Everything You Need to Know About Composite Shingles: Pros, Cons & More

Asphalt shingles have dominated the roofing market since the early 1900s, but composite shingles have been giving them a run for their money in recent years. These new shingles aren’t quite popular enough to be the new standard yet, but they’re gaining major traction due to their durability, aesthetics, and eco-friendliness. 

If you’re on the fence about buying composite shingles for your roof and you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the options on the market, don’t worry—you’re in the right place. This guide will explore all the ins and outs of composite shingles and help you make the right decision for your roof.

What Are Composite Shingles?

Composite roof shingles contain a mixture of materials, including asphalt, slate, laminate, tar paper, wood fibers, and fiberglass. This combination creates a unique synthetic shingle that often outperforms single-material options. Different brands will have different mixtures of materials, resulting in different performance between companies.

Manufacturers will also incorporate recycled materials and add special coatings to enhance durability and longevity. This gives composite shingles several advantages that set them apart from other types of roof shingles.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Composite Shingles?

Before diving into the details, here’s a quick overview of the advantages and disadvantages of composite shingles:

What Benefits Do Composite Shingles Offer?

Composite shingles offer plenty of benefits for homeowners, which is part of why they’ve become so popular in recent years. Read on to see all the best perks of composite roofing and how it might be the perfect choice for your home.

Durability and Longevity

One of the biggest advantages of composite shingles is their long lifespan. Quality composite shingles can last 40 to 50 years or more. This is much longer than asphalt shingles, which typically need replacement after 15 to 20 years. 

The unique blend of materials in composite shingles helps resist damage from splitting, cracking, deterioration, and fading. This ensures a long-lasting roof that maintains its appearance over time.

Color and Style Options

Composite shingles come in a variety of different styles and colors, including wood tones, gray, black, and earth tones, making it easy to match all kinds of homes. No matter what architectural style your home has, there’s a composite option for you.

Impact and Weather Resistance

Composite shingles can withstand harsh weather conditions better than asphalt shingles. Most varieties boast a Class 4 impact rating—the highest available. This rating represents the highest resistance to winds, heavy rain, and hailstorms. 

Many designs even resist moisture, fire, and pests, which can be highly valuable to homeowners who want the best protection for their roofs.

Environmental Friendliness

For environmentally conscious homeowners, composite shingles are one of the best options available. Many incorporate recycled materials, and you can recycle them again once you need to replace them. In terms of sustainability, it doesn’t get much better than that.

Lightweight Design

Despite their durability, composite shingles are surprisingly lightweight. They typically weigh about the same as asphalt shingles, which means they don’t require additional roof reinforcement. This lightweight nature also makes composite shingles easier to transport and install than other roofing options, which is a big perk for homeowners who plan on DIY roofing.

Long-Term Cost Effectiveness

While the initial cost of composite shingles is higher than that of asphalt shingles, their longevity and low maintenance requirements make them a cost-effective choice in the long run. Since composite roofs typically last longer than asphalt roofs, you’ll spend less money on replacements over time, which can offset the initial investment.

What Are the Drawbacks of Composite Shingles?

No roofing material is without its flaws, no matter how advanced it may be. When deciding what type of shingles are right for your home, it’s very important to think about the drawbacks. So, be sure to consider the following cons of composite roofing:

Higher Up-Front Costs

The most significant drawback of composite shingles is their higher initial cost. Composite shingle installation typically costs at least 50% more than installing asphalt shingles for the same size house. According to Angi, composite shingle installation costs between $15,000 and $25,000, with the average price being $20,000. Angi’s cost data claims that asphalt shingle installation costs $5,800 to $20,000 on average. 

That’s a pretty big difference, but as composite shingles gain popularity and production increases, their prices may become more competitive in the future.

Heat Damage Susceptibility

Composite shingles can retain heat, which may lead to faster degradation if you don’t have enough ventilation. Certain types of composite shingles may even require more attic ventilation than asphalt shingles. Before you decide on buying composite shingles, inspect your current roof and attic to see if you need to make any adjustments or repairs.

Final Thoughts About Composite Shingles

Getting a new roof for your home is a big decision—one you shouldn’t take lightly. When thousands of dollars are at stake, even the smallest details matter a lot. That’s why composite shingles may be a great investment for you and your home. While the initial cost may be enough to frighten some homeowners away, it’s important to remember that quality matters. 

If you’re interested in a quick and easy replacement that’s good for the short term, we recommend asphalt shingles. However, if you want shingles that will last a lifetime and protect your home well for their entire lifespan, composite is the way to go.

For homeowners thinking about installing composite shingles on their roofs, use the form below to get an estimate from a roofing professional near you.