Composition Shingles Are The Better Alternative

By Isabella Harrington


The roof is, arguably, one of the most important elements on your home that keeps the weather out. Many people, when faced with needing a new roof, need to decide which type of roof will be the best for them. They have wood, metal, tile, asphalt and composition shingles to look at to make an informed decision.

One of those decisions will be the cost of the roofing material and installation costs. The asphalt as well as the composition will be on the low end of the cost scale. They will both have lifespans in the 15 to 25 year range if installed and maintained properly. A look at the difference between these two materials will be in order.

Lowest cost asphalt shingles are composed of an asphalt backing and granules. These granules are either synthetic or a mineral of some kind. This is the element that will lend the shingles the color. These colors can be anything from an off white to a dark black or brown. There are also green, red and blue hues available.

Composition shingles, on the other hand, are created out of a different variety of materials. The most popular ones are made from fiberglass. This has a better fire rating and is, therefore, safer to have on the home. They are a little heavier which makes them lay on the roof better. They still provide the adaptability of conforming around chimneys, air vents and other obstructions on the roof.

The reasons the decision to go with a slightly more expensive version as opposed to the asphalt roof can be one based on safety, fire resistance, beauty and resale value of the home. These types of roofing material can be created to look like other materials. The look of tile can be made or wood if that is a better look for your home.

When looking for the all purpose roof, a composition one offers more benefits than an asphalt one. The many different applications can be explored through your roofer as they can recommend the best one between the two. They will be able to show you some samples of both and extoll the virtues of each.

The roofer will explain that this type of roof is made up of fiberglass of varying lengths pressed into mats and formed into several different sizes of material. Most of these are the standard three tab one you are used to, however, some of them are larger than normal shingles. This is made possible by the technology that is available today. People do not need the asphalt shingles anymore and more and more of them are converting to this type of roof.

Contacting one or more of the local roofing companies will help you understand what the benefits of composition shingles mean for you. They will show you samples and you will be able to see the difference. The idea that your roof can look different than all other roofs and still be better protected will be one of the better decisions you have made this year.




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