Being a homeowner is a matter of pride and joy. You feel accomplished, happy, and proud of the achievements that led to this moment. However, owning a home also comes with its fair share of responsibilities.
Among them, being mindful of the roof replacement process is one of the most integral ones. Not only do you have to ensure that you are choosing suitable materials, but you also need to pick and choose the right contractors to care for your needs.
If you are new to the whole scenario, the concept of a composition roof might seem confusing, and that’s completely alright. There’s nothing that you have to be worried about. In recent times, composition roofs or asphalt shingles have been gaining more and more traction.
So, if you are planning to install a composition roof in your home and want to execute the process with informed decisions, we have accumulated all the relevant information in this guide for you.
What is Composition Roof?
Before we explore the materials and types, let us clarify the basics. What is a composition roof, and why has it gained so much traction recently?
Composition roofs are commonly known as asphalt shingles and are typically made with a composition of “man-made” materials. It can include a combination of tar, granules, and fiberglass mats for the exterior coating.
When it comes to their types, there are three different options to explore, including:
- 3-tab
- Architectural
- Luxury
All of them vary in terms of their appearance and have different grades of effectiveness when installed on the roof of your home.
Also Read – 6 Different Roof Types And How To Decide On The Right One
What are the Types of Composition Roofs?
We briefly introduced the three primary types of composition roofs known to man, so let us elaborate on them for better understanding.
3-tab
If you are on a budget crunch and can’t afford to spend a fortune on the roof installation or roof replacement, the 3-tab roofing is the perfect choice. The reason why it gets its name is because the structure resembles “three cutouts on every shingle.” When you get them done by a reliable contractor, you can rest easy for the next 30 years.
Architectural shingles
When compared to the 3-tab shingles, the architectural ones are thicker and more durable. This is because the layers used in the roofing consist of multiple layers of fiberglass and other materials that are laminated together. However, the three-dimensional appearance gives the roof a very chic appearance.
Designer or luxury shingles
The last on the list includes the most expensive one in the lot. They do add an aesthetic and classy look to the roof of your home, especially with the slate-like appearance. However, you can’t deny that the price tag is exceptionally high.
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What Do You Need to Know Before Getting Composition Roof?
With how hyped the composition of the roof has become in the past few years, it isn’t surprising that almost every new homeowner opts for it. However, if you are following the herd, there are certain factors that you need to keep in mind beforehand.
1. Longevity of the roof
The first question that you must ask the roofing contractor is, “How long will the roof last?” This is one of those situations where the higher the price of the material, the longer it will last. For example, the 3-tab shingles last up to 30 years in general. The luxury or designer shingles can last up to 50 years when you get them done by a renowned professional.
So, cross-checking the guarantee that you will get with the roofing solutions is crucial before you finalize the installation.
2. Maintenance in the future
Even though the asphalt shingles last up to 25-30 years on average, they require maintenance. This is indispensable, irrespective of the kind of roof you are getting installed in your home. So, before you sort out what type of composition roof you are getting, cross-check the maintenance process and requirements.
Timely maintenance prevents leaks and ensures your home is secure and protected from external factors like weather.
3. Cross-check the roofing materials
The third and most crucial factor you need to cross-check with your composition roof is the roofing material used.
When it comes to the composition of the roof, there are a few different elements to look out for, including:
- Roof flashing
- Drip edge
- Underlayment
- Roof decking
- Shingles
- Ice and water shield
- Ridge capping
- Pipe boots
- Flashing, etc.
Ensuring that all of these elements and roofing materials are included and installed with the composition roof is vital for long-lasting results.
What are the Benefits of a Composition Roof?
Why are people suddenly chasing composition roofs, and why have they gained so much traction recently? This is a ubiquitous question that most homeowners have when they are confused between the different types of roofing options.
The reason why composition roofs have become so popular is because of the price point. When comparing them to the other common roofing materials made of metal, tile, or slate, the composition roof is comparably cheaper than all of them.
Also, composition roofing options are available in shades, textures, colors, and styles. This allows the homeowners to choose what best aligns with their aesthetics and interests.
Additionally, if you live somewhere with adverse weather conditions and need to ensure optimal protection, a composition roof takes care of that, too. You will remain shielded inside your home, be it rain, snow, or wind.
Also Read – Maximizing Your Roof’s Lifespan: Expert Maintenance Tips
What is the Cost of a Composition Roof?
Estimating the price of installing a composition roof in your home can be confusing. In most cases, when you hire a contractor for the process, they will be able to give you a quote and estimate regarding the cost.
When it comes to an average price, a house with three bedrooms and two bathrooms can expect the entire job to cost somewhere between $12,000 to $15,000. However, keep in mind that this is an estimate. The prices could be higher or lower, depending on where you live, the contractors you are hiring, and the materials being used.
If you want an idea about the cost per sq. ft, it can start from around $4.00 per square foot for a single-bedroom home and start from $6-$7 for a two or three-bedroom home. It varies, so we’d recommend you take these numbers with a grain of salt and instead contact your local contractors to get a concrete understanding.
Conclusion
Composition roofs are a great addition to your home’s appearance and safety. If you have been considering getting them installed in your home, we have tried to shortlist and narrow down all the information that you would potentially need to streamline the installation or renovation process. The trick is to hire reliable roofing contractors with the tailored expertise and experience for the best results in the long run.
