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If you’re considering a new roof for your home, you’ve likely come across asphalt shingles. After all, this is the most commonly used roofing material, and no matter where you do your research, this material will surely come up. But in the past few years, there is another term, composition shingles, that is also making rounds, along with traditional shingles.
Many homeowners, and even other roofing contractors in the Gulf Coast, use the name of these two roofing materials interchangeably. But wait! Are they really the same thing?
Today, we will answer a question that we have received from numerous homeowners: are composition shingles the same as asphalt shingles? Let’s take a closer look at these roofing materials to understand the answer.
What Are Asphalt Shingles?
Though you might have heard about them, if you are new here, asphalt shingles are a popular roofing material for residential properties. As the name suggests, they are primarily made of asphalt along with other materials.
Over 70% of homes in America have an asphalt shingle roof installed. This is because they are very affordable and offer reasonable durability, too.
There are three types of asphalt shingles:
- 3-Tab shingles are the most basic and affordable type of asphalt shingles. They are lightweight and have a flat, smooth appearance.
- Architectural shingles are thicker and more durable than 3-tab shingles. They have a dimensional appearance with a textured, layered look that can resemble wood or slate.
- Luxury shingles are the highest quality and most expensive type of asphalt shingles. They can last for decades and have a more detailed, high-end appearance.
Also Read: 3-Tab vs. Architectural Shingles vs. Luxury Shingles
Next, let’s move on to composition shingles.
What Are Composition Shingles?
Now let’s come to the main point, composition shingles and asphalt shingles are pretty much the same thing. “Composition shingles” is an industry term for asphalt shingles, however it includes a bigger and broader category of shingles.
Composition shingles refer to a type of roofing shingle made from a mixture of materials, such as asphalt and fiberglass. They can also be made from recycled materials, and can imitate the look of natural slate and cedar shake roofs at a much lower cost.
Similarities Between Asphalt And Composition Shingles
Most roofers use composition shingles and asphalt shingles interchangeably because they do share some similarities:
They Both Are Adequately Priced:
Both composition and asphalt shingles are relatively affordable compared to other types of roofing materials, making them a popular choice for budget conscious homeowners. 3-Tab shingles are your cheapest roofing option, and composition shingles can cost more than them, but the overall cost will still be lower than other roofing materials.
Both Shingles Offer Versatility:
Both types of shingles come in a variety of colors and styles, making it easy to find a look that complements your home’s aesthetic. Asphalt and composition roofs are available in numerous color and design options.
Ease of Installation:
Both composition and asphalt shingles are relatively easy to install compared to other types of roofing materials, which can help reduce labor costs.
Now that we know the similarities of both these shingles, let’s move to their differences.
Composition Shingles vs. Asphalt Shingles: The Differences
As we covered, composition shingles is a much wider term and includes different types of roofing materials other than asphalt shingles.
How They Are Made
Composition shingles are a type of roofing material that consists of a mixture of materials such as asphalt, fiberglass, and mineral granules. Recycled materials such as rubber and plastic can also be used in their construction.
On the other hand, asphalt shingles are a specific type of composition shingles that are made primarily from asphalt. In this case, fiberglass or organic materials are used as a base mat.
How Long The Shingles Last
It’s important to consider the longevity of different roofing materials before making a decision for your home. On average, asphalt roof shingles last between 15 and 25 years. If you are installing architectural or luxury roof shingles from top manufacturers, then you can expect your roof to last for over 30 years. However, installation, climate, and maintenance will play a role in their longevity.
Other types of composition shingles, such as synthetic shingles, on the other hand, have a longer lifespan. With proper maintenance, they can last anywhere from 35 to 50 years. They are particularly well-suited for areas that experience frequent harsh weather conditions.
Aesthetics
While both composition and asphalt shingles come in a variety of colors and styles, they can differ in terms of aesthetics. Asphalt shingles tend to have a more uniform appearance, while composition shingles can mimic the look of other roofing materials, such as wood or slate. This can give homeowners more options when it comes to choosing a style that complements their home’s aesthetic.
Best Composition Shingles To Look For In 2024
Now that we know about what these shingles are, next we will go over some of the best products on the market. Below we have listed some of the top composition roof shingles that can elevate your home:
Malarkеy Highlandеr® Shinglеs
Malarkey is an industry leader when it comes to manufacturing top quality composition shingles. Today we will talk about their popular Highlandеr shinglе. It is crafted with advanced NEX® Polymer Modified Asphalt and features a Class 3 impact rating, which enables it to perform exceptionally well over time.
One of the shingle’s key features is its adhesive bonds, which are 50% stronger than standard shingles, guaranteeing secure attachment to the roof deck. Additionally, it has twice the seal of typical shingles, providing enhanced protection against moisture. Furthermore, the Highlandеr shingle has a nailing area that is double the size of competing products, ensuring faster and more accurate installation.
Owens Corning Oakridge® Shingles
Oakridge laminated shingles from Owens Corning offer superior performance and eye-catching curb appeal. These shingles boast a double layer in the nailing zone, which enhances their structural integrity and nail-holding capability compared to other options. Their exceptional durability is shown through their wind resistance up to 110 mph and Class A fire resistance.
Additionally, these roof shingles are available in a range of colors that elevate the visual appeal of your home beyond traditional 3-tab shingles, providing a sophisticated and attractive roofing solution.
GAF Timberline HDZ® Shingles
For years, GAF has been producing some of the best quality composition shingles in the industry. The Timberline HDZ shingles are one of their best offerings.
Designed to make your home stand out, these shingles are available in more than 10 colors and feature High Definition® shadow bands that add variety and depth to your roof. The shingles feature GAF’s proprietary StainGuard Plus™ warranty protection, which helps prevent unsightly blue-green algae stains from forming on the roof. These roof shingles are also rated for wind resistance up to 130 mph when installed using the required four nails per shingle.
Best Shingle Installation Services In Mississippi!
If you want to install asphalt shingles on your roof, then look no further than the team of Renova Roofing & Construction! With years of experience under our belt, we are dedicated to ensuring the safety and longevity of your home. Our top priority is your satisfaction, and we’re here to help with your roofing project every step of the way. So why wait? Get in touch with us today at (601) 647-3433 and experience the best roofing services in Mississippi.