Trying to decide between asphalt shingles and composite shingles for your new roof? Are you struggling to get an honest and clear comparison of the two roofing materials?
Asphalt shingles have been the standard material in the roofing industry for decades, but composite shingles are the newer kid on the block. The popularity of composite shingles is growing, but with that growth comes the need for real information and comparisons.
Well, the only thing that asphalt and composite shingles have in common is that they're both shingles. Let's dig it the major differences between a roofing industry staple and the newer material.
For over 35 years, Bill Ragan Roofing has taken pride in educating homeowners on every roofing material so they confidence when making a final decision. So, I'll break down the pros and cons of asphalt shingles and composite shingles before matching them on key decision making factors.
By the end of this article, you'll learn:
Asphalt shingles consist of fiberglass, tar, and asphalt granules on a fiberglass mat. They come on individual strips that are layered and staggered from the roofline to the top of the ridge when installed.
While there are three types of asphalt shingles, architectural asphalt shingles are the most common. But they’re not only the most common shingle but the most commonly used roofing material in the United States.
Asphalt shingle pros:
Asphalt shingle pros:
Composite (aka synthetic) shingles are made of a synthetic polymer or recycled materials and designed to look exactly like natural slate tiles or cedar shakes. Composite shingle manufacturers use molds of real slate tiles and cedar shakes to give them a truly authentic look with realistic grooves and shapes.
While composite shingles as a roofing material is newer to the roofing industry, it’s becoming increasingly popular among homeowners.
Composite shingle pros:
Composite shingle pros:
After learning about both types of roofing materials, let's compare them on things that matter most to homeowners. Just know that some comparisons will be asphalt shingles in general and others will have specific details for the three asphalt shingle types.
Let's compare asphalt shingles to composite shingles on:
Asphalt shingles are readily available in the United States, but composite shingles may have to be ordered and delivered. Depending on the composite shingle manufacturer and production flow, it can take up to 6 weeks or longer to get them.
Now, luxury asphalt shingles may have to be specially ordered, but there's never a problem getting architectural shingles (except specialty colors). However, availability really depends on what suppliers in your area have readily in stock.
Both roofing materials boost your home’s curb appeal, but composite shingles provide much higher curb appeal compared to most asphalt shingles. With the authentic slate and cedar shake look, composite shingles are a head turner.
However, luxury asphalt shingles also provide a slate look. They won’t look as close to the real thing as composite shingles, but luxury shingles still make a roof stand out.
When it comes to installation, asphalt shingles are much easier to install compared to composite shingles. In fact, composite shingle installation requires more attention to detail and labor.
Instead of three foot mats like asphalt shingles, composite shingles are installed one at a time, which makes installation slow, labor-intensive, and time-consuming project. On top of this, chalk lines have to be popped to ensure evenness and correct exposure.
That's why it's crucial to hire a local roofer with experience working with and installing composite shingles specifically.
A composite shingle roof should last longer than asphalt shingle roof. The three types of asphalt shingles have lifespans that range from 15 to 30 years, with luxury shingles even able to last longer in the right conditions.
On the other hand, a composite shingle roof should last around 40-50 years. Most composite shingles have a Class 4 impact rating, the highest a material can have.
Some asphalt shingles have this rating, but the physical make up of composite shingles helps withstand the elements better. Just keep in mind that a roof lasting as long as it should all depends on proper roof installation, adequate attic ventilation, and roof maintenance.
Roofing material warranties protect your investment in the event you get a defective roof. Asphalt shingles and composite shingles come with great warranties, but asphalt shingles warranties cover more.
Most composite shingles come with a limited lifetime material warranty that prorates as it ages. But the actual length of the material warranty varies by the specific composite shingle manufacturer.
Like composite shingles, asphalt shingles also come with a standard material defect warranty on the shingles themselves. But they also come with warranties for algae-resistance and wind resistance, but the length varies by manufacturer.
And what really sets asphalt shingle warranties apart is the chance to get an enhanced warranty on an architectural or luxury asphalt shingle roof system. Using one manufacturer's shingles and components, you can get a 50-year non-prorated enhanced warranty from a certified roofer.
A composite shingle roof is much more expensive than asphalt shingle roof. Not only are the materials more expensive, but the labor costs are extremely high.
While I can't give an exact cost due to all the pricing factors, I can give you an idea of the budget needed for both. Depending on the asphalt shingle, a composite shingle roof will be 3 to 4 times more expensive.
The three types of asphalt shingles vary in price, with 3-tab being the cheapest and luxury being the most expensive.
The three types of asphalt shingles cost:
On the other hand, a composite shingle roof costs around $14.00 to $20.00 per square foot but can get higher based on your area and roofer.
Now you know how an asphalt shingle roof and composite shingle roof compare to each other on important factors, such as lifespan, warranties, pricing, and much more.
If you have the budget, a composite shingle roof offers higher curb appeal and a longer lifespan. However, asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing material in the United States for a reason.
Choosing one really depends on your budget, personal taste, and home look when choosing a roofing material. But how can you feel confident making a decision without knowing the other roofing material?
In fact, the three different types of asphalt shingles have their own pros and cons. So, even if you choose asphalt, you still have to pick the right shingles.
That's I wrote another article breaking down the top residential roofing materials, including their pros, cons, lifespans, and the other information homeowners need to know about them.
Check out The Top 8 Types of Roofing Materials (& How to Choose the Right One) to get the information you need to make the best decision based on your budget, home’s look, and more.