What is a composition shingle? A composition shingle, also known as a “composition” or “tile sheet,” is the most popular roofing material in North America.
It can be used for both residential and commercial applications. Composition shingles are made from either a fiberglass or cellulose mat, mineral granules, and asphalt. The thickness of the product may vary depending on manufacturer specifications.
This article will discuss some factors that make up this type of roofing product!
So whenever you’re ready to learn more about composition shingles in greater depth, keep reading.
What Are Composition Shingles?
Composition shingles are made from either a fiberglass or cellulose mat, mineral granules, and asphalt. These shingles are used for residential roofing applications such as roofs on homes.
Composition shingles come in many different thicknesses depending on manufacturer specifications. They can be installed by hand or with fasteners to help install them faster without using nails.
These products offer several benefits, including low maintenance requirements. This is because they don’t require painting as other materials do!
Composition shingle roof systems have been around since the early 1900s. This is when rolled tar paper was first invented. This is probably why these products became popular across North America today!
If you’re looking for a new type of material that’s easy to install while also being long-lasting, then go for composition shingles.
History of Composition Shingles
In essence, the history of composition shingles is largely a timeline of lawsuits against manufacturers for failing to live up to their contractual obligation in providing high-quality roofing products.
We’re going to take a look at the history of composition shingles and how they’ve evolved into what we have today:
George Bartholemew invented the first method. He was an inventor who patented his own version back in 1881 that would be used as impregnated felt paper. It was attached with asphalt or tar.
Newer versions came around after World War II when fiberglass mats began being manufactured and mineral granules and asphalt. The earliest ones date back to the 1950s, but the most common types are from 1960 onwards because of better quality control measures.
In the 1970s, manufacturers began to use asphalt with a plastic or paper mat and mineral granules on top for durability (this was called “composition shingles”).
The 1980s saw the introduction of polyethylene mats that were more durable than previous versions. It required less maintenance because they didn’t require much upkeep as older ones did.
There are also two types:
- Fiberglass-mat composition shingles, which are typically found in humid regions
- Cellulose-mat composition shingles, which are mainly used in dry areas
Hence, you must find out what kind your area will need before making any decisions!
Lastly, we have composite roof materials made from wood, metal, or clay tiles, among other things. The most popular of them all is the composition shingle.
How Are Composition Shingles Used?
In residential projects, composition shingles are often used on the roof of a house. They are typically installed by hand or with fasteners to help install them faster without using nails which can be time-consuming and difficult for some people.
These products are often used in commercial projects where a professional, “finished” appearance is desired.
Unlike other types of roofing materials such as asphalt shingles or wood shake, composition shingle roofs don’t need to be painted, which helps reduce maintenance requirements!
Since composition shingle roofs became popular in the early 1900s, many homeowners have chosen this type as their preferred material choice for installing new roofs on their homes.
It is also common that construction projects use these products due to how long-lasting they are while installing simultaneously!
How Are Composition Shingles Made?
The process of making composition shingles is dependent on the material from which it is made. Composition shingles are made at a factory.
The process of making fiberglass shingles is to lay a mat, mineral granules, and asphalt on top. Fiberglass mats are made from small pieces of glass fibers that form an even layer for the roof product.
Mineral granules provide insulation. They support the mat while also providing additional traction during installation. Finally, asphalt protects against weather elements such as extreme heat or rain!
Cellulose composition shingle manufacturing begins with cutting up blocks of wood. The pulp is taken into long strips. These will soon be turned into layers in the finished product.
The strips are then heated before being cut again to create smaller pieces. These will become cellulose tile sheet materials.
To make this material more durable over time, they may include specially blended minerals. These are added to the layers during manufacturing.
Once these materials have been layered and formed into a shingle shape, they are sprayed. They can also be dipped with asphalt for weatherproofing before getting cut in half! These two halves will eventually be installed onto your roof, which is done by hand or using fasteners.
Fiberglass Composition Shingles
Fiberglass composition shingles are best for residential properties. This is because they are both easy to install and long-lasting!
This type of shingle is made with a mat, mineral granules, and asphalt on top. The fiberglass mat provides the roof product its insulation qualities that help keep your home warm in the wintertime. In addition to that, it protects your home from extreme weather such as rain or heat waves.
Fiberglass composition shingles typically come in thicknesses like 0.625″ or 0.75″. They offer the option of a no-fuss installation with or without fasteners. This is for additional protection against weather elements!
Cellulose Mat Composition Shingles
Cellulose mat composition shingles are best for commercial properties. This is because they provide a professional, finished look and can last for years!
Making this type of shingle starts with cutting up blocks of wood pulp into long strips. These will soon be turned into layers in the finished product.
The pieces are cut again to create small cellulose sheets. These will become part of these roofing products when layered together.
Cellulose composition shingles may include specially blended minerals that help it outlast other types as well as being waterproofed before installation onto your property!
Mineral Composition Shingles
Mineral composition shingles are best for residential and commercial properties. This is because they provide a durable, long-lasting roofing solution.
Making mineral composition shingles is similar to the other types. Primarily, because it starts with layering mat material, mineral granules, and asphalt on top.
Mineral composition shingle mats have artificial fibers mixed into them, sprayed, or dipped in asphalt for weatherproofing before getting cut!
The strength of mineral shingles is in their durability. But also in the ability to last for years without breaking down. These shingles are typically thicker than other types of composition shingles, which are perfect for protecting your home or business!
Asphalt Composition Shingles
Asphalt composition shingles are best for residential properties. This is because they are affordable and last a long time.
Asphalt composition shingles are done by layering mat material, mineral granules, and asphalt on top of one another. The final product is cut in half!
These two halves go over your roof and install as if it were any other type of shingle you’d find at a store. Regardless of how they were installed, through fasteners or hand installation!
It’s best to consider what climate conditions you live in before installing this specific type. This is exposure to extreme weather like heat waves will shorten its lifespan here.
You should note that while asphalt gives great protection against wind and rain, it will not provide insulation against heatwaves.
The Benefits of Using a Composition Shingle Roof
When it comes to using a composition shingle roof, many benefits come with it. For instance, composition shingle roofs should be used when:
- You want to weatherproof the roof of your property
- It would help if you had a durable and long-lasting roofing solution for either residential or commercial properties
- You’re looking for an affordable option that’s best suited for residential usage only
The benefits don’t stop there because composition shingle roofs are also great at protecting against extreme weather such as rain or heat waves!
It doesn’t matter if you live in an area with high winds year-round – this type of material will protect them too.
Asphalt composition shingles do not protect against wind. Thus, it is suggested to use another one if living in areas where these conditions often occur!
Cellulose mat and mineral compositions can be left exposed to the elements without weathering or degrading. The material is treated with a waterproofing agent before installation. It is then cut into strips, layered, and installed on your property!
In terms of price, composition shingles are more affordable than other types of shingles on the market. You can find these products at any home improvement store and have them installed by a professional for less!
How to Install Composition Shingles
Composition shingles are installed by finding the roof’s slope and then going in rows vertically on top of one another, but not overlapping.
The first row is laid out horizontally across the property from side to side. This is before the next two layers are installed below it as a “V” shape with both feet touching each other.
The second row is installed with the first row’s ridge down, and then finally, the third row is installed.
The third row is laid out diagonally from one corner of the roof and then down towards that same corner again – this does not overlap!
In this manner, the fourth row is also laid out. However, it has an added foot turned perpendicular to its previous installation. This is to make a right angle together.
This process continues until you reach your last layer. This should be set up at 45 degrees or another 90-degree angle if installing on a flat surface without any slope!
To find where these lines intersect, use either chalk or tacks to mark them off first. Once you’ve done that, install the composition shingles by having one foot of each layer touch your chalk or tacks. That means you’ll have an inch between strips!
These shingles must be cut for maximum installation efficiency because cutting them will make laying them down easier!
One downside to composition shingle roofs is that they cannot be repaired easily if broken or cracked – though there are ways around this situation which we will go over after installing your new ones!
Here are some tips for composition shingle installation:
- When installing asphalt shingles, it’s best to install them in an area with little exposure to wind
- You should never install composition shingles on a roof that has less than three inches of slope
- If you’re installing the material without having someone help you, start at the bottom and work your way up
Composition Shingle Types
Besides the materials from which composition shingles are made, there are also several types of compositions for this kind of roof. To better understand the installation process, you need to learn about each of these shingle types.
Three-Tab Shingles
For instance, three-tab shingles are the most popular since they are easy to install and help with noise reduction.
Composition shingles are the most economical choice when it comes to covering your roof. They’re also easy to maintain, but they have a shorter lifespan than other materials and come with an average manufacturer’s warranty of 20 years or less.
One of the most common problems with shingles is long-term corrosion due to water penetration. The 3-tab looks great at first, but over time it starts to leak. You might not notice this until you get a big bill for the roof.
Laminate Shingles
Laminate shingles are the second most popular type and are made from a fiberglass mat layered with an asphalt outer coating. The material is then cut into strips before being installed on your property!
Due to the 3-tab shingle’s vulnerability, an upgrade was developed that doubled its thickness.
Laminate shingles also come with a manufacturer’s warranty ranging between 30 and 50 years–which is much more than your average roofer offers!
Architectural Shingles
Architectural shingles are also popular and come in three types: the cheapest, laminated; next, fiberglass mat with asphalt coating; lastly, wood shakes. The type of shingle you choose depends on your budget, but it’s always important to ensure that the one you pick is rated for wind!
These architectural shingles are more durable than composition, and they have a higher warranty. These top-tier shingles also mimic slabs layered one on each other, which make the roof stronger.
The best part is that this design has better mold resistance, so you won’t need to worry about your house deteriorating over time like it would if made of old-school material!
Architectural shingles are an excellent choice for storm-proof roofs. These synthetic slabs act as a shield against wind and rain, providing much-needed protection to your house’s framework.
They’re also more durable than their composition counterparts which means they’ll protect your roof all season long!
Individual Shingles
Individual shingles are the most expensive and are made from a single mat of fiberglass or cellulose, mineral granules, and asphalt.
They also come in three types:
- Laminated
- Sanded wood shakes
- The cheapest being the laminate variety
These shingles provide you the freedom to customize your roof with intricate patterns that will greatly increase its curb appeal.
The major downside is that installation can be quite extensive, but as long as it’s done carefully and neatly, then this won’t affect how attractive your house looks!
What to Look for in a Composition Shingle Installation Specialist
When installing composition shingles, you most likely will want to hire somebody else to it for you. However, you don’t want to hire some random person for the job without qualifying their skills.
Here is a list of things to look for when hiring an installation specialist for composition shingles:
- Avoid roofers that have a low price but are not certified in the shingle installation trade
- The more experience your installer has, the better! So make sure they’ve been doing this for at least 20 years or longer before you hire them
- Find out if their company is insured and licensed to provide services in your area
If so, rest assured knowing that you’re hiring someone qualified to do the job right from start to finish. Make sure that you ask these questions:
- How many roofs have they installed?
- What materials are they qualified with?
- Do any of their employees meet these qualifications as well?
- If there was an emergency, would somebody be available 24/seven to respond?
- What are their qualifications for being able to install composition shingles?
- Do they have an onsite warranty that covers the installation of these types of roofs?
- What range is their stock to match your roof’s dimensions and shape?
- How long will it take them before you can expect a quote back from them with all the necessary information about cost, time frame, etc.?
- Are they insured and licensed at the state level as well as local levels?
If something goes wrong, there would be somebody who could help remedy any issues or answer any questions you may have.
How Much Does It Cost to Install Composition Shingles?
The installation cost is variable based on several factors like location, size of the roof, and type.
You can expect to pay anywhere from $500 all the way up to $4000, depending on how big your house is!
But don’t worry because there are plenty of home improvement companies that will offer a free quote for you. Thus, you will know what it’ll cost before they start work.
Make sure you’re getting at least three quotes before making any decisions about who gets hired. This could save you significant time when it comes down to price negotiations!
Most contractors should provide a ballpark estimate for installation costs without additional fees. This is as long as they have enough information upfront about the project itself.
If not, ask them why not! It’s important that their prices be competitive and that they’re transparent about what you’ll be getting for your money.
What You Should Consider:
The durability of composition shingles versus asphalt ones in wear-and-tear from heavy winds, high humidity levels, etc.
If the installation process is too expensive or extensive, it might not be worth purchasing these types over their counterparts because you could pay more than if you had purchased something less durable!
Always get at least three quotes before making any decisions to avoid misrepresentation by contractors trying to sell a service but do not provide quality artistry.
Ask lots of questions about how long the project will take and maintenance, so there are no surprises when all is said and done.
Determine if installation costs are worth it or not to make sure you’re getting something of quality and a long-lasting product that will be able to withstand the weather conditions in your area.
Alternatives to Composition Shingles
Besides composition shingles, you can also use other materials when it comes to roofing, like metal or clay tiles.
Metal is a great option for those looking for long-lasting and durable roofs. It has high resistance to weather conditions. This is because they’re more expensive, so you know what you’re getting upfront!
Clay tiles are also excellent options. They come in an array of colors, styles, and shapes, making them perfect for any house.
There’s no worry about installation costs either because these can be installed by anyone. Given that they have some experience handling handiwork projects around the home!
You don’t need to go through all this trouble, though, if your house is large enough. If there’s plenty of room on top, then consider installing composite shingle siding.
Shingles Installation for You
So, the next time you’re shopping for roofing materials makes sure to check out composition shingles! They’ll give your home a new look and feel that you love.
But don’t forget to ask lots of questions about their experience and qualifications before hiring them. This is because this will determine how good they are at doing business with you long-term.
If you’re interested in high-quality shingles installation, get in touch with us, and we will happily accommodate your needs.
