Composition Shingles and Composite Slate Roofs

Throughout the ages, there have been many different types of material used as roofing. Wooden shakes, asbestos roofing, and clay tiles have all been used in the past as well as the present.

Roofing your home or business can often be incredibly expensive, so making sure that you choose the right materials is imperative. Our experts can guarantee that the installation will be done with precision and care, but roofing materials are not one size fits all. 

In order to help you make the decision, read all about composite roofing and its installation below.

All About Asphalt Shingles

Today, asphalt shingles are the most popular type of roofing because of their versatility, cost, and a lifespan that covers at least two decades.

Asbestos is no longer used in roofing products because of potential health hazards. However, the removal of asbestos fibers from roofing systems has given rise to a relatively new type of shingles: composite or synthetic roofing shingles. These shingles, made up of a variety of materials, have proven to be long-lasting, easy to work with, and lightweight.

But not all composite shingles were created equally. Early attempts at creating synthetic shingles were met with premature failures. However, as technology has advanced, composite/synthetic roofing materials have greatly improved and have become even more reliable than traditional roofing. 

Currently, composite shingles are made of synthetic materials and sometimes contain recycled plastics and rubber. These shingles were designed to replicate the look of traditional asphalt, wood shakes, and stone tiles. Because they come in many different styles and sizes, composite shingles are highly customizable. 

Materials Used

These composite shingles are made from a variety of roofing materials, including fiberglass, paper products, and asphalt. CertainTeed makes a composite slate that has a Class A Fire resistant rating, a Class-4 impact rating, and comes with a 50-year limited warranty.

Because of their longevity, as well as using recycled materials, this product is also considered eco-friendly and has an Energy Star Certification. Of course, all of this comes at a price. More expensive than asphalt shingles and other products, these synthetics give homeowners peace of mind for multiple decades.

Of course, they also look great. Made to mimic the appearance of natural slate roofing, synthetic slate roofing will complete the look of your home. While these shingles are easier to install than slate or cedar shakes, to properly install them, a professional roofing company should be hired.

Benefits of Composite Roofing

If you haven’t considered composite materials for your roofing needs, check out the following benefits:

• Wind resistance: Due to the nature of the synthetic materials, they are able to withstand strong winds. This is a great benefit if you are located in an area that experiences storms or hurricanes often. 
• Fire resistance: CertainTeed’s composite slate has a Class A Fire resistance rating, which is the highest degree of fire protection. Although the fire resistance ratings vary by producer and material, certain synthetic materials are able to achieve fire resistance.
• Impact resistance: CertainTeed’s composite slate also has a Class 4 impacting rating, making it better suited for unpredictable weather, such as hail. Many other composite roofing manufacturers can attain this rating as well. 
• Fade-resistance: Prolonged exposure to the sun often results in the fading of shingle roofs, especially when natural materials are used. With synthetics, fade resistance measures are often much more effective. 
• Durability: Because roof repair or replacement can be so expensive, no one wants to go through the process more than needed. Composite roofing materials are stronger than natural materials and often last much longer. 
• Eco-Friendly: Their recycled composition and long-lasting nature makes composite roofing eco-friendly. And, after use, these materials can often be recycled once again. 

Composite Asphalt Shingles

Composite asphalt shingles typically use a fiberglass base saturated with asphalt and gritty materials like chips of slate or quartz on the top. This particular type of shingle is incredibly popular due to its fairly low cost, easy installation, and longevity. Although they are technically able to be installed by anyone, it is recommended that a professional is hired. 

Depending on the materials used, composite asphalt roofs can last anywhere between 15 to 50 years. There is often a wide range of shingles available, so you can choose the specific weight and life expectancy that fits you and your budget best. 

Maintaining Your Composite Roof

The overall life of your roof is very dependent on how it is maintained. In order to get the most out of your roof, regular maintenance is a must. Neglect can often lead to attic damage, leaks, and sheetrock damage. Try out these helpful tips to keep your roof in tip top shape:

• Take down or regularly trim any overhanging branches. Branches have the potential to fall in heavy winds and can do serious damage to your home. Bypass the trouble by removing the problem before it can do harm. 
• Keep up on regular maintenance and cleanings. It is recommended that you thoroughly clean your roof at least once a year, but it is important to do small cleanings every now and again, especially if there is debris. Keeping it clean makes it much easier to spot areas that need repairs before they become irreparable. 
• Remove any moss that is growing on your roof. In addition to basic cleanings, it is imperative that moss is removed. It can be very damaging to composite shingles because it can penetrate between them, causing them to move apart and let water in. Over time this leads to your shingles lifting, thus increasing the risk of leaks. 

The Warner Roofing Promise

Warner Roofing and Construction carries a wide variety of shingles, including, architectural shingles, cedar shakes, and laminate shingles. With nearly 30 years of experience in Clark County, we have worked with every type of roofing and architectural design in the region.

As composite roofing contractors, we offer several types of commercial and residential roof options, as well as high-quality roofing services such as roof replacement, installation, and repair. If you are in the middle of a remodel and want to change the look of your home or are building a home and want recommendations for a quality roofing style, reach out to us for a free estimate today. We look forward to seeing how we can help.