Chances are, if you live in Southeastern, PA, you have a composition roof. It’s just another way of saying that you have asphalt shingles. There are many types and styles of asphalt shingles, but they’re all a composition roof. (Not to be confused with composite shingles, which are a different product entirely.)
Composition roofs are the most widely used roofing system. Composition roofing stands out as a popular choice due to its affordability, durability, and aesthetic appeal. You’ll see the phrase composition roof used in certain documentation, including many homeowners insurance documents.
What is a Composition Roof?
Composition roofing consists of asphalt shingles made from a blend of fiberglass or organic materials, like the ones used in organic shingles. These shingles are coated with asphalt and granules, providing protection against the elements while enhancing the roof’s visual appeal. With various styles, colors, and textures available, homeowners can customize their roofs to complement their architectural preferences and enhance curb appeal.
Composition roofing manufacturers are increasingly focusing on sustainability by incorporating recycled materials, improving energy efficiency, and offering recyclable options at the end of the roof’s life cycle. Additionally, cool roof technology reflects solar heat, reducing energy consumption and mitigating urban heat island effects.
Types of Composition Roofing
Three-Tab Shingles: Traditional three-tab shingles offer a classic, uniform look and are known for their affordability and ease of installation. Unfortunately, three-tab shingles are being phased out and many installers will not install them.
Organic Shingles: Organic shingles are a type of roofing shingle that uses cellulose fibers such as paper, wood fiber, and other organic materials. While they’re more durable than three-tab shingles in certain conditions, they have a shorter lifespan. Organic shingles are now discontinued.
Architectural Shingles: Also known as laminated or dimensional shingles, architectural shingles mimic the appearance of wood shakes or slate tiles, adding depth and dimension to the roof. Want to know more? Here’s everything you need to know about architectural shingles.
Luxury Shingles: Luxury shingles feature enhanced aesthetics and performance, often resembling natural materials like cedar shakes or slate. They offer superior durability and weather resistance, making them ideal for upscale homes.
Learn about the differences between 3-tab and asphalt shingles.
Benefits of Composition Roofing
Affordability: Composition roofing offers an affordable roofing solution without compromising on quality. It provides excellent value for homeowners seeking durability and aesthetics without breaking the bank.
Durability: Asphalt shingles are engineered to withstand harsh weather conditions, including wind, rain, snow, and UV exposure. High-quality composition shingles can offer a lifespan of 20 to 30 years or more, depending on maintenance and climate factors.
Aesthetic Versatility: From traditional to modern architectural styles, composition roofing offers a wide range of designs to suit any home aesthetic. Homeowners can choose from various colors, shapes, and textures to achieve their desired look.
Easy Installation: Compared to other roofing materials, composition shingles are relatively easy to install, making the roofing process efficient and cost-effective.
Low Maintenance: Routine maintenance for composition roofing typically involves inspections for damaged or missing shingles, gutter cleaning, and occasional debris removal. With proper care, composition roofs can maintain their integrity and beauty for years to come.
Composition Roof Installation
Regardless of the type of composition roof, the installation of composition roofing involves several key steps:
Roof Preparation: The existing roof is inspected for damage, and any necessary repairs or replacements are completed.
Underlayment Installation: A waterproof underlayment is installed to provide an additional layer of protection against moisture infiltration.
Shingle Installation: Shingles are installed starting from the bottom edge of the roof, overlapping each row to ensure proper water drainage and protection.
Ridge Cap Installation: Ridge caps are installed along the peak of the roof to seal the edges and enhance weather resistance.
Cleanup and Inspection: The installation site is cleaned up, and a final inspection is conducted to ensure the roof meets quality standards.
Composition Roofing
Composition roofing offers homeowners a winning combination of affordability, durability, and aesthetic versatility. With its wide range of styles, ease of installation, and low maintenance requirements, composition roofing remains a popular choice for residential properties. By understanding its benefits, types, installation process, maintenance tips, and sustainability features, homeowners can make informed decisions to protect and enhance their homes for years to come.
Volpe Enterprises, Inc. installs a wide range of composition roofing options. Contact us for an in-home consultation where we can discuss your roofing needs.
