Mikku and Sons Roofing logo, featuring a roof illustration on a transparent background 623-465-1068

What is a Composition Roof?

Date: January 10, 2023

Unlike other roofs, a composition roof is made of reinforcing mats and mineral fillers, making it much sturdier. If you’re considering which option is best for you, read on to find out why you should invest in a composite roof.

In this article, we’ll answer the following questions

  • What does a composition roof mean?
  • Is composition a good roof?
  • What is the life of a composition roof?
  • What is the difference between composition and asphalt shingles?
  • What does a composition roof look like?
  • Do composite roofs fade?
  • What are the types of composition roofs?

What does a composition roof mean?

A composition roof is one of the most common roof types used on modern buildings. 

Composite roofs are made of shingles consisting of fiberglass with reinforcing mats made of asphalt and fillers to make the roof sturdier. Unlike traditional asphalt roofs, composite roofs last longer and are more robust. 

Is composition a good roof?

Yes, composition roofs are an excellent choice. They last much longer than traditional roofs, with a lifetime of up to 50 years. They are also more cost-effective, as while you’ll pay more in the short term, a composite roof lasts far longer than any other type. 

Composite roofs also look sleek, and because of the variety of materials used, you can customize your roof to your individual home and tastes. 

What is the life of a composition roof?

The lifetime of a composition roof depends on the materials you opt for and the quality of the roofer you hire. Typically, composite roofs, on average, last for 30 years, but if installed and cared for correctly, they can last for more than 50 years (depending on the type of material. Also, a 50-year roof may only last 40 years. 

Note: If you have used a previous roofer who did not install your roof to a professional standard, you can sue in small claims court. You can also get in touch with us to see if we can remedy the situation.  

Care for your composite roof by removing overhanging branches that might damage your home, regularly inspecting and cleaning your roof, and checking for potential leaks. By doing this, you’ll likely extend your roof’s life significantly. 

What is the difference between composition and asphalt shingles?

Asphalt and composition shingles are essentially the same things, except the term ‘composition’ refers to using a composite fiberglass mat and asphalt or minerals. In comparison, asphalt shingles are made from one material—most modern shingles made in the US use mats made of fiberglass.

What does a composition roof look like?

Because a composite roof is made of multiple materials, it often has a unique appearance compared to other types of roofs. 

Composition roofs are made up of shingles containing various materials like wood, slate, and laminate. This means that composite roofs can look far different from one another. 

Do composite roofs fade?

Because composition roofs contain multiple materials that permeate the tile, they won’t fade as quickly as other roofs, such as metal or wooden shingles that are only colored with surface-level paint. 

However, your composite roof will likely start to fade after ten years without proper care and attention. Regularly maintain your roof by cleaning and scrubbing the tiles to avoid this. We recommend doing this yearly to prevent your roof from looking weathered and damaged. 

What are the types of composition roofs?

There are three types of composite roofs to choose from, each with its own benefits. These are: 

3-tab shingles 

For those with a smaller budget, 3-tab shingles are the cheapest choice. This roof type earned its name because of the vertical slots slotted into part of the shingle. 

3-tab shingles cost less to install, making them a suitable choice from a budget perspective. However, they don’t have as long a lifespan as other composite roof types. They also have shorter repair warranties and a higher chance of mold because of the moisture that builds up within the roof. 

3-tab shingles are also not built for harsh weather conditions like wind and storms. If you live in an area where the weather can be intense, we don’t recommend this type of composite roof. 

A white three tab shingle
Notice the slots?

Composition Architectural Shingles

Composition architectural shingles, or dimensional shingles, are currently the most popular roof option. While they cost more than 3-tab shingles, they’re less expensive than premium-level composite roofs. 

Dimensional shingles are more attractive than other types, with a variety of colors and shingle styles to choose from. They also have a far more extended warranty than the 3-tab, with some coming with up to a 50-year warranty.

A bird sat on a shingled roof
Notice that the Dimensional shingles have a built up profile

Unlike the 3-tab roof, composition architectural roofs can withstand much harsher weather conditions such as high winds and storms, making them a far more durable product.

Although these types of roofs cost more, they’re worth it for the increased warranty, durability, and design. 

Premium Composition Shingles

If you have the money to spend, premium composite shingles look impressive and have a longer lifespan than other types of composite roofs.  

Because of their larger size and weight, premium composite shingles are more resistant to extreme weather conditions and come in various colors, materials, and styles. 

On top of a compositional Shingle roof, shingles are a presidential style.
These shingles are a presidential style compositional shingle

While premium tiles are significantly more expensive, they come with more extended warranties, so your new roof is guaranteed to stand the test of time. 

Invest in composition for a long-lasting and durable roof

Composite roofs are the most popular option on the market for a reason. They’re attractive to look at and can withstand harsh weather conditions, and last up to 30 years longer than other types of roof available. 

If you’re actively looking for a new roof, we’d recommend the composition architectural shingles because of their durability and design while still being affordable. However, if you have a smaller budget, 3-tab composite roofs are still a cost-effective option and will likely last longer than other types of roofs available to you. For expert roof replacement and repairs in the Phoenix area, talk to us today by calling 623-465-1068 or chatting to one of the Mikku and Sons team online.

About Mikku & Sons
Mikku and Sons red repair track with its logo painted on its side- roofing company track wraps
Our roofing company was founded in 2001 by Michael Riutta, who is still part of the ownership and management team. Between Michael, his two sons and co-owners, Devin and Joshua, and our crew members, we have many years of experience to handle any type of roof repair or roof installation solutions you may need.
crossmenu