What Are Composition Shingles and How Can They Benefit Your Home?

When it comes to safeguarding your home against the elements, your roof plays a pivotal role. It shields your house from rain, snow, hail, and harsh sunlight, all while providing insulation and aesthetic appeal. In the Raleigh, Chapel Hill, and Durham, NC areas, where weather conditions can be unpredictable, choosing the right roofing material is essential. That’s where Artisan Quality Roofing comes in. As a trusted roofing company in North Carolina, we understand the unique needs of homeowners in this area and are here to help you make informed decisions about your roofing options.

What Are Composition Shingles?

Composition shingles, often referred to as asphalt roofing shingles, are a type of roofing material commonly used in residential construction. Asphalt shingles are composed of multiple layers of key roofing components that work together to provide strength, durability, and protection for your home.

The primary composite shingles include:

• Fiberglass Mat: The core of composition shingles is usually made of a fiberglass mat, which provides stability and resistance to tearing.
• Asphalt Coating: A layer of asphalt is applied to both sides of the fiberglass mat. This asphalt serves as a waterproofing agent and adhesive.
• Mineral Granules: The top surface of composition shingles is coated with mineral granules. These granules not only enhance the shingles’ appearance but also provide protection against UV rays and harsh weather.

Types of Composition Shingles

There are various types of shingles available for a composition roof, each with its own unique features and benefits.

3-Tab Shingles

These are the most basic and budget-friendly types of asphalt shingles. They consist of a single layer with cutouts that create the appearance of three separate tabs. While these asphalt shingles offer cost savings, they may have a shorter lifespan compared to other types.

Architectural Shingles

Also known as laminated or dimensional shingles, architectural roofing shingles are thicker and more durable than 3-tab shingles. They have a multi-dimensional appearance that adds depth and visual appeal to your roof.

Luxury Shingles

Luxury asphalt shingles take aesthetics to the next level. They come in a wide range of styles, colors, and patterns, allowing you to achieve a customized look for your home. While they are more expensive, luxury shingles can significantly enhance your home’s curb appeal.

Benefits of Composition Shingles

Your home’s roof is more than just a protective barrier: it’s a shield against the elements, an insulator, and a crucial aesthetic element that defines your property’s curb appeal.

Whether you’re considering a Raleigh-Durham roof replacement or you are in need of asphalt shingle repairs, understanding the advantages of a composition roof will empower you to make a well-informed decision for your home.

Durability and Longevity

One of the key advantages of composition shingles is their durability. Here’s why they excel in terms of longevity:

• Weather Resistance: Composition shingles are highly resistant to rain, snow, and hail damage, making them an excellent choice for areas with varying weather conditions like Raleigh, Chapel Hill, and Durham, NC.
• Wind Resistance: Many composition shingles are manufactured to resist strong winds, with some rated to withstand gusts of up to 130 miles per hour.
• Impact Resistance: Some composition shingles are engineered to be impact-resistant, which means they are less likely to be damaged by falling debris or hail.
• Fire Resistance: Many composition shingles have a Class A fire rating, indicating that they are highly fire-resistant and can help protect your home in case of a fire.

Cost-Effective Roofing Solution

When considering roofing shingle materials, the cost is often a significant factor for homeowners. Composition shingles offer several cost-related benefits:

• Affordability: Compared to some other roofing materials, such as slate tiles or metal, asphalt roofs are more budget-friendly, making them an attractive option for cost-conscious homeowners.
• Installation Costs: Installation of composition shingles is typically more straightforward and requires less labor than some alternative materials, reducing installation costs for the complete roof system.
• Long-Term Value: While the initial cost may be lower, a composition shingle roof provides excellent long-term value due to its durability and longevity, potentially saving you money over the life of your roof.

Aesthetic Appeal

The visual appeal of your roof can significantly impact your home’s overall appearance. Composition roof replacement offers a wide range of options to enhance the look of your house:

• Color Variety: Asphalt shingles come in an extensive array of colors, allowing you to choose the perfect shade to complement your home’s exterior.
• Style Options: Whether you prefer the classic look of 3-tab shingles or the dimensional appearance of architectural shingles, there’s a style to suit your taste.
• Enhanced Curb Appeal: The right asphalt shingles can transform the curb appeal of your home, increasing its resale value and making it stand out in your neighborhood.

Energy Efficiency

In regions with hot summers like North Carolina, energy-efficient roofing can have a significant impact on your utility bills. Some composition shingles offer energy-saving features, including:

• Reflective Shingles: Certain composition shingles are designed to reflect more sunlight, reducing heat absorption and helping to keep your home cooler in the summer months.
• Cool Roofing: Installing reflective or cool roofing asphalt shingle materials can lead to lower energy consumption and reduced air conditioning costs.

Low Maintenance

Homeowners appreciate materials that require minimal upkeep, and composition shingles fit the bill:

• Easy Maintenance: Composition shingle roofing materials are relatively low-maintenance. Occasional inspections and cleaning are usually sufficient to keep them in good condition.
• Repairs: In the rare event of damage, individual shingles can be easily replaced, preventing the need for a full roof replacement.

Environmentally Friendly

If you’re environmentally conscious, you’ll be pleased to know that asphalt shingles have eco-friendly features, such as:

• Recyclability: Many materials of a composition roof are recyclable, reducing their environmental impact when it’s time for a roof replacement.
• Energy Efficiency: As mentioned earlier, energy-efficient luxury shingles can help reduce your carbon footprint by lowering your home’s energy consumption.

Contact Our Composition Shingle Roof Experts Today

Composition shingles are a versatile and cost-effective roofing solution that can benefit homeowners throughout North Carolina. From durability and energy efficiency to enhanced curb appeal and ease of roof maintenance, asphalt shingles offer a compelling complete package for a roofing system that will stand the test of time.

When it comes to roofing services in the Raleigh-Durham areas, Artisan Quality Roofing is your trusted partner in the region. We have the experience and expertise to help you select the perfect composition shingles for your home and ensure they are installed correctly, providing you with comprehensive roof repair solutions that will protect your investment for years to come.

Contact Artisan Quality Roofing today by calling us at 919-906-3791 or filling out the contact form below to get started.