Get Composite Shingle Service in the Chicago Area
Composition roof shingle is a popular roofing option widely used in residential construction in Chicago. Roofing shingles composition consists of shingles made from a combination of materials: asphalt, fiberglass, and ceramic granules. The shingles are designed with a fiberglass mat at the core, coated with asphalt for waterproofing, and topped with ceramic granules for protection against UV rays and severe weather.
Composition roof shingles come in a wide range of styles and colors. With various roofing options you can easily choose the type of composite roof that will complement your home’s architectural style the most. We differentiate between three main types of composition shingles:
- Composition three-tab shingles;
- Dimensional composition shingles (also known as laminate or architectural);
- Premium shingles.
While 30 year composition roof shingles are the most typical in terms of longevity, some of them can last up to 50 years. In some cases, these roofs have lifetime warranties by a roofing company in Chicago. Besides good performance and durability, they are cost-effective, relatively easy to install and repair. In addition, they offer good fire, wind, impact, and UV resistance, basically these roofs can last anywhere.
Importance in the U.S. Market
Composite roof shingles play a crucial role in the United States roofing industry which is projected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate of 6.6% between 2025 and 2032. It will reach an estimated value of USD 41.50 billion by 2032.
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What is a Composition Roof?
What is a composition shingle? An asphalt composition shingle is a roofing system made from asphalt, fiberglass, and mineral granules. Some composition roofs can also be made of recycled paper products, rubber, or plastic. Higher-end shingles often include components like modified asphalts, moss retardants, and corrosion-resistant materials. It is a popular choice among a great number of homeowners in Chicago, as they are presented with a wide variety of styles and types of composition shingles. Moreover this roof option is more affordable and demands relatively low maintenance requirements than a regular roof. So it is a great way for your homeowner’s association to make your street look better.
Composition Roofs VS Traditional Asphalt Shingles
In the Chicago Community Areas, composition roof shingles are trendy among homeowners because they are affordable and durable in varying weather conditions.
Although these roof types have some similarities, there is still an extent of difference between asphalt and composition shingles, including the materials they are commonly made of. Let’s talk about asphalt shingles VS composition shingles. The most common differences include durability (30-50 years for composition roofs and 15-30 for asphalt shingles), better weather resistance for composition shingles, and typically cost higher than asphalt shingles. At the same time, the installation techniques for both roof types are similar.
Which type is better for various needs? Composition roofs have a wide choice when it comes to long-term value. They are also costly, and homeowners with tight budgets more often prefer traditional asphalt shingles. However, you should know that more people choose composition roofs in regions with frequent severe weather conditions. The reason is their better resistance to wind and impact and still allow you to make your home look nice as there are many shingle styles.
Types of Composition Roof Shingles in Chicago
Experts differentiate between 3 types of composition roof shingles: 3-tab shingles, architectural shingles, and luxury shingles. Each has its own characteristics:
3-Tab Shingles
3-tab shingles consist of a single layer of material and create the appearance of three separate shingles when installed. They use a single layer of asphalt and have a flat appearance, small weight, and a diverse color palette. Lets discuss their ins and outs closer:
Architectural Shingles
Across Chicago Areas, architectural shingles or laminated composition shingles are a premium type of composition roof material. They have enhanced aesthetics and durability. The characteristics of a composition architectural shingle are thickness and higher weight (about 50%+), and the availability of different colors and styles.
Talking about the main differences between composition VS architectural shingles, there are such pros of architectural shingles as enhanced durability, superior wind resistance, better aesthetics, better warranty coverage, and increased home value. The cons include a higher initial cost, heavier weight, and more complex installation.
Luxury Shingles
Luxury shingles, also known as premium shingles, are top-tier options designed to mimic the appearance of highest-quality materials. They are commonly more durable than standard asphalt shingles and have a multi-layered construction for extra dimension.
If you’re searching for top-quality composition roof installation services near me, consider hiring certified contractors for a long-lasting solution.
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Benefits of Composition Roofs
Composition roofs have many benefits that can play out in your favor both after the installation and in the long run. Homeowners in Chicago Areas appreciate composition roofs for their ability to withstand harsh winters and hot summers with minimal maintenance.
Durability and Longevity
How long does a composition shingle roof last? Usually, from 20 to 50 years, but this number depends on the used materials and weather conditions. In general, composition roofs are known for their good durability and lifespan as shingles are thicker.
Different Designs
Thanks to the aesthetic properties of composition roofs, homeowners can choose from various visual styles for their homes. Moreover it is easier to find the right fit for your house’s exterior.
Pricing in Chicago
The Chicago Metropolitan Area has seen steady growth in composition roof installations, as they offer cost-effective solutions for both urban and suburban homes.
You can expect to pay from $4 to $8 per square foot for the installation of a composition roof shingle. This type of roof is one of the least expensive options on the market.
Installation Process of Composition Roof Shingles
How to install composition shingles? If you decide to do it yourself, the instructions below might be of help.
- First, inspect and prepare the roof deck. Replace any damaged sheathing. Make sure that it’s clean and dry.
- Apply a drip edge along the eaves and rakes of the roof so that the water doesn’t seep under the shingles.
- Cover the roof deck with a water-resistant barrier. You can use synthetic underlayment or felt paper.
- In areas with ice dams, apply an ice and water shield along the eaves and in valleys.
- Install a starter strip of shingles along the eaves to provide a base for the first row of shingles.
- Begin laying shingles from the bottom of the roof and work upwards in rows that overlap one another. Nail each shingle securely according to manufacturer specifications. Consider the minimum slope for composition shingle roof before the installation.
- Install proper flashing around roof valleys, chimneys, vents, and other penetrations to prevent leaks.
- Finally, install the ridge cap shingles along the peak.
- Remove all debris and do a final inspection of the roof.
In Chicago suburbs, many homeowners prefer luxury composition shingles for their curb appeal and energy efficiency.
Key Recommendations
Before you install your first composition roof shingle, let’s discuss some pieces of advice, which you should take into consideration:
- Start roof installation when the weather is dry. This way you can prevent potential water damage.
- Opt only for high-quality shingles that can cover both – climate circumstances and your preferences.
- Hire a credible and experienced roofing contractor.
- Think about the proper ventilation for your attic.
- Check in advance if you need a special permit for roof installation from your local authorities.
- Get a warranty on the materials and on the contractor’s work.
Maintenance of Composition Roof Shingles
- Inspect your roof at least 2 times a year. The best season for that is spring. The weather is relatively dry.
- Regularly remove leaves, branches, and dirt from your roof.
- Clean gutters and downspouts for proper drainage.
- Regularly trim the tree limbs next to the roof. So that they don’t rub against the surface or fall on the roof during storms.
- If you notice moss or algae on your roof, hire a professional to clean it.
- Work on the proper attic ventilation to prevent the accumulation of moisture, which can lead to mold growth and damage.
- Hire a professional roof contractor to perform an inspection every now and then.
Price and Warranty of Composition Roof Shingles
The type of a roof and the quality of materials impact the price of a composition roof. In this section you will find the composition shingles price list for the most typical materials per 100 square feet:
- $80 – $130 per square for asphalt 3-tab shingles
- $100 – $250 per square for architectural or dimensional shingles
- $300 – $700 per square for premium shingles
The prices represent the cost of shingles only. They don’t include other necessary elements, such as underlayment, flashing, or fasteners.
When searching for durable and stylish composition roofing close to me, think of options that combine affordability with excellent weather resistance.
Costs and Long-term Benefits
The installation cost of composition shingle roof can range from $4 to $8 per square foot, including materials and labor. For an average-sized roof of 2,500 square feet, homeowners can expect to pay around $20,538 on average. However, this cost can vary based on roof size, complexity, material quality, location, and labor costs.
Composition roofs have plenty of long-term benefits such as durability, low maintenance, energy efficiency, warranty protection, and affordable repairs.
Warranty Types for Composition Roofs
Manufacturer’s warranties and contractor’s warranties are 2 most popular warranty types for composition roof shingles. If you are wondering how to make the most out of your roof warranty, then follow our guide:
- Choose a contractor with a certificate from the shingle manufacturer. Roofing experts near you offer a variety of composition shingle styles to match your home’s architecture and withstand local weather conditions. In this way, you are likely to get better warranty options.
- Make sure that your attic has proper ventilation.
- Understand what can influence or void your warranty. The most popular reasons are improper installation or irregular or poor maintenance.
- Look for warranties that you can transfer to new residents. This can add value to your home if you decide to sell.
Carefully read this information, as it will surely come in handy.
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Conclusion
Composition roofs are a popular option for residential homes in Illinois. Although they are generally not as durable as some premium materials, composition roofs offer both cost-effectiveness and long-term performance.
Are there reliable composition roofing contractors close to me? Yes! But, the installation of composition roof shingles is relatively easy, and as an owner of a home in IL, you can install it yourself if you follow the instructions. As a result, you can save on labor expenses for your roofing project that would otherwise come with other, more complex materials.
FAQ
What is the average lifespan of different types of composition shingles?
Metal roofs can last up to 75 years, while tab asphalt shingles can last between 20 to 30 years. Each option has its perks, but if you are looking for a long-lasting solution metal roof is a great choice. Yet, you can still opt for asphalt shingle roof as it will last around 30 years.
Can composition shingles be installed over an existing roof?
Yes, adding new roofing over your existing one is possible. However, re-roofing or roof replacement is possible only with composition shingles, like asphalt roof.
How often should I inspect my composition roof for maintenance?
You should inspect your composition roof at least twice a year. One check up should take place in autumn to clear it from leaves and fallen branches, and another one in spring to check for damages.
Are composition shingles suitable for all climate conditions?
Yes, composition shingles is a great option for both – cold and hot state regions. They can easily withstand even extreme weather conditions and temperatures.
What is the typical warranty period for composition shingles?
Composition shingles warranty provided by a shingles manufacturer usually covers 30 years. However, it depends on the type of shingles, as some may last even for 55 years.
Can composition roofing be recycled at the end of its life?
Composite shingles are made from repurposed materials, like cedar shavings, tile and slate. Composite roofing is designed to be completely recyclable once its lifespan is over. This feature helps minimize construction and demolition waste and save the homeowner’s budget.