When you think about new types of roofing, you might ask yourself what composition roofing is. Composition roofing is made from a mix of materials such as fiberglass, asphalt, and granules. It’s strong and cost-effective for your house’s needs. This type of roof can endure water and guard against UV harm while being useful in nature. However, composition roofing provides more than just functionality. It also offers flexibility in terms of appearance. Starting from three-tab shingles to expensive designer choices, there is a style that matches the architecture of any house. You might wonder, what does this mean for actual performance and value? Let’s explore how these benefits stack up against other roofing materials.
Composition Roof Essentials
Composition roofing, also called asphalt shingle roofs, is a typical kind of roof made from shingles created with fiberglass, asphalt, and small defensive granules. These elements help form a strong structure that provides good resistance to water while shielding your home from UV rays.
These roofs are not only multi-functional in design but also cost-effective, making them a favorite among homeowners. The fiberglass gives strength, asphalt ensures waterproofing, and granules help reflect sunlight to avoid early aging of the roof. Some shingles also have technology that stops algae discoloration, which is very typical in climates with high humidity.
Not only do composition roofs provide technical advantages, but they also come in numerous styles and colors, making it possible for you to personalize the appearance of your house. They are excellent for many kinds of steep-slope houses and give good protection without ignoring looks. The cost is low, but not the protection, so you can be sure to have a long-lasting roof that makes your home more attractive.
Types of Composition Roofs
Now, let’s look into the various kinds of composition roofs. This will assist you in selecting the best type for your house.
Three-Tab Shingles
Three-tab shingles are the least expensive option. These offer a flat and consistent appearance, where each shingle strip has three tabs. These usually have warranties for about 25-30 years, making them a good choice if your budget is tight.
Architectural Shingles
Architectural shingles are thicker and give a more dimensional look to your roof, similar to the visual of wood shake roofing. The extra thickness not only improves appearance but also aids in lasting longer and being more durable against weather conditions.
Designer Shingles
Designer shingles are what you choose if you desire the luxury appearance of slate or cedar shakes but can’t afford their expensive prices. They are available in a range of fancy styles and provide top quality in terms of beauty and strength, even though they come at a higher cost than the first two types mentioned above.
Installation Process Explained
Now that you know about the composition roof types, let us explain how to install them. Begin by taking off your current roof until it is left with only the deck, removing all old shingles along with nails and other scattered material. You need a clean and level base for making sure that your fresh shingles lay down nicely.
After that, your installer will put an underlayment, usually made of asphalt-saturated felt. This layer helps to keep the water out and serves as the second defense for your roof against penetration of water. It also aids in ensuring that shingles stick properly. For certain places where ice damming often occurs, there may be a requirement for a waterproof barrier because of specific climate conditions (like heavy snowfall).
When the underlayment has been put in place, you can start putting on the shingles. Your installer will begin at the bottom edge of your roof and move upwards, overlapping each shingle to stop water from getting underneath. They will use nails to fix down every piece of shingle—usually four to six nails per one. This number might change based on wind exposure and what is suggested by the maker.
After the underlayment, flashing is put in place around any roof openings such as chimneys, vents, and skylights. This sheet of metal helps to divert water away from these sensitive places and stop them from leaking out.
Key Benefits of Composition Roofing
Composition roofing gives you a mix of strength and cost-effectiveness, so it is liked by many people who want to build or buy a home. This kind of roofing fits your financial plan and also endures different weather situations for long-term protection. It offers variety in styles and colors, allowing you to personalize the appearance as per your taste without sacrificing quality.
Composition roofing has many styles, giving you the flexibility to create a traditional or modern look for your home. The roof’s light weight helps with fast and easy installation, making it less of a hassle for you during the roofing work.
Additionally, composition shingles are made to have great fire and wind resistance. This can be a safer choice, possibly reducing the amount you pay for insurance. They also possess properties that fight against algae and changes in color, keeping your roof looking good over the years.
To sum up, picking composition roofing is a way to have a good balance between cost and quality. It’s not too expensive, yet it still offers high performance and style options. This decision is smart because it fits the functional requirements of your house while making it look more appealing from outside.
Maintenance and Cost Considerations
When you consider ongoing upkeep and the cost of composition roofing, it helps in planning for your financial budget and future care of the home. You will see that although the initial expense for composition shingles could be less costly than other materials, continual maintenance might affect your overall costs.
To keep your roof in good shape, the first thing you should do is carry out regular inspections. Typically, these are done twice a year or after there has been very bad weather. This method of being proactive can save money because it helps find any possible problems at an early stage before they become bigger and require more expensive repairs later on.
Tasks of maintenance can be the cleaning of gutters, taking out debris from the roof surface, and inspecting if there are any shingles that are damaged or missing. If you have skill in this area, maybe some of these jobs you can do yourself; otherwise, getting someone professional is a good choice. Don’t forget that ignoring these tasks might cause major issues like leaks or structural harm, and fixing those is much more costly.
In terms of expenses, composition roofing is usually not very expensive. The cost ranges from $4 to $6 per square foot, including installation charges. The total expense can differ based on the size and intricacy of your roof, along with local labor costs. Spending money on good quality materials and getting it set up by professionals could make your roof last longer and give you more value for money in the long run.
Choosing the Right Composition Roof
How do you choose the right composition roof for your home?
Think about the fashion of your house. You can obtain composition roofs in various sorts such as three-tab, architectural, and luxury shingles. Each sort has its own visual appeal so you must choose one that matches the architectural style of your house.
Consider the element of longevity and performance. Architectural shingles, even though they are more expensive in comparison to three-tab, have better durability and dimensional appearance. If you live in an area where weather conditions are severe, it might be important to choose a type that offers improved resistance against wind and hail.
Think of color and texture. Composition shingles come in many colors and textures, which can impact the overall appearance of your home’s exterior. Selecting a color that matches with the outside paint or trim of your house might create a unified look for it.
Ready to enhance your home’s protection and curb appeal with the perfect composition roof? Contact Escalade Roofing today for a free consultation. Our experts will help you choose the best roofing solution tailored to your needs and style preferences. Don’t wait—ensure your home is safeguarded and beautiful for years to come. Call Escalade Roofing now and take the first step towards a durable, stylish roof!