Composition roofs are one of the most widely used roofing options due to their versatility and range of design styles. They are typically referred to as asphalt-shingle roofs. You can install them on almost any type of steep-slope dwelling and they're cost-effective, so you don't have to break the bank! Despite their affordability, they don't lose anything in terms of offering excellent protection for your most valuable asset — your home.
What Is a Composition Roof?
Composition roofs are made up of shingles created from a combination of materials that typically include fiberglass, asphalt, and granules. The fiberglass serves as the foundation while the asphalt coating provides water resistance. The granules help protect your roof from UV rays and give it color. The shingles sometimes also contain technologies that help protect the roof against blue-green algae discoloration. It's one of the most affordable roof options and allows owners to choose from a broad range of styles and colors.
Types of Composition Roof
There are three main types of composition roof, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
- The three-tab shingle option is typically the least expensive. It gets its name from the appearance of three cutouts on each shingle. These attractive shingles come with 25–30 year limited warranties.
- Architectural shingles are are constructed using multiple layers that are laminated together, they're thicker than standard three-tab shingles and come in different patterns, making the roof look more dimensional. However, they also cost more!
- Lastly, designer shingles are manufactured to look like shakes or slates to create a particularly classy roof aesthetic. The designer look can come with a slightly higher price tag meaning these shingles are usually the most expensive among the options available.
Benefits of a Composition Roof
Composition roofs are one of the most affordable roof options you can find. Less expensive than other popular construction materials like metal, tile or slate, they're also easy and quick to install.
When it comes to choosing how your roof looks, you can choose from among a wide variety of styles, colors, and textures. For example, you can select a shingle with a slate look without the added cost.
Composition shingle roofs also provide excellent protection in a variety of climate zones and weather conditions, including snow, rain, and wind.
Overall, composition roofs are a cost-effective choice that typically provide good limited warranty coverage. For example, GAF Lifetime* Shingles come with a Lifetime Limited Warranty* against manufacturing defects.
Is a Composition Roof Right for Me?
Compared to other roof types like metal or cedar roofs, composition roofs typically cost less and are easy to maintain. These factors, along with the range of styles and colors available make them an excellent option for budget-minded property owners. As always, no matter how straightforward-seeming a roofing project can be, it's always a good idea to hire a professional — such as a trusted contractor certified by GAF** — to install your new roof properly.
*Lifetime refers to the length of warranty coverage provided and means as long as the original individual owner(s) of a single-family detached residence [or eligible second owner(s)] owns the property where the qualifying GAF products are installed. For other owners/structures, Lifetime coverage is not applicable. Lifetime coverage on shingles requires the use of GAF Lifetime Shingles only. See the GAF Shingle & Accessory Limited Warranty for complete coverage and restrictions. Visit gaf.com/LRS for qualifying GAF products.
**Contractors enrolled in GAF certification programs are not employees or agents of GAF, and GAF does not control or otherwise supervise these independent businesses. Contractors may have agreed that they will use GAF roofing products, and may receive benefits, such as loyalty rewards points and discounts on marketing tools from GAF for participating in the program.
