Composition Roofs
Fiberglass composition is the most common roofing choice in this area for residential homes and comes in a variety of colors and styles. Composition shingles have a fiberglass
reinforcing mat at the center. This mat is coated with asphalt and mineral fillers. The fillers adhere to the fiberglass and the asphalt surrounds the structure, making it waterproof. Its top surface is embedded with a layer of ceramic granules.
Composition roofing falls into three major categories:
3-Tab Composition roofing comes with manufactures' warranties of 20, 25 and 30 years.
The least expensive option is known as "3-Tab" shingles. This type of roofing has been refined over the years. It appears as a one layer product with a distinct pattern of tabs. This pattern is caused by vertical slots notched into the visible part of each shingle, splitting the lower half of the shingle into three tabs.
Laminates come with manufacturers' warranties of 30, 40 and 50 years
Laminates (also known as dimensionals ) have become the most common choice in composition roofing. They are a more recent variant and are superior to the basic 3-Tab. Laminates have a second tabbed layer fused to a base shingle, effectively doubling the materials thickness. They have a strong resemblance to wood shake and are available in a wide range of colors.
Premium Shingle Manufacturers' warranties can be as long as 50 years or Lifetime.
Premium shingles are sometimes referred to as Grand Sequoia, Presidential, or Grand Canyons. They are a heavier Laminate and represent the absolute top of the line in Composition. They are thicker, heavier and physically larger than standard Laminates. Premium shingles often incorporate extra features like moss retardants and modified asphalts.
