Finding the Right Mix: Composite Shingles’ Advantages

It’s not unusual to make quite a few compromises while shopping for a new roof. To be effective, a roof needs to have a certain combination of qualities. Often, however, roofing materials just excel in one or two areas. If there isn’t a single material that possesses all the ideal qualities in a roof, how then can you ever hope to find the right roof for your home? You must pick the right mix of materials.

Composite shingles are composed of fiberglass, recycled plastics and asphalt, and retain their best qualities.

Lightweight and Durable

Durability is arguably the most important aspect of any roof, considering its primary task is to defend your home from the elements. However, there’s a problem with exceptionally durable roofs: the more durable they are, the heavier they get. But you won’t have to worry about that with lightweight composite roofing. Composite shingles are lightweight despite being as durable as conventional shingles.

There are a few added benefits as well: composite shingles are resistant to moisture and mold, two issues that plague any kind of roof. And, thanks to its resistance to moisture, composite shingles can last for a long time. In fact, some manufacturers offer warranties that last 30 to 50 years. You can consult one of your local roofing contractors to learn more about your warranty options.

Eco-Friendly

Since composite shingles are made of a variety of materials, including recycled ones, they’re a great choice for environmentally conscious homeowners. The shingles’ recycled content varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, however. To maximize your carbon-footprint reduction, check the composition of each shingle before you buy a particular brand.

If you do decide to install composite shingles for your roof, make sure to only hire an experienced contractor.

Composite shingles vs asphalt and metal: how they compare

Composite (synthetic) shingles sit between asphalt and metal on most measures. Here is how to think through the trade-offs before you look at prices.

• Look. Composite shingles are made to look like slate or wood shake. Asphalt offers the widest choice of colors. Metal has its own clean lines.
• Weight. Composite shingles are far lighter than real slate, so most homes need no extra framing.
• Upfront cost. Composite usually costs more than asphalt. How it compares with metal depends on the product and the roof.
• Repairs. Asphalt shingles are easy to find for a patch. A composite repair needs the same brand and color, so keep a few spare pieces from the install.
• Installer training. Many composite makers expect installers to follow their own methods for the warranty to apply.

Tell us which look you want, and we can show you the options on our synthetic shingles page.

Lankford Roofing & Construction LLC, a contractor with over eight decades’ worth of experience in the industry, offers roof installation and window replacement services. To get a free estimate, call (903) 465-7677 or (580) 920-1433, or leave us a message on this form. We serve homeowners in Sherman and Denison, TX, and nearby areas.