On average, US households spend over $61,000 annually.
Although the increase in the cost of living is expected to slow down in comparison, it is forecasted to continue on an upward trend.
Consequently, American homeowners are required to carefully examine all their expenses and investments, ranging from basic purchases such as groceries and daily essentials to major investments like home renovations and overall improvement.
Ongoing expenses, such as selecting a breakfast cereal, require individual consideration. In today’s world, every dollar holds significance.
When it comes to renovations, such as installing or replacing a roof, a carefully balanced approach must be taken when making decisions.
Ultimately, your roofing choice will be a long-term decision that you will have to live with for both the near and distant future.
Being conscious of your budget is essential, as always. It’s understandable that you want to save as much as possible in today’s competitive market. However, finding the best savings plan may not always be straightforward. Sometimes, investing more at the beginning can result in greater long-term savings if done strategically.
That doesn’t necessarily mean opting for the most extravagant choice. Despite their superior quality, clay/slate tiles and wood shakes and shingles may not be practical options for homeowners.
On the other hand, there is a common perception among homeowners that standard three-tab asphalt shingles do not meet their standards of quality. As a result, they desire something beyond the basic option without exceeding their budget.
A middle ground option, known as composite roofing, offers a satisfying compromise between high-end choices such as clay or slate tiles and budget-friendly asphalt.
Here is a summary of composite roofing, highlighting its benefits for your home.
Definition of Composite Roofing Shingles
Also known as architectural shingles, composite roofing shingles offer increased thickness and durability compared to standard three-tab shingles.
Furthermore, these materials are highly versatile during the design stage, and can easily mimic the appearance of wood, slate, or clay without incurring excessive expenses.
Composite materials are known for their incredibly realistic mimicry. This is evident in slate imitations, which even have chisel marks, and wood replicas, which feature intricate graining patterns. In fact, it can be quite challenging to distinguish these shingles from the actual products they are emulating, especially when viewed from the ground.
Typically, generic labels such as synthetic shakes, plastic shingles, and slate are used to market composite roofing shingles.
Composite roofing is formulated differently by each manufacturer. Typically, a combination of recycled rubber and plastics is used, along with UV inhibitors to prevent damage and polymers for added durability.
One of the standout features of composite roofing is its durability, particularly when compared to the price. In addition to its sturdiness, many composite options provide homeowners with fire, impact, and wind resistance. Additionally, the shingles are lightweight, which makes installation easier.
Best Attributes Of Composite Roofing
In this section, you will find a useful breakdown of the different features commonly provided by composite roofing shingles.
Strong Durability
Opting for composite roofing over standard three-tab asphalt not only provides increased sturdiness, but also enhances robustness and durability. In fact, these products offer a lifespan of 40 to 50 years and often come with lifetime warranties, making them a wise long-term investment.
Premium asphalt shingles can occasionally match this level of longevity. However, they typically only provide a lifespan of 20 to 30 years before requiring a replacement.
It should be mentioned that natural slate has a lifespan of approximately 75 years. However, the initial expenses are usually too steep to warrant its use, making composite a more practical option in between.
Resistant to Fire
Composite roofing shingles typically have Class A fire ratings, though this may not always be the case. In fact, some composite products only possess a Class C rating, which is significantly less effective compared to the protection provided by Class A.
Before making a decision to purchase composite roofing shingles, it is crucial to confirm their fire resistance ratings.
Resistant to Wind
Composite shingles often exhibit exceptional wind resistance, remaining intact even in high-speed winds ranging from 110mph to 190mph. In contrast, asphalt shingles have a lower maximum wind tolerance of 90mph and are only suitable for winds as low as 60mph.
It is worth mentioning that certain asphalt choices, when installed with specialized methods, are capable of reaching speeds of up to 130mph.
Resistant to Impacts
Opting for composite roofing will result in your shingles boasting a top-rated Class 4 impact resistance. This superior ranking guarantees that your shingles will withstand hail storms without any damage whatsoever.
Lightweight
Composite shingles might flawlessly mimic the appearance of slate. Yet, they remain a far cry from slate’s weight; they’re only a fraction as heavy, virtually equalling the size of asphalt shingles at between 180 and 350lbs per square.
Slate roofs, weighing up to 1,500 pounds, require extra support in the form of reinforced framing, making the installation process more labor-intensive and expensive.
Mineral Granules do not Play a Role
Mineral granules play a critical role in the formation of asphalt shingles, providing both color and protection from the sun’s UV rays.
The combination of aging and hail can severely damage these granules, resulting in the asphalt becoming exposed and allowing for leaks to occur.
Due to their strength, composite shingles do not need granule layers, thus preventing the aforementioned issues from arising.
Considering the Expense of Composite Roofing
Composite roofing can be seen as a significant investment or a budget-friendly option, depending on your financial situation and homeowner requirements.
When considering different options, it should be noted that composite falls in the middle. For context, here is a per-square breakdown of three-tab asphalt, composite, and slate tiles.
● $200 per square for three-tab roofing.
● $400 to $600 per square for composite roofing.
● $1,000 to $3,000 per square for slate roofing.
Take note of the modest difference in pricing averages between three-tab products and composite options. In contrast, observe the substantial jump in cost when comparing the high end of composite to the high end of slate roofing.
Now, let’s also add cedar roofing to the mix.
The price for a cedar roofing project can reach $25,000, while an architectural/composite roofing shingle project typically ranges up to $16,000. However, asphalt roofing projects are on the lower end of the spectrum at around $12,000.
Once more, we witness the ability of composite/architectural roofing shingles to fill the void. They offer superior quality without a significant rise in cost.
Learn more about Composite Shingles and other Roofing Options by Contacting Canopy
Composite shingles are characterized by their aesthetics, durability, and affordable cost.
Even though asphalt shingles, including the most basic three-tab types, are suitable and widely chosen for roofs, you shouldn’t feel constrained in your selection. Don’t compromise on a roofing material that doesn’t meet your preferences.
Composite roofing is capable of being shaped into a visually pleasing design that appeals to your preferences, all while maintaining a reasonable price point and never compromising on durability and dependability.
Discover the benefits of composite roofing shingles and reach out to Canopy for any inquiries or questions you may have.
