Did you hear that you have composition shingles? Are you confused because you thought you had asphalt shingles?
The roofing industry is full of different names and terms that are hard to understand as a homeowner. Especially when different roofing contractors use different terms to mean the same thing without an explanation.
I understand how confusing and oftentimes frustrating this can be. So, you're not alone in wondering if composition shingles and asphalt shingles the same thing.
For over 35 years, Bill Ragan Roofing has broken down the lingo, terminology, and other aspects of the roofing industry so homeowners actually know what they're being told. That's why I'll help clear up the confusion around composition shingles and asphalt shingles.
By the end of this article, you'll learn:
- Are composition shingles and asphalt shingles the same thing?
- How are composition shingles different than composite shingles?
- What are the different types of composition shingles?
Are composition shingles and asphalt shingles the same thing?
Yes, composition shingles and asphalt shingles are the same thing. The term "composition" simply means shingles are a composite of man-made materials such as fiberglass, tar, and granules, that are put on a fiberglass mat to make a shingle.
While asphalt shingles is the most popular phrasing, composition is just another roofing industry term. With that in mind, you're more likely to see insurance companies use this terminology on paperwork for roof damage claims.
So, if you see “composition” on your insurance claim, it simply means asphalt shingles. However, majority of the actual roofing industry uses asphalt shingles.
How are composition shingles different than composite shingles?
The main reason homeowners ask if composition shingles and asphalt shingles are the same is due to composite shingles. The name causes some overlapping and confusion, especially as composite shingles becoming more popular.
However, composite (also known as synthetic) shingles are made of recycled materials (rubber and plastic) materials or a specially engineered polymer. The make up creates major differences between composite shingles and composition shingles.
Unlike standard asphalt (composition) shingles, composite shingles are specifically designed to mimic slate and cedar shake roofs with realistic grooves and shapes. They're also more expensive, but last longer and provide higher curb appeal.
So, even though sound similar, composition shingles are very different than composite shingles.
What are the different types of composition shingles?
Composition shingles is a blanket term. However, there are three different types of composition shingles that vary in quality with their own pros and cons, lifespans, and much more.
Let's look at the three types of composition shingles:
- 3-tab
- Architectural
- Luxury
3-tab shingles
3-tab shingles get their name from the 3 tabs on each shingle strip and lay completely flat when installed. This asphalt shingle used to dominate the residential roofing industry until technology improved to create architectural shingles.
Lifespan: 20 years at most
Material warranty: 25-year limited warranty from the manufacturer
3-tab shingle pros:
- Cheapest roofing material on the market
- Ease of repair and installation
3-tab shingle cons:
- Shortest lifespan
- Being phased out of the roofing industry
- Hard to find color matches for repairs and insurance
- Needs yearly maintenance
- Low curb appeal
- Prone to wind damage
Architectural shingles
Architectural (also called dimensional) shingles provide a random pattern to give your roof dimension or simulate the look of a wood-shake roof. It’s not only the most popular shingle but also the most common roofing material installed on homes in general.
Lifespan: 22-25 years
Material warranty: 30-year warranty (prorated after 10 years) from the manufacturer. Upgrade to a 50-year non-prorated enhanced warranty with a full roof system.
Architectural shingle pros:
- Affordability
- Ease of repair and installation
- Readily available materials and colors
Architectural shingle cons:
- Low curb appeal compared to other materials
- Needs yearly maintenance
- Prone to hail damage
Luxury shingles
Luxury (also called designer or premium) shingles are the high-end type and designed to look like a natural slate tile roof. They are larger, more durable, offer the highest curb appeal, and are the most expensive type of asphalt shingle.
Lifespan: 30 years or longer in perfect conditions
Material warranty: 30-year warranty (prorated after 10 years) from the manufacturer. Upgrade to a 50-year non-prorated enhanced warranty with a full roof system.
Luxury shingle pros:
- Durability
- Longevity
- High curb appeal
- Stands up well to storm damage
Luxury shingle cons:
- Expensive
- Longer installation compared to the other asphalt shingles
- Needs yearly maintenance
How much does a composition (asphalt) shingle roof cost?
After reading this article, you know that composition shingles and asphalt shingles are the same, the difference between composite shingles, and the three types of composition shingles. However, there’s still one more crucial thing you need to learn.
This, of course, is how much a new composition shingle roof costs. The problem is, the roofing industry avoids talking about pricing or anything else relating to cost.
That’s why I wrote another article breaking down everything you need to know about the cost of a composition (asphalt) roof and the factors that impact the price of a replacement.
Check out How Much a New Asphalt Roof Costs to learn what you can expect to pay for a composition roof replacement.
