What are Composition Shingles?
Many people wonder about composition shingles when they begin the process of designing a roof. Whether you are looking to build a new roof from scratch for a recently built home or would like to replace a roof that has been causing you problems, you have to balance style, durability and price when putting together roof designs. There are many other options on the market, but homeowners and construction workers often depend on composition shingles to create the right look for a house at the right price. Read on to find out more about composition shingles and decide whether they are the right choice for you.
What are Composition Shingles Made Of?
Composition shingles are made of a fiberglass mat at their core, and the exterior is an asphalt coating that is weather resistant. This exterior is embedded with crushed rock. The size and thickness of shingles depends on the manufacturer’s own construction. Some brands of composition shingles are very susceptible to algae growth, which may not be very visually appealing, often looking like a light colored streak on a roof. It is, however, possible to buy a shingle with an anti-algae coating, but be aware that this option is more expensive. However, it might improve your roof’s appearance.
Composition shingles are very popular because the styles and choices available with the material give lots of options to homeowners. Customization is key since most of a house’s visible surface is comprised of shingles and roofing material: many people want to be able to find an option that allows them to do just what they want within a strict budget. Composition shingle roofs can last between 15 and 30 years, which often fits the budget and time frame of homeowners who need a roof replacement.
Composition shingles are the economical choice for most owners, and since the average homeowner does not live in a home for more than 15 years, the shingles might not have to be replaced again in the homeowner’s lifetime, making this an especially smart financial choice. The price can vary, though, depending on the size of the roof, the customization options, and the style of the chosen composition shingles. The more inexpensive roofing options are plain shingles that are flat. Often, homeowners choose to purchase three-dimensional shingles for a more aesthetically pleasing style. Some thicker, even more expensive shingles look like historical cedar wood shingles.