The materials you choose for your roof can seal its fate—using the wrong material can compromise the safety of your roof and make it flimsy.
In the Portland-Vancouver area, choosing the right type of roof covering is especially important since roofs are extremely vulnerable during wildfires and during the rainy winters. While there are plenty of options available in the market, certain varieties fare better than the rest. A composition roof is a popular choice, as 85 percent of home roofing systems include composition shingles. As the name suggests, these shingles are made from multiple materials, including fiberglass, laminate, wood, and slate instead of a single material.
Let’s look at five advantages of having such a roof:
1. They Are Cost-Effective
Traditional slate shingles, which are also used as a roofing material, are pretty expensive. They can cost you anywhere from $9.00 to $16.00 per square foot. In contrast, composite shingles are available for as low as $2.50 to $7.50 per square foot. If you opt for composition shingles, you can expect to complete the entire roof installation within $2,000 to $10,000.
The most expensive materials on the market are copper, slate, architectural metal, and even tile and cedar, which is why we see relatively few in neighborhoods. When considering initial price and warranty length, composition is by far the safest choice. Moreover, in the case of any damage to a composition roof, the contractors can simply repair the affected portion. In most cases, they don’t need to replace the roof entirely. Given that roof installation and repair can be costly, using composition shingles can help avoid a dent in your wallet.
2. They Are Energy Efficient
The roof plays a vital role in maintaining the right temperature indoors. If you install a non-reflective roof, you can’t rule out the chances of the heat penetrating inside and heating the upper floors of your home. This can, in turn, also spike your electricity bills, as your air conditioner will need to work overtime to keep the temperature in check.
Using composition shingles is a great way to create an energy-efficient roof. Materials such as fiberglass tend to be more insulative than metal roof shingles. You can even purchase cooler asphalt shingles that are coated with special granules to make them more reflective. These shingles help improve indoor comfort and reduce the need for air conditioning.
They can also go a long way in making spaces such as your garage—where air conditioning isn’t a practical option—more comfortable during brutal summer. Decreased air conditioning and overall energy efficiency in the house can lower your energy bills substantially.
3. They Are Extremely Durable
There are two main types of composition shingles, and both score high on the durability quotient due to the presence of synthetic materials. Organic shingles that are made from paper and coated with asphalt and resin are waterproof. Non-organic shingles, such as fiberglass-based asphalt shingles contain a protective layer to make them waterproof and fire-resistant. In fact, these shingles have a Class A fire rating, as they have a lower flame-spread danger.
Wildfires are notorious for spreading embers via the wind. If your roofing material isn’t fireproof, your house can end up being a health hazard. So if you live in an area prone to wildfires, composition shingles for your roof can be an excellent way to ensure the safety of your family and home. These shingles also work well for houses that are closer to water bodies, as your roof won’t corrode as easily.
In addition, the warranty for composition shingles is often “lifetime” (which for most manufacturers is 10 years with another 40 prorated), showing just how durable they are. They’re also resistant to the growth of algae and fungi to a large extent. Compare this to shingles made with a single natural product, which come with a much shorter guaranteed life span.
4. They Don’t Fade Easily
A faded roof directly impacts the aesthetic of your house and sticks out like a sore thumb. Choosing the right kind of roofing material can make your home look picture-perfect.
Unfortunately, certain materials tend to fade a lot faster, resulting in a shabby-looking roof. While faded shingles don’t impact the roof’s structural integrity, you may be forced to go for a complete renovation to restore a fresh look.
As composition shingles are made from synthetic materials and have an external coating, they are more resistant to changes in the weather. It helps to keep the roof looking great longer without fading.
5. You Can Choose From a Great Variety to Enhance the Look of Your House
No matter how gorgeous the interior of your home is, the roof is one of the first things that people will notice when they pull up. Industry experts believe that the roof alone accounts for a sizeable chunk of the exterior appeal of a house. Therefore, it’s crucial to choose the correct style of shingles to complement the rest of your house.
When it comes to a composition roof, you get to choose from a diverse range of textures, styles, and colors. From classier fish-scale style shingles to traditional three-tab shingles—the variety is endless. Depending on the architectural style and the surroundings of your home, you can decide which one works best for your aesthetic.
Thanks to the large variety available, designing a roof that coordinates seamlessly with the rest of the exterior elements of your house has never been easier. Moreover, if your house is on the market, this can also help increase the property’s attractiveness to a prospective buyer.
Final Words
Given the advantages, composition roofing material is a worthy option. It is durable, easy on the pocket, and helps you to reduce your carbon footprint. However, you also need to work with an experienced roofing company to ensure that you make the correct roofing choice for your home and that the roof is installed properly.
Are you planning to replace or repair your roof or have more questions about choosing composition roofing material? Don’t hesitate to contact us at Interstate Roofing. We use high-quality roofing materials and have skilled professionals on board who can do a stellar job with your roof. You can depend on us for complete solutions to all your roofing needs.
james