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What Are Composite Roof Shingles?

December 26, 2023

When it comes to roofing materials, there’s more to consider than just the classic asphalt shingles. Composite roof shingles have been gaining popularity among homeowners for their durability and versatility. In this homeowner’s guide, we’ll take you on a journey to explore what composite roof shingles are, their benefits, and whether they’re the right choice for your home.

Ready to choose your next roofing material?

What you’ll find in this article:

  • Why composite roof shingles have become so popular among homeowners
  • 3 main kinds of composite roof shingles
  • The 4 benefits of composite shingle roofs

Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about composite roof shingles!

What Are Composite Roof Shingles? – Materials 🤔

Close up view of asphalt composite roof shingles

Composite roof shingles are a remarkable fusion of various materials, each contributing to their strength and durability. The composition of these shingles typically includes a blend of asphalt, fiberglass, recycled paper products, and mineral granules. This combination forms the backbone of the shingle, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of the elements and the test of time.

What sets a composite shingle roof apart is its layered construction. These shingles are meticulously crafted in multiple layers, with the base layer often composed of sturdy fiberglass or an organic mat material.

This foundational layer provides structural integrity and reinforces the shingle’s ability to endure various weather conditions. On the outermost layer, you’ll find mineral granules that not only enhance the shingle’s aesthetic appeal but also serve as a protective shield against the sun’s harsh rays, hail, and rain.

Despite their composite makeup, these synthetic shingles are designed with aesthetics in mind. Advanced printing techniques and embossing are employed to recreate the natural appearance of materials such as wood, slate, or cedar.

This meticulous attention to detail results in a remarkably realistic appearance that can easily boost the curb appeal of any home.

The Rise of Composite Roof Shingles 🌟

Residential home with gable roof and composite roof shingles installed

Before we dig into the details, let’s understand why composite roof shingles have become a star in the roofing world:

  • Versatility: Composite shingles come in various styles, mimicking the appearance of wood, slate, or even cedar. They offer homeowners a wide range of aesthetic options to match their preferences.
  • Durability: Composite shingles are engineered to withstand harsh weather conditions, including wind, rain, hail, and UV rays. They can have a longer lifespan compared to traditional asphalt shingles.
  • Low Maintenance: These shingles typically require minimal maintenance, saving you time and effort in keeping your roof in top shape.
  • Eco-Friendly: Many composite shingles are made from recycled materials, making them an eco-conscious choice for homeowners.

Now, let’s dive deeper into the world of composite roof shingles.

3 Types of Composite Roof Shingles 🏡

The top few styles for composite roof shingles are for wood style roofs (both shakes and shingles) as well as slate roofing materials and clay roof tiles. As discussed above, there are a few benefits that composite roof shingles offer over their more traditional counterparts.

1. Wood-Style Composite Roof Shingles

These composite roof shingles are molded with different techniques to form the appearance of traditional wooden shingles. However, due to the materials used, they can avoid certain vulnerabilities to rot, pests, or fire that natural wood shakes and shingles are in danger of.

2. Slate-Style Composite Roof Shingles

Close up view of composite roof shingles in synthetic slate roofing style

These composite roof shingles also give the appearance of slate roofing materials. However, the benefit of composite roofing is that it offers a more effective, lightweight, and durable alternative to keep your roof replacement more in line with your budget and relatively low maintenance without sacrificing much of the beauty accomplished through traditional slate roofing.

3. Cedar-Style Composite Shingles

Composite roof tiles allow you to capture the charm of clay roof tiles in that they come in many of the same styles — Spanish, Mission, Barrel, etc… But they also provide a more durable, weather-resistant, and low-maintenance roofing system.

4 Benefits of Composite Roof Shingles 👍

While composite roofing materials are designed to mimic the look of natural materials such as wood, slate, or clay, they are also manufactured to increase the durability, strength, and resistance to weather elements relative to these natural materials.

Below, we’ll cover 4 primary benefits of installing composite shingles on your roof.

1. Aesthetic Variety

Composite shingles come in a wide range of colors and styles, allowing homeowners to achieve their desired look for their roofs.

2. Durability

Downward aerial view of composite roof shingles installed on residential home

These shingles are engineered to withstand severe weather conditions, including wind, hail, and UV radiation. They often come with impressive warranties.

3. Low Maintenance

Unlike some other roofing materials, composite shingles are relatively low-maintenance. Periodic inspections and cleaning are usually sufficient to keep them in good shape.

4. Energy Efficiency

Some composite shingles have reflective properties that can help reduce your home’s cooling costs by reflecting sunlight and heat away from your roof.

Installation and Cost Considerations

Installing composite shingles is typically straightforward and can be done by professional roofers. The ease of installation can help reduce labor costs.

When talking about money, composite shingles may have a higher upfront cost compared to asphalt shingles, but their longevity and durability can definitely make them a cost-effective choice in the long run.

Lastly, it’s important to note that many manufacturers offer warranties for their composite shingles, giving homeowners added confidence in their investment.

Maintenance Tips for Composite Shingles 🧹

Close up view of brown roof shingles - Owens Corning roof warranty options from Roof X
  • Regular Inspections: Periodically inspect your composite roof for any signs of damage, such as cracked or missing shingles.
  • Cleaning: Gently clean your roof to remove debris and algae buildup. Avoid high-pressure washing, as it can damage the shingles.
  • Trim Overhanging Branches: Keep tree branches away from your roof to prevent damage from falling limbs and leaves.
  • Professional Maintenance: Consider scheduling professional roof inspections and maintenance to ensure your roof remains in top condition.

Explore Your Roofing Options With a Team You Can Trust

Composite roof shingles offer homeowners a compelling blend of aesthetics, durability, and eco-friendliness. Whether you’re drawn to the rustic charm of cedar shake roof shingles, the timeless elegance of slate roofing, or the natural appeal of a clay tile roof, there’s a composite option for you.

Even if you decide that you just can’t ignore the allure of traditional roofing materials So, if you’re considering a roofing upgrade, give composite shingles a closer look and let your roof shine with style and resilience.

Get in touch with our X’pert roofing team at Roof X today for all your roofing needs. We’ll make sure your home is in top-notch shape with a solid roof over your head. Let’s get the ball rollin’ on your next roofing project!

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