Composite shingles are made of durable layers of fiberglass, asphalt, and rock dust. They provide many benefits compared to other roofing options, much of which revolves around their durability.
1. Wind
You don't have to live in an area prone to tornadoes or hurricanes to benefit from roofing that resists wind damage. It doesn't take a lot of wind to tear a shingle or cause the roof to lift up at the eaves, and both issues can lead to damaged shingles and water leaks the next time it rains. Composite shingles provide extreme wind damage resistance because their synthetic core makes them less prone to bending and breaking, as well as less prone to uplift.
2. Fire
In areas where forest or wildfires are a concern, a fire-resistant roof is both a smart idea and likely required by the local building code. If you like the look of natural roofing, such as wood shakes, you can instead opt for composite roofing that is made to resemble wood but is made from fire-resistant synthetic materials. Composite roofing comes with fire safety ratings so you can make an informed choice when choosing your shingles.
3. Impacts
Impact damage is a real concern in some regions. Impacts from hailstones can cause severe damage that isn't readily visible but renders a roof useless. Damage from fallen tree branches and windblown debris is another concern. The durable synthetic layers that are used in composite shingle construction make them more resilient against all types of impact damage, which means you won't have to get a new roof every time it hails.
4. Fading
Not all damage affects the functioning of a roof, but it can be frustrating all the same. Fading of the roof color is one such damage that is frustrating at first. The causes of fading though, which is typically sun damage, can eventually cause some roofing materials to age and give out more quickly than others. Composite shingles are resistant to UV sun damage and fading, which means a longer-lasting roof that also retains its beauty for a greater length of time.
5. Aging
Aging damage is a combined result of all of the damage previously listed, along with just the natural material failure of the roofing components. Often, natural roofing materials or those made from weaker synthetic materials will age much more quickly than quality composite shingles. It's the layering and use of multiple materials that help composite shingles resist aging and last longer.
Contact a roofing contractor to learn more about your roofing replacement options.
