Whereas natural slate is used on the roofs of cathedrals and churches for centuries.
Composition Roof Types: Summary
To summarize, let’s gather all the data about composite shingle types into one review:
| Types of composition shingles | Composition roof’s lifespan | Composition roof cost | Overview |
| 3-tab shingles | 15-20 years | around $90 per square | These shingles are a budget choice and have a simple design with no additional features. Nice for simple shaped roofs. |
| Architectural shingles | 25 to 30 years | about $105 per square | This is a mid-range option as it offers better performance than triple overlay shingles, but is not as costly as premium shingles. |
| Luxury shingles | at least 30 years | nearly $180 per square | Luxury shingles are the most high-end shingle option of the trio. They are larger, thicker, heavier and have the exceptional durability. |
When choosing roofing materials, also check the climate recommendations and guidelines of the Homeowners Association (HOA) in your region. Also, to find composite shingles for your dream project, consult your nearest roofing company. Anyway, you need not only roof system installation, but also good roof maintenance.
FAQ
What does composite roof mean?
The term composite means that this material has several components in its composition. So, composite roofs are made of shingles created from a combination of materials, among which the key roofing components are fiberglass, asphalt and mineral granules.
Is composition roof good?
Compared to other roofing materials, composite shingle roofing is budget-friendly, durable, and can last for years to come. Due to the additional components, composition shingle roof is typically more durable than asphalt roofing and better able to withstand harsh weather conditions.
Is composition the same as shingles?
No, it is not true that composition is the same as shingles. In fact, shingles can be made of any material. You’ve probably seen shingles for metal roofs, slate roofs, or even wood roofs. But at the same time, yes, composite roofs are understood to be specifically shingle roofs.
Is a composition roof the same as asphalt shingles?
No, asphalt shingle is not the same as composition shingle. To avoid confusion, it should have been said composition asphalt roof to differentiate it from mono asphalt shingles. But for simplification, many say simply composition shingles. In addition, gradually mono asphalt shingle roofs are becoming a thing of the past, and its place is taken by composite shingles, taking its name as well.
Conclusion
Composition roofs are a popular choice for homeowners due to their durability, affordability, and ease of installation. With the right maintenance and repairs, a composition roof can last for many years and provide protection for your home. Consider the factors mentioned above when choosing a composition roof for your home, and don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional for assistance with your roofing project.
Hiring a roofing contractor at the very beginning of your composition roofing project will keep you up to date with the climate recommendations for your area, and will also help you to get our roof maintenance organized in the future.