How Long Does A Composite Roof Last?
If you want to learn more about a composite roof as an option for your home, including how long it will last, then read below for all the details.
Are you in the market for a new roof? With so many different types out there, you need to make the right decision on which one to have installed on your home. Composite roofs are a popular style of roofing, one that many home owners go with. What are they, and how long can you expect them to last?
What is a Composite Roof?
A composite roof is a type of asphalt shingle roofing. It’s called a ‘composite’ roof because it’s made up of several different materials. Usually, the shingle has a fiberglass mat at it’s core, which then coated with asphalt and mineral fillers.
The composite roof came about thanks to a ban on asbestos used in roofing. Several other different materials were tested, and fiberglass was found to be the best material to use in the shingles.
Why Use a Composite Roof on Your Home?
With lots of different options when it comes to your roof, why should you choose a composite roof? There are several benefits to them that home owners like:
Affordable. Being an asphalt shingle, composite roofing is very affordable when compared to other options. Replacing the roof on your home can get costly, fast. If you’re trying to stick to a budget, this can be a good way of reducing costs.
Fire resistance. Most composite shingles will have class 4 fire resistance, making them a great option when it comes to fire safety. They also are rated Class A in fire resistance, the same as most metal roofs. You can use these to get the fire resistance of a metal roof, without the price tag.
Can be used in place of more expensive shingles. Several different types of composite roofs have been made to mimic other styles of roof. For example, the right composite asphalt tile will stand in for a slate or wood roof. In fact, some historic preservation projects use them in place of the real thing, to reduce upkeep and restoration costs.
More eco friendly. Home owners are always looking for ways to reduce their impact on their environment. Replacing your roof certainly isn’t the most green thing you can do with your home. A composite roof can offset that, though. Some manufacturers make their shingles to eco friendly standards, so you can make the right choice.
How Long Does a Composite Roof Last?
This is the important question. If you have a composite roof installed on your home, how long is it going to last for? On average, a composite roof will last around 20 years. If you’re using a fiber cement shingle, that number goes up to 25 years. Some brands can even last up to 50 years.
As you can see, there are some variations depending on which style of composite roof you buy. Most home owners go with the standard year lifespan roofs as, of course, they are cheaper. They’ll still protect the home from the elements, but they will need to be totally replaced sooner.
There are some things that will affect the longevity of the roof. Firstly, you need to maintain the roof effectively in order to keep it in the best condition. If the roof is allowed to deteriorate, then it won’t last as long.
Then you’ll need to consider the weather. Rain will affect the roof over time. If there’s any cracks in the roof, they can allow water in and damage the roof prematurely. You’ll need to carry out regular checks to ensure this doesn’t happen. Snow also affects roofs, as cold weather allows shingles to expand and contract. When this happens, you can see shingles coming loose. You’ll need to check your roof after cold weather, and replace any shingles you see coming away from the roof.
If you keep an eye on your roof though, you shouldn’t have any problems with it. Proper maintenance will allow you to get the most years out of a composite roof, before it needs to be replaced.
What to Ask Yourself Before Choosing a Composite Roof
A composite roof isn’t the best roof for everybody, so you’ll need to ask yourself some questions to see if it’s the right option for you.
How long will I stay in this home? Are you expecting to move in a few years, or are you staying for the foreseeable future? If you’re going to move in a few years, then a composite roof would work well. It will fully protect your home, and you won’t have to worry about the replacement in 20 year’s time. If you’re staying for longer, you may want to go with a longer lasting roof.
What’s my budget? This is what most people consider when choosing a roof. If you choose a regular composite roof, it’s going to be much cheaper than other options. If you have more money to spend though, you may want to choose a longer lasting roofing material, such as slate.
What style do I want for my home? The style of the roofing will have to match your home, in order to fit in with it. That’s where composite tiles shine, as they can be made to mimic other styles of roofing. If you need a more expensive looking roof on a budget, then this style will work well for you.
How much upkeep can I do? How much work are you willing to do on your roof to keep it in best condition? Some roofs, like metal roofs, don’t need as much maintenance as others. Composite roofs need a little more as shingles can be pulled off by wind or damaged by rain. They’ll need to be replaced when that happens, so are you willing to do that?
Conclusion
That’s everything you need to know about composite tiles. They’re affordable, high quality, and you can get them in a large array of styles and colors. If you want a roof that costs less but still protects and looks great, they’re going to be the best roof for you.