Composite shingles are a popular roofing material because they are durable, and therefore, cost-effective. Depending upon the type of material used, traditional shingles have a useful lifespan of seven to 20 years. By contrast, composite roofing has 30- to 50-year warranties.

Composite shingles also can be molded and dyed to any desired color combination. Some are made and molded to mimic traditional shingles. Other types are created to complement the style and color of the home. Although composite shingles have been available to the roofing industry for many years, it is only in the last five years that the manufacturers have offered the wide variety now available. Now, there are literally hundreds of varieties of this product available for residential applications.

Composite shingles also can also be made of recycled materials, which reduces their impact on the environment. Composed of old tires and recycled plastic, these composites often look like traditional shingles, but they are much more environmentally conscious.

Composite roofing can fade slightly over time, a problem that is of concern to many homeowners. However, some manufacturers are addressing the problem by creating products that fade similarly to traditional wood roofing. This allows the fading to become part of the overall aesthetic of the house.

Generally, composite roofing can be installed directly over the old roofing. This makes installation costs far lower than other roofing materials. This also lowers the risk of any water damage occurring during the installation process.

Composite shingles can be a good solution for highly humid areas or an above-average amount of rain. Manufacturers sometimes add a chemical that prevents mildew and algae from growing on the roof. This additive can keep your roof looking new with minimal upkeep.

Composite shingles will require some regular cleaning in order to maintain their appearance. In this case, it is best to choose a professional to come and clean the roofing. If your house has vinyl siding, consider scheduling a complete exterior cleaning of your house once a year.

Composite shingles may also be a good idea if you are planning on selling your home in the near future. Although you won't be there to reap the benefits of your new roofing, consumers become more aware of the material, and they are looking for it when purchasing a home.

Composite shingles are a great solution for many homeowners but may not be appropriate for all applications. If you own an historical house, you may want to maintain the integrity of your home by choosing a more traditional roofing material. For a more durable alternative, standing seam metal roofing, which comes with a lifetime guarantee, is a popular choice.

With any decision, be sure to do your research before choosing composite shingles as the roofing for your home. Once you have decided that this is the material for you, call a professional who has experience installing it. He or she will be able to direct you to the best features and brand of composite roofing for your home.

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