Is Composite Shingle Roof Good for Chicago Homeowners?
Are you ready to find out “what is composite shingles” and whether it is a good solution? Well, if you’re considering a roof replacement, composite shingles may be the most suitable variant for you. The laminated shingles are fast becoming the common roofing in Chicago since they are strong, beautiful, and inexpensive. It can handle different weather and it is easy to maintain and appropriate for both residential and commercial buildings. So let’s find out why this material is so popular in the roofing industry, as well as the pros and cons of composite shingles.
What You Need to Know About Composite Roofs – What are Composite Shingles Made Of?
Homeowners in Chicago neighborhoods are increasingly opting for composite roof shingles. Composite architectural shingles are durable, strong, and resistant to weather conditions. Thanks to the mineral granules on the surface, the tiles are protected from UV and fire, and provide color and texture.
The main components of eco-friendly composite tiles:
- fiberglass;
- recycled materials;
- polymers;
- asphalt;
- mineral granules.
What about composite roof shingles colors? In fact, these shingles come in a wide range of colors and textures. Here are just some of the most popular composite shingle roof colors:
- dark moon;
- brown earth;
- silver moon;
- terracotta
- sand;
- brick red;
- green forest
In many Chicago areas, composite shingles are becoming the preferred roofing choice due to their ability to withstand strong winds and heavy snow.
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Differences Between Composite Shingles Roof and Traditional Shingles
The diverse architecture in Chicago areas benefits greatly from the customizable aesthetic of composite shingles.
Differences from traditional asphalt shingles:
- Longer service life (30-50 years instead of 15-30 years).
- Better imitates expensive materials such as slate or wood shingles.
- It requires less maintenance.
- Uses recycled materials, which makes it more environmentally friendly.
- Although more expensive in the beginning, it is cheaper in the long run due to lower repair and maintenance costs.
Types of Composite Roof Shingles for Chicago Residents
If you’re searching for durable and stylish composite shingles near me, local professionals can help you choose the perfect fit for your home.
Composite Slate Roof Shingles
Composite slate shingles mimic the look of real slate but cost less and are lighter than the real thing. Advantages of such composite plastic roof shingles:
- Looks like real slate, with a variety of colors and textures.
- Lightweight and does not create a large load on the roof.
- Durable, resistant to damage, mold, and water.
- Requires minimal maintenance and can serve up to 50 years.
Composite Cedar Shake Shingles
Composite shake shingles repeat the appearance of cedar planks but are more durable. Advantages of composite wood shingles:
- Very realistic imitation of wood.
- It is highly resistant to impact, fire, weather conditions, and pests.
- Does not require frequent maintenance, unlike natural cedar shingles, and has a long service life.
In the Chicago suburbs, these shingles are a popular choice.
Comparison of the Best Composite Shingles – Features and Benefits
Benefits of Composite Shingles Roofing Material
Durability and Chicago's Weather Resistance
Composite or synthetic shingles are very durable and resistant to various weather conditions. They can withstand strong winds (up to 110 mph) and impact damage, such as hail or falling debris, providing reliable protection for your home in Chicago. Many types of tiles have the highest impact resistance class – Class 4.
With many options requested near me, it’s easy to find a solution that balances aesthetics and long-term reliability.
In addition, composite shingles protect against moisture, fire, and pests, which reduces the risk of rot, mold, and insect infections. Synthetic composite shingles boast impressive longevity, lasting between 30 to 50 years – significantly outpacing traditional asphalt shingles, which typically last only 15 to 20 years.
Aesthetic Options and Customization
Across Chicagoland, composite roof shingles are praised for their long service life and style. They imitate the look of natural materials such as wood, slate, or cedar, but require much less maintenance. The tiles are available in a variety of colors, from traditional to modern bright shades, and some manufacturers even offer customized color solutions. In addition, there is a choice of different styles and shapes of tiles: from wooden to asphalt. They also can be laid differently, which creates beautiful patterns on the roof of the house, which will also add individuality and make the house look even more beautiful.
Eco-Friendliness and Sustainability
Composite tiles have environmental advantages over other roofing materials in Illinois:
- The use of recycled materials reduces the burden on natural resources.
- Some types of composite tiles can be fully recycled at the end of their service life, which reduces the amount of construction waste in landfills.
- It also enhances energy conservation in the house because most of them have relatively good insulation standards that will help in the conservation of energy used for heating and cooling the house.
- Due to their long service life (up to 50 years), composite roof tiles require less frequent replacements, which also reduces resource consumption.
- Some manufacturers in IL apply granules to the tiles that have the ability to capture CO2 from the air, thus cutting pollution
Roofing installers near you can upgrade your home’s energy efficiency and provide lasting protection against severe weather.
Pros and Cons of Composite Shingles VS Asphalt Shingles
Chicago suburbs are seeing a rise in composite slate roofs. But how different are these two types of shingles?
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How to Install Composite Shingles and Take Care of Them?
For installing composite tiles, it is better to contact a professional roofing contractor because this roofing solution requires expertise and extensive experience.
So, let’s look at the installation process, at the beginning of which we inspect the roof and repair it. Next, we add a waterproof underlayment and install the starter strips. Finally, we start rolling the shingles from the bottom to the top and use 4-6 nails to secure each one (don’t make it up, follow the manufacturer’s instructions). There are different laying patterns, but the most popular is staggered. After that, cut the tiles around the ventilation holes, roof ridge, and chimneys.
Best Practices for Maintaining Composite Shingle
Composite shingles are a great roofing project, but they still require some maintenance. The composite Davinci shingles should be checked more frequently, at least once per year, and more often after a storm. Gently sweep away leaves, branches, and other debris with a soft brush or blower, and remember to keep your gutters clean and free of blockages. Also, trim back any overhanging tree branches to prevent them from scratching your roof. And finally, don’t forget to check the ventilation (this is also very important)!
Expected Composite Shingle Roof Life Expectancy and Warranty Considerations
What about durability? In fact, laminated composite shingles are durable. On average, their lifespan is from 20 to 50 years. Manufacturers offer warranties ranging from 20 to 50 years. However, warranties usually do not cover normal wear and tear and damage from external factors. For proper installation and to ensure these warranties are upheld, hire roofer installers close to me who are experienced with this material.
Roof Cost – Composite Roofing Shingles Cost Analysis
Composite shingles typically cost more than asphalt shingles. But don’t forget that they are more durable and easier to maintain than the latter (so the initial cost difference can be compensated for).
Comparison of composite shingle prices with other materials:
- Asphalt shingles – $4-8 per square foot.
- Composite shingles – $7-14 per square foot.
- Metal roofing – $6-18 per square foot.
- Wooden shingles – $8-14 per square foot.
- Clay or concrete tiles – $6-14 per square foot.
- Natural slate – $9-12 per square foot.
According to national averages, a new roof made of high-quality materials such as composite shingles can provide a payback of about 60-68%. This means that if you spend $22,636 on a new roof, you can potentially increase the sale value of your home by about $15,247.
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Conclusion
Thus, composite asphalt shingles have very important advantages over other traditional roofing materials such as asphalt or wood shingles. These include durability, aesthetics, sustainability, and environmental friendliness. The main thing is to choose professional roofing services close to me because high-quality repair and installation are the keys to the durability and attractiveness of your roof!
FAQ
Are composite shingles eco-friendly?
Yes, composite tiles are considered a fairly environmentally friendly roofing option. Many of them are made from recycled materials, and they are also durable, which means that the less often roofs are replaced, the less construction waste is generated.
What is the average lifespan of composite roof shingles?
The average service life of a composite roof is 30 to 50 years. As you already know, this is much longer than that of traditional shingles.
How do weather conditions affect the performance of composite shingles?
Composite roof tiles are very resistant to various weather conditions (strong winds, hail, rain, and snow). Manufacturers use a special coating – that protects them from fading in the sun and other damage from ultraviolet radiation.
Can composite shingles be installed over an existing roof?
Indeed, in some cases, it is possible to install composite shingles on an old roof. However, there are certain limitations here as well (as in everything, right?). Better to contact a professional who will diagnose the condition of your roof and determine the best approach.
Are composite shingles fire-resistant?
Yes and yes again – composite tiles are highly fire-resistant. They do not support combustion and can significantly slow the spread of fire in the event of a fire. However, no roofing material is completely fireproof, so it is important to follow all fire safety regulations.