Explore the advantages of using composite roofing materials to improve your home.
Unless you’re involved in the construction or real estate industry, roofing probably isn’t something you put a lot of thought into before becoming a homeowner. A roof generally isn’t as flashy as a unique floor plan or upgraded countertops, so it is often an afterthought until you’re buying or building your own home. Your roof may lack the pizzazz of an open-concept kitchen, but it is critical to the value, durability, and overall curb appeal of your property.
The roof plays a vital role in one actual function of your home: shelter. Its primary purpose is to keep the contents and occupants of your house safe, dry, temperature-controlled, and protected. Your roof will also require replacement over the course of your house’s lifespan, and that involves a significant investment. The ideal roofing material consists of something that appeals to your aesthetic ideals while ensuring that you won’t have to worry about the roof for decades to come.
There are more options than you may realize when it comes to choosing a roof, and composite roofing materials are a strong contender for your consideration.
What is composite roofing
Composite roof shingles, also known as synthetic shingles, consist of a mixture of materials chosen specifically for their durability, reduced weight, resistance to damage, and improved insulating abilities. Fiberglass, asphalt, plastic, polyester, and recycled paper products are often part of the blend, with resin or laminates holding the various materials together.
Composite shingles can also be formed to replicate a range of styles, such as tab shingles, tile, shake, or stone products. Composite shingles are available in a range of colors and don’t crack, warp, split, or peel, making them a practical and appealing choice.
There are several types of composite shingles, including:
- 3-tab composite shingles: The center of these shingles consists of a cellulose or fiberglass base, which is then coated with mineral fillers before being topped with asphalt and a layer of ceramic granules.
- Laminate composite shingles: An additional layer is added to this type of shingle to make it thicker than the traditional 3-tab structure.
- Architectural composite shingles: These shingles can be formed to imitate other materials such as slate, tile, shake, or stone, and they are overlapped when layered to create a textured appearance. They consist of several layers of polymer mineral fillers on a fiberglass mat.
The advantages of composite roof materials
Composite roof materials have become a popular choice in new construction and remodeling projects for a variety of reasons, including:
Durability: The material blend chosen for composite shingles ensures longevity due not only to its strength, but also its resistance to potential disaster conditions. Composite roofing material can withstand hailstorms and winds up to 110 miles per hour, absorbs less moisture due to the fiberglass mat, resists mold and algae, and is fire retardant.
Versatility: Choosing composite materials doesn’t limit the aesthetic options of your home. Many different styles of roofing can be replicated in almost any color, and the color you choose won’t fade over time.
Sustainability: Due to the recycled nature of many of the materials involved in composite roofing, they’re often eligible for LEED certification. However, even if the shingles aren’t made of recycled materials, they are recyclable at the end of their lifespan, which reduces landfill waste.
Affordability: Cost is a significant factor when you’re building or updating a house. Composite roofing material is more affordable than traditional options such as slate, wood, shake, or tile, and the lighter weight of the shingles means roof reinforcement often isn’t necessary when it would be with heavier options like stone or wood. The density of the shingles also helps insulate your home, reducing utility bills over time.
Although weather conditions and factors such as the pitch of the roof can affect longevity, roofs generally last between 15 and 30 years. Due to the strength and durability of composite shingles, they tend to perform better. Manufacturers often offer warranties that range from 30 to 50 years. As such, the cost over time is significantly reduced, making it a worthy investment.
There is little doubt that roofing is important, but many consumers don’t realize the differences between the options available. Composite shingles offer greater peace of mind and a better value, while protecting the contents and occupants of your home from the effects of weather and potential hazards. Considering that composite roofing also allows you to customize the exterior appearance of your house, deciding on your new roof can be as much fun as choosing upgraded countertops after all.
Blue Nail Roofing enhances the curb appeal of houses with quality craftsmanship while empowering homeowners to make well-informed decisions that will help them improve the value and enjoyment of their investments. Contact us for more information on fixing or replacing your roof, and you’ll see why Blue Nail has earned such a long list of happy customers.
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