If you’re considering a new roof installation, you’ll need to determine which roofing material is right for your needs. Composite roofing is a modern roofing type that offers many benefits in terms of durability, longevity, and sustainability.
Knowing the ins and outs of composite roofing can help you make a more informed decision. Read on to learn more about this roofing material, then contact our Aspect Roofing Co. team today to schedule a free inspection and estimate. We install, repair and replace composite roofing in Iowa City, Coralville, and North Liberty, Iowa.
Composite Roofing
Composite roofing is a roofing material that contains a mixture of several materials, such as recycled plastics, rubber, paper, fiberglass, and polyester.
The most common type of composite roofing is composite shingles. These shingles resemble slate or cedar shingles, making them a popular choice for homeowners looking for a cheaper alternative (in some cases) to these materials.
However, you can also find composite roofing in the form of tiles, stone, or shake. If you’re looking for an easier-to-maintain version of these roofing systems, composite roofing may be an excellent choice.
Types of Composite Shingles
“Composite shingles” is somewhat of a catchall term for shingles that consist of several different materials. As a result, numerous types of composite shingles are on the market, each consisting of slightly different materials and makeups.
Here are the three most common types of composite shingles on the market:
1.) Three-Tab Composite Shingles
Three-tab composite shingles are a type of composite roofing that consists of fiberglass or cellulose, mineral fillers, asphalt, and ceramic granules. While this form of shingle is technically one layer, that layer is divided into vertical slots that resemble three separate tabs.
2.) Laminate Composite Shingles
Laminate composite shingles consist of the same initial construction as three-tab composite shingles with an additional layer. As a result, these shingles are about twice as thick as three-tab shingles, providing extra durability.
3.) Architectural Composite Shingles
Architectural composite shingles are a high-end version of composite roofing that consists of several layers of polymer on top of a fiberglass mat. These shingles come in a range of colors and designs and can even mimic popular roofing materials like slate, clay, and cedar wood shake.
4.) Synthetic Composite Shingles
Synthetic roofing is taking over the industry for numerous reasons. Not only are synthetic composite roofs more durable, they are eco-friendly and ultra realistic. Many homeowners in Iowa are making the switch to synthetic roofing options provided by Brava Roof Tile, a local composite roof tile manufacturing company.
Read More: What Is the best composite roof tile?
Advantages of Composite Roofing
Composite roofing systems offer several advantages over other roofing materials. Here are a few of the most significant:
Durability
Composite shingles are very durable and long-lasting, especially compared to popular shingle materials like asphalt. These roofing systems consist of materials like rubber and plastic that are malleable and easily resist impact. You don’t have to worry about composite shingles cracking or denting during hail storms.
Most composite roofing systems last as long as 40 to 50 years with the proper maintenance.
Eco-Friendliness
Composite shingles often consist at least partially of recycled materials, making them more environmentally friendly than materials like asphalt or slate.
Some areas offer tax incentives for homeowners who make eco-conscious changes to their properties. However, even if you cannot receive this incentive, you can feel good about your environmental impact when you choose composite roofing.
Appearance
Composite shingles have a unique versatility that allows them to resemble slate and cedar shake roofs closely. As a result, many homeowners choose these roofs simply because of their attractive appearance.
Relative Affordability
Many homeowners choose composite roofing as a more affordable alternative to slate or wood shake roofing. While some composite shingles aren’t the cheapest roofing option on the market, they don’t cost as much as real slate while giving the same high-end appearance.
Material Warranty
Some of the leading composite roofing manufacturers offer generous material warranties that can help you feel more confident in your investment.
Disadvantages of Composite Roofing
Composite roofing does have a few disadvantages compared to other roofing materials. Here are the two biggest disadvantages:
Can Have Higher Price Than Many Materials
While some composite roofing is cheaper than real slate in the long run, it’s more expensive upfront than most other shingle materials. You can learn how much this roofing material would cost by requesting an estimate from our team.
Less Common Market Presence
Finally, composite roofing is a newer roofing material and is less readily available than more popular materials like asphalt and metal. Additionally, not every roofing company has experience installing these shingles.
If you’re considering a composite roofing system, our Aspect Roofing Co. team can help. Contact us today at 319-382-0073 to request your free composite roofing estimate in Coralville, Iowa City, North Liberty, IA, or the surrounding cities.
