Are you considering composite aka synthetic shingles? Do you have hesitations about investing in composite shingles because you don't understand what their made of?
Composite roof shingles are growing more and more popular in the residential roofing industry. However, they haven’t been around as long as the other roofing materials.
In fact, homeowners still have some questions about them. And there's some confusion and misconceptions about their quality because of the plastic like appearance.
That's why one of the most commonly asked questions I get about about them is, “What are composite roof shingles actually made of?”.
For over 35 years, Bill Ragan Roofing has provided the information homeowners need to confidently make the best roofing material choice. So, let's break down what composite shingles are made of and why you should consider them.
By the end of this article, you'll have the answers to:
- What are composite roof shingles made of?
- What's the difference between composite and composition shingles?
- Why should you consider composite shingles?
What are composite roof shingles made of?
Composite (also known as synthetic) shingles are made of recycled materials (rubber and plastic) materials or a specially engineered polymer. However, the top composite shingle brands use their own proprietary polymer engineered formula.
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(DaVinci composite slate shingles)
For example:
"We use an engineered polymer, which is infused with fire retardant and the most advanced UV and thermal stabilizers available, specifically formulated for the tough conditions tiles are exposed to in all climates throughout the year. DaVinci roof tiles use only virgin resin in order to assure consistency." (https://www.westlakeroyalbuildingproducts.com/roofing/davinci-roofscapes)
"A proprietary blend of commercial-grade polymers with enhanced impact strength and UV resistance processed in a patented manufacturing process. These elements combine to make our shingles thicker, stronger, lighter, more durable. They are also resistant to fire, wind, cracking, and fading." (https://fwaveroofing.com/)
The switch from recycled materials to engineered polymers recently is mainly due to the long-term viability of the materials. But even if composite shingles aren’t made of recycled materials, most are still 100% recyclable.
That's why composite shingles are considered one of the most eco-friendly roofing materials available.
What's the difference between composite and composition shingles?
With composite shingles becoming more popular, the name causes some overlapping with composition shingles. However, composition shingles are just another name for asphalt shingles.
Composition shingles are also a composite of materials, but are instead made of fiberglass, tar, and granules put on a fiberglass mat to make a shingle. The make up is one thing, but there are other big differences between composite shingles and composition shingles.
Unlike standard asphalt shingles, composite shingles are specifically designed to mimic slate and cedar shake roofs with realistic grooves and shapes. They're also more expensive than composition shingles, but last longer and provide higher curb appeal.
So, even though sound similar, composition shingles are very different than composite shingles.
Why should you consider composite shingles?
Composite shingles are a great roofing material choice for homeowners who don't want to worry about the issues of a natural roofing materials. However, they also plenty of pros that make them well worth the investment.
Pros of composite shingles are:
- Eco-friendly
- High curb appeal
- Don't show wear and tear
- Lightweight
- Storm damage durability
- Long lifespan
Composite shingles are eco-friendly
As you learned in the beginning, most composite shingles can be recycled. This makes them one of the most eco-friendly roofing materials available in the United States.
While this may not be important to you, the world is becoming more aware of our impact on the environment. The roofing industry is simply responding by developing new roofing materials to become more environmentally conscious.
Composite shingles have high curb appeal
The cedar shake or slate look of composite shingle provide very high curb appeal to homes. The mimicking is so close that most people can’t tell the difference from the ground.
(DaVinci cedar shake and slate shingles)
DaVinci Roofscapes (the composite shingle brand we trust the most) does this by paying attention to the fine details. DaVinci slate shingles are modeled directly from real slate tiles and add a hand-crafted touch with chisel marks to make them look authentic.
DaVinci cedar shake shingles have real grain patterns and deep grooves to create a shingle that looks just like real wood or cedar shakes. Designing them this way ensures you won’t be able to tell the difference between composite shingles and the natural roofing material it mimics.
Composite shingles don’t show wear like natural cedar shakes
Natural cedar shake shingles show signs of wear and tear by rotting, cracking, and curling as they age. While composite shingles go through wear and tear like every roof, they won’t show it the way natural cedar shakes do.
(Aged natural cedar shake shingles)
This also means natural cedar shake shingles shift from a “fresh” cedar color to a more worn look as they age. The color change isn't a big deal, and some even like the worn/aged look.
You just won’t have to worry as much about the fresh color fading into a dried out look with composite shingles.
Composite shingles are lightweight compared to natural slate
A natural slate roof is so heavy that your house has to be built or retro-framed to handle the weight. This significantly increases the cost of one of the most expensive roofs on the market.
Composite shingles are lightweight, so you don’t have to worry about the problems that come with a heavy slate roof. You won’t have to do anything to ensure your walls won’t fall in and have your roof cave in on you.
This still gives you the natural slate look you want with the added benefit of saving time and money.
Composite shingles are durable against storm damage
Because of the way they’re manufactured, composite shingles are one of the most durable roofing materials against storm damage. F-wave and DaVinci shingles (two leading brands) have a Class 4 impact rating, the highest rating a roofing material can have.
This impact rating means they have been tested to withstand hail up to 2” in diameter without sustaining damage. Depending on the composite shingle, they can also handle 110-mph to 130-mph winds.
Composite shingles are long-lasting
The durability of composite shingles to withstand storm damage is a huge pro, but it also means they have a great lifespan. As long as it's installed correctly, a composite shingle roof should last around 40-50 years.
Combined with their storm damage resistance, it’s one of the longest-lasting roofing materials on the market. However, a composite shingle will only reach its full potential if you hire a great roofer and invest in quality.
How much does a composite shingle roof cost?
After reading this article, you know what composite shingles are made of, the difference compared to composition shingles, and why you should consider composite shingles. While composite shingles are newer to the roofing industry, they are a great roofing material.
With the advantages they offer, it's hard to find a better looking roofing with the durability to match. However, a composite shingle roof replacement does come at a premium price.
It's easy for me to say you should consider composite shingle roofing, after all I have DaVinci slate shingles are my personal home. But the truth is, most homeowners won't have the budget.
That's why I wrote another article breaking down the price of a composite shingle roof and the things that directly impact the cost.
Check out How Much Does a Composite Shingle Roof Cost to learn if this premium roofing material fits your budget.
