Composite shingles have grown in popularity for decades because of its durability, exceptional performance, and lifespan. These roofing shingles can imitate other other roofing materials, such as asphalt shingles and cedar shakes.
If you’re wondering what makes them durable and reliable, here are four components that make up composite shingles.
Fiberglass
The fiberglass is a lightweight, strong material that is mixed with the resin and sand to form a composite. The fiberglass serves as the reinforcing material; it helps to provide strength and structure to the product. The resin acts as a binder and is the key element that binds the sand particles together into a composite material.
Vinyl
A vinyl is a polymer resin, which is a class of synthetic organic compounds that are composed of long chain molecules. Some of the most common examples of vinyl resins are polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl acetate and polyvinyl alcohol. The role of vinyl in composite roofing shingles is to protect the roof from UV rays, hail, wind and other weather elements.
Recycled Paper
The recycled paper is used to create a mat or layer between the asphalt surface and the shingles, which is called a primer layer. This layer is applied across the entire surface of the roof, and helps protect the underlying roof from damage and dirt.
Asphalt
Composite roofing shingles are essentially asphalt shingles, giving them the same aesthetics as traditional shingles. Manufacturers will substitute asphalt with wood fragments to achieve the aesthetic of cedar shakes.
You can read about the pros and cons of composite roofing shingles in Roofing Calculator’s post below.
Pros of composite shingles
Durable - Because composite shingles are made up of recycled materials, they can withstand harsh weather conditions.
Long-lasting - It's recommended to replace asphalt shingles usually every 15-20 years, but composite shingles can last up to 50 years without any maintenance.
Environmentally friendly - Asphalt shingles are hard to recycle, containing a variety of toxic chemicals like asbestos. Composite shingles are made up of mostly plastics which are easily recycled and reused.
Eco-friendly - Composite shingles absorb UV rays, which keep your home cool and cut down energy costs.
Cons of composite shingles
Expensive - The main downside to composite shingles is the price, which costs at least double the amount of standard asphalt shingles.
Are Composite Shingles Worth Buying?
Sure, it's always nice to have the real thing. Whether it's real wood shingles, natural slate, or metal, the idea of having synthetic shingles or composite shake may seem unappealing. But composite shingles are an excellent alternative. While asphalt shingles dominate the market, composite shingles are becoming increasingly popular.
Yes, they are more expensive than standard asphalt shingles, but they are more durable and will save you maintenance costs from installers. Sporting a new roof can increase your home's curb appeal, so why not spare the headache and install something that looks the same, performs better, and lasts longer than asphalt shingles? No matter if you've found your forever home or looking to sell in the future, composite shingles are a wise choice. (Continue reading here to learn more)
You can always count on us at Roper Roofing & Solar to provide you with the best composite roofing services . We’re a certified DaVinci Roofscapes installation team. Contact us today!
