What Are the Benefits of Installing Composite Shingles on Your Home?

It’s no homeowner’s favorite time, but it has to be done. We all need to replace our roofs every couple of decades or so, but with the average price tag between $5,700 and $12,400 can make us wary.

Fortunately, with the right materials and services, you won’t have to worry about your roof again, likely for the rest of your life. Let’s talk about the key benefits of composite shingles for your roof!

What Are Composite Shingles?

Composite shingles, also known as synthetic shingles, are common roofing shingles made out of a variety of materials. Depending on the product, they can use any combination of synthetic polymer, slate, laminate, wood, and recycled materials.

Moreover, composite shingles can take the form of nearly any type of roofing material, depending on the function or aesthetic you want. However, the benefits don’t stop there.

Benefits of Composite Shingles

Composite shingles have a lot to offer homeowners. Here are just a few examples of their many benefits!

Longevity

With the right conditions and care, composite roof shingles will last for up to 50 years, which is much longer than asphalt shingles, which only last 15 to 20 years.

When we say “proper care”, we don’t mean that you need to go up on the roof and water them every month. Rather, keep an eye on them for issues such as moss growth or damage. If there are no obstructions from tree branches, you should expect your composite roof to last for 40 to 50 years easily.

Affordability

Composite shingles, for the benefits they offer, are much cheaper than some of their alternatives. While they last much longer than asphalt shingles, they last just as long as many metal roofs or other high-quality roofing materials. However, they don’t cost as much as these materials.

Let’s do the math. Even if you spend 1.5x the amount on composite shingles as you would with a different material, you’ll still get at least 2.5x the lifespan with 50 years instead of 20. That means that spending $10,000 instead of $6,700 would mean you spend $200 a year instead of $335.

Fortunately, composite shingles aren’t often that much more expensive than other materials. Still, even the worst-case scenario works out in your favor!

Durability

Not only do they last long under normal conditions, but composite shingles can take a beating. Whether it’s from a roof rake or a harsh storm, composite shingles are incredibly durable, especially when compared to asphalt shingles.

As weather patterns become more intense, Floridians need to prepare for the worst. We’ve seen long-lasting and devastating hurricanes over the last few years, and scientists expect these to intensify in the coming decades.

Also, composite shingles can be resistant to scratches. This can help prevent long-term damage, water seepage, and other common issues with other roofing materials.

On top of that, you’ll need shingles that can withstand the blistering heat of the Florida sun. For well-rounded durability during all our seasons, composite shingles are a great choice.

Environmentally-Friendly

Speaking of worsening weather patterns, composite shingles are a very eco-friendly roofing option. “Synthetic” doesn’t always mean plastic. Again, they’re often made using recycled material, so choosing this can help take a little bit of junk out of our landfills.

Aesthetics

You don’t have to sacrifice looks to enjoy any of these benefits. Synthetic shingles can fit nearly any aesthetic.

Different products will appear just as if they were asphalt, cedar, slate, or whatever you want them to look like. There are many different options to choose from that will work with any aesthetic you want.

Moreover, this is perfect if you have a homeowner’s association or particular tastes. Check out our products to see what will work best for your home!

Disadvantages of Composite Shingles

One disadvantage of composite shingles is that some products can be a little expensive. Again, they are less expensive than roofing materials with similar performance, but this is something to keep in mind.

The only other disadvantage of composite shingles is that they’re newer to the industry. That’s only a problem because some contractors may not have experience working with composite shingles.

Therefore, it’s essential that you choose the right contractor for the job. Let’s talk about how to do that.

Choose the Right Roofing Contractor

Once you’ve determined which product you want, it’s important to hire a contractor with experience using these materials. Roofing is a dangerous job, and it needs to be done right for safety, function, and longevity.

Make sure you hire a contractor with experience using the product you want, and that they are licensed and insured. Otherwise, you could be held liable for any issues that arise during or after installation. Always verify the business before calling them, as you don’t want an unlicensed or uninsured person working on such an important aspect (arguably the most important) of your home.

From there, read online reviews, ask for references, and get a quote to compare prices. Just remember to start by vetting the team and learning about their roofing services before jumping into anything.

Upgrade Your Roof Today

Now that you know some of the benefits of composite shingles, consider using them for your new roof. They last a long time, they’re relatively affordable, and they can handle anything the weather throws at them. The best part is that you can find them in nearly any style you want.

Stay up to date with our latest tips for homeowners, and don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions or to get a quote on your project!