When it’s time for a roof replacement, you may find yourself seeking out a roofing type that’s both affordable and attractive. Materials like clay, slate and cedar might be out of your price range, even though they tend to last a long time. If you’re a price-conscious roofing shopper, a composition roof might be the best type of roof for you.
Attractive and aesthetically pleasing, a composition roof can be a long-lasting roofing option, with a lifespan of about 30 years when properly installed and maintained. Here, we’ll share what you need to know in order to decide whether a composition roof is the right option for your home.
What is a Composition Roof?
In short, a composition roof is another term for asphalt shingles. The industry began using the term “composition” to indicate the fact that most asphalt shingles are made from a combination of materials. The base of each shingle is made from fiberglass that provides a strong foundation that can resist exposure to water. Asphalt is also used as a coating that works with the fiberglass to resist water. Then, granules cover the top of each shingle. These provide UV protection, but their main job is to create the “color” of the shingles that adds to your home’s aesthetic.
Types of Composition Roof
There are three types of composition roof you should know about before moving forward with the decision to install this type of roof. Each comes with a slightly different price tag and lifespan, but the main difference between these three types is how they look when they’re laid.
Three-tab
This is the basic offering when it comes to composition roofs. These shingles are laid in side-by-side rows and thus are the most simple to install. This lowers the installation price of the project, and creates a neat, tidy look for your home. These basic shingles can last up to 25 years if well maintained.
Dimensional
Dimensional shingles (sometimes referred to as architectural shingles) are made of the same composite materials as three-tab shingles. But they’re laid in a more attractive, overlapping pattern that’s quite visually appealing. Oftentimes, dimensional shingles look more like a cedar shake roof, which is a much more expensive roofing material. Similar to three-tab shingles, dimensional shingles typically enjoy about a 30-year lifespan.
Luxury
Luxury shingles are the top-of-the-line offering when it comes to asphalt shingles. They’re generally larger and thicker than regular composition shingles, and they’re designed to resemble a slate tile roof (which, consequently, is the most expensive type of roof). Perhaps due to their thickness and upgraded materials, luxury asphalt shingles can last as long as 50 years when properly maintained.
How to Maintain a Composition Roof
An asphalt, or composite, roof doesn’t require much in the way of maintenance. But, a little can go a long way toward helping your roof recognize the longest lifespan possible. One of the best things you can do for a composition roof is regular inspection. If you’re able to move about safely and comfortably on your roof, look for things like overhanging branches, build-up of soggy matter like leaves, pine needles and other debris, and inspect for signs of damage like dents, holes or loose flashing.
Once every year or so, giving your composition roof a quick cleaning can help keep your shingles in top condition. You can purchase a gentle cleaner made specifically for roofs, or you can use a gentle dish soap. On a slightly overcast day, follow these steps:
- Dampen the shingles using a garden hose
- Apply the cleaner
- Gently scrub dirty areas with a soft- to medium-bristled brush
- Use the hose to spray residual cleaner off the roof
How Much Does a Composition Roof Cost?
While there are price ranges for composition roofs, which we’ll include below, the best way to know how much you’ll pay for a new roof is to use our roof replacement cost calculator. This innovative tool uses the exact square footage of your roof to give you a ballpark estimate for how much you can expect to pay to replace it. In general, most people can expect to pay between $15,000 and $25,000 for a composition roof, depending on the size of their roof and the exact materials used.
For the best results, find a roofer with experience installing a composition roof. This is the best way to ensure your roof is installed properly, which can maximize its lifespan and save you money in the long run.
Fact Checked by Christin Perry 7/12/2024