What Is A Composition Roof?

Composition or Asphalt Shingles

All About Composition or Asphalt Shingles

Remodeling or revamping your roof is no easy task. There are dozens of different roofing options to choose from and a hundred and one small things to consider at every stage of the project. For most people, the planning for a roof replacement starts with deciding what type of roofing materials to use.

The most popular option across America today is a composition roof. As a matter of fact, composition roofs make up roughly 85% of all the residential roof systems in the country. So, if you’ve been looking at a whole lot of different roof shingles and other materials and still aren’t sure about which one is best for you, then read on to find out more about composition roofs and their benefits.

What Is a Composition Roof System Exactly?

A composition roof system is a term used in the roofing industry when talking about an asphalt roof. Yes, an asphalt roof and a composition roof are the same things. You can check with your insurance about what they call asphalt shingles on any claims for roof damage.

The reason an asphalt shingle is called a composition shingle is that technically, it is a composition of different man-made materials, such as fiberglass, asphalt, and a layer of granules, that help to reflect heat away from your roof.

There are generally three different types of composition roofs. The first is 3-tab shingles, which get their name from the three tabs on each shingle. These lay flat and are the most affordable of the three options. They also have the shortest lifespan at around 15 years. 

Laminate shingles, also known as dimensional shingles, are the next type. They’re considered an upgrade from 3-tab shingles, as they are double-layered. This extra layer of asphalt and fiberglass makes them thicker but also increases their durability, and they last an average of 20 – 30 years. 

The final type of composition shingle and the best of the three types are architectural shingles. You might see them called luxury asphalt shingles sometimes too. They tend to be bigger than 3-tab or laminate shingles and come with additional features such as moss-resistant coatings. They can also be made to look like natural slate shingles or wood shake shingles.

hoschton roof repair after

Why Install a Composition Shingle Roof?

Besides the fact that their popularity as a roofing product makes them readily available all across the country, there are a number of important benefits to choosing a composition shingle roof for your home or property.

1. Impressive Life Span

Affordable longevity is one of the best advantages that a composition roof has to offer. A typical composition roof will last approximately 15 -20 years. One that has been very well made and regularly maintained can last for as much as 40 – 50 years. If you search hard enough and you’re willing to pay more than you would on average, you could likely find asphalt shingles with lifetime guarantees.

2. Cost-Effective

We’ve mentioned the affordability of composition shingles already, but that is probably one of the best advantages that they have to offer – and very likely the leading reason why so many homeowners opt for asphalt shingles over the many other, more expensive options. One thing to be careful of is that if the price of a composition shingle seems too good to be true, chances are that it has been poorly made and could fail in as little as 6 years.

3. Variety of Styles and Colors

Composition shingles are the most customizable of all the types of roofing materials available today. From the typical black and dark grey to light green, brown, and even orange – there is almost no limit to what color your asphalt shingles can be. And they’re available in a variety of different styles that can mimic the more expensive options like clay tile, slate shingles, and cedar shingles.

4. Easy to Maintain

It is relatively easy to replace just one or two damaged composition shingles, or just small sections of your roof at a time. There are also a wide variety of products designed to rejuvenate asphalt shingles and extend their lifespan, so you can get the most out of what can be a pretty hefty investment.

JET Contracting Can Help You Install Your Composition Roof Today

JET Contracting can help you install your composition roof today. Composition roofs are made from recycled plastic and are fire-resistant and impact resistant. Synthetic shingles last longer than traditional shingles, making them a great choice for your home. JET Contracting has the experience and expertise to ensure that your composition roof is installed correctly and will provide years of protection for your home. 

Based in Athens, Georgia, and servicing the whole of the Northeast Georgia area, JET Contracting is a team of highly qualified roofing contractors with over 20 years of combined experience in the industry. With our reputation for excellence and a commitment to using only the very best quality products and materials, you can’t go wrong with our dedicated team. Find out more about our services, or request your free estimate today!

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