When it comes to your roof replacement, one of the most important decisions you will have to make is what roofing materials to use. This can be challenging for many homeowners, as there are many great options to choose from. Composite roofing, however, is becoming increasingly popular in our industry, and for good reason.
Composite, or synthetic, shingles are made of engineered polymer or recycled rubber and plastic materials. They look like the real thing, but require less maintenance and are built to last. In this article, we will discuss the pros and cons of composite roofing, so you can decide if it’s right for your roof.
Table of Contents
– Pros of Composite Roofing
– Eco-Friendly
– Aesthetic Appeal
– Durability
– Cost
– Material Warranty
– Cons of Composite Roofing
– Price Point
– New to the Industry
– Is Composite Roofing Right for Me?
Pros of Composite Roofing
If you’re here, you’re probably wondering if composite roofing is right for you. One of the best ways to do this is to check out the pros and cons of this popular roofing material. Keep reading for 5 pros of composite roofing, so you can make an informed decision when it comes to your roof replacement.
Eco-Friendly
One of the best things about composite roofing is that it’s eco-friendly. Composite shingles are made of recycled materials, specifically rubber and plastic. Not only is this great for the environment, but it plays a huge role in the material’s durability, which we will get to later.
We also think it’s significant to mention that when you replace your roof, it increases your home’s value when it comes time to sell. And composite roofing makes your home even more appealing to the environmentally conscious. So, composite roofing’s eco-friendly nature will not only attract more buyers, but help you to get top-dollar for your home, as well.
Aesthetic Appeal
Aesthetic appeal is one of the biggest pros when it comes to composite roofing. Synthetic shingles are created and designed to look exactly like a natural slate or cedar shake roof. These shingles are stunning, and come without slate’s hefty price tag, and the maintenance that natural cedar shake requires.
Surely any experienced roofing contractor will be able to tell the difference between composite, slate and shake, but your neighbors won’t. Composite slate is modeled from actual slate, and even has chisel marks for an authentic look. Composite cedar shake has realistic grain patterns and grooves to look just like the real thing.
Whether you decide to go with composite shake or slate, your new roof is practically guaranteed to turn heads. Composite roofing is known far and wide for its curb appeal. Opting for this material is a sure-fire way to leave you with a new roof you love, and a home that you’re proud of.
Durability
One of the most significant benefits of composite roofing is its durability. Since the shingles themselves are made of recycled plastic and rubber, they can bounce back from heavy impact. They are also less prone to cracking when walked on, unlike natural slate or cedar.
For example, DaVinci Roofscapes, the leading manufacturer of synthetic shingles, boasts shingles with a Class 4 Impact Rating. This is the highest rating a roofing material can have. They can withstand just about anything that hits your roof, even during extreme weather, like hail.
Because of how durable composite roofing is, they are one of the longest-lasting roofs on the market. As long as your roof is installed correctly and has proper attic ventilation, a composite roof should last around 40 to 50 years! And with a new roof being such a large investment, you want to be sure it’s built with materials that can stand the test of time.
Cost
Composite cedar shake and natural cedar shake will be similar in price. A composite slate roof, however, is significantly cheaper than a natural slate roof. Composite shingles and components are typically half the price of real slate.
Even further, with composite shingles, you don’t have to worry about the weight issues that come with a real slate roof. To have a natural slate roof, your home must be sturdy enough to withstand the weight of the slate, which is very heavy.
You also won’t have to retrofit your home, or do anything else to ensure your home doesn’t collapse under the pressure. Composite slate saves you money, and gives you the gorgeous and natural look you want.
Material Warranty
Warranties are such an important component when deciphering the benefits of going composite. When you get a new roof, you will have a contractor’s workmanship warranty and a manufacturer’s warranty on the materials. These are crucial should anything happen to your roof, you will have something to fall back on.
A composite shingle roof will usually come with a lifetime limited material warranty that will prorate after a certain number of years. With that being said, the length of the material warranty will vary depending on the manufacturer of your composite shingles. We highly suggest speaking with your contractor about the manufacturer they use and material warranty options before making a final decision.
Cons of Composite Roofing
Now that you know the pros of composite roofing, it’s easy to see why so many people are making the switch. However, there are a few negatives that should be mentioned in order to make a fair assessment. Keep reading for the cons of composite roofing, so you can make the best decision for your roofing needs.
Price Point
When it comes to composite roofing, it’s important to remember that a composite roof is a premium roofing system. Unfortunately, this means that it comes with a premium price. In our experience, this is the biggest concern for homeowners.
It’s hard to give an exact estimate as to how much this will cost without a roof inspection. This is because there are so many factors that impact cost like the size of your roof, its complexity, and how accessible it is, to name a few. However, we can give you general pricing in order to get an idea of how much you’ll need to budget.
For example, a new composite slate roof will typically cost $10.00 to $12.00 per square foot. This is the lower end of the spectrum, and can reach up to $20.00 or more per square foot, depending on your selections and any added upgrades. A composite roof will cost more than the most expensive type of asphalt shingle.
So, if affordability is at the top of your list, then composite roofing may not be a good fit. However, if it’s in the budget, and you’ve been considering a slate or shake roof, composite roofing is a wonderful option that comes with many added benefits.
New to the Industry
This may not be a big deal for many, but we find it important to mention that composite roofing is fairly new to the roofing industry. This means that there still may be some things we don’t know about this specific roofing material. But let’s not forget, most manufacturers offer a limited lifetime warranty on composite shingles.
A manufacturer would not stand behind a product that they didn’t believe in or didn’t work. So, while composite hasn’t been around as long as other types of roofing materials, it’s a product that manufacturers are proud of. Plus, composite roofing is becoming increasingly popular, leaving many happy homeowners with a roof they love.
Is Composite Roofing Right for Me?
So, is composite roofing right for me? After reading this article, you should have all of the information you need to answer this question. Even though composite roofing can be costly and is newer to the industry, we believe it to be a valuable investment when it comes to your roof. Composite shingles not only look amazing, but they’re built to last!
If composite roofing is the roofing material for you, then it’s time to hire a reputable roofing contractor to work with. Finding someone who is vetted with experience is crucial to a successful roof replacement. They’re responsible for making sure your investment is installed properly, so that you get the most out of your new roof.
And if you’re still on the fence, a knowledgeable roofing expert will be able to present the options available to you, so you can choose what’s right for you. Either way, the roofer you hire can make a huge impact on how smooth your roof replacement goes, and can provide peace of mind. In order to help with this process, we created a list of questions to ask a potential roofing contractor, to aid in the hiring process.
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Elite Exteriors is the Southeast’s premier resource for unparalleled service, craftsmanship and quality. And it’s all backed by an unprecedented lifetime labor and materials warranty! Not only that, we offer NO-COST initial consultations and inspections. For more information, give us a call today at 470-350-3024, or click here to fill out an online form.