Composite roofing is one of the most popular options for homeowners thanks to its wide range of customization. If you’re in the market for a new roof, you might think that you need to pick the same kind of roofing finish that you have right now.

Whether you have an asphalt shingle roof, a slate roof, or a copper roof, you should make sure to keep your options open. Recent roofing trends have seen composite roofs become a popular replacement.

What Type Of Roof Is Composite?

Composite roofs, also referred to as “synthetic roofing” are a type of roof made of recycled materials. To make these roofs more appealing, manufacturers make them look exactly like traditional roofing finishes. You can get composite roofing materials that look just like slate, asphalt, or cedar shake roofing.

You may wonder if these composite roofs really look like traditional roofing finishes. If you work in the roofing industry, you may be able to tell the difference. However, the average homeowner cannot look at a composite roof and know that recycled materials were used in its manufacturing.

Benefits of Composite Roofs

One of the biggest benefits of composite roofs is their durability. Depending on the specific type of composite roof that you choose, you can expect your roof to last anywhere from 30 to 50 years. That is much longer than some of the more common roofing options available.

Synthetic roofing also provides wind resistance, fire resistance, and impact resistance. Synthetic roofs can withstand winds of up to 110 MPH. Impact resistance helps protect your roof from hail damage. You can get synthetic roofing with a Class 4 Impact Rating, making it very resistant to hail. Additionally, fire-resistant roofing is a great choice for people who live in an area where wildfires are common, as a stray ember can ignite a home.

Composite roofing provides light-weight options for homeowners who want the look of a slate roof on their home, but don’t have a home capable of supporting a slate roof without restructuring. Slate roofs weigh between 800 and 1,000 pounds per 100 square feet. This means that installing a slate roof on your home may require you to work with a structural engineer to make the home strong enough. Composite roofs are lightweight while still providing the look of a slate roof.

Synthetic roofing provides a cost-effective alternative to many other types of roofing, making it a popular choice for homeowners. When you’re looking to replace the roof on your home, cost is one of the most important factors that you consider.

How Much Do Composite Roofs Cost?

There are different types of composite roofing, which impacts the cost of installation. For instance, a composite slate roof will be more expensive than a composite asphalt roof.

Based on national averages, composite roofing costs somewhere between $4 and $8 per square foot. Lower grade composite roofing can cost as little as $1 per square foot while higher grade composite roofing can cost as much as $15 per square foot.

The average size of a residential roof is 2400 square feet. With those numbers in mind, an average composite roof costs between $9,600 and $19,200 to install on your home. The national average cost for a complete composite roofing installation is $14,400.

The cost of repairing a composite roof is lower than the cost of repairing many types of traditional roofs. Composite roofing repairs usually cost around $4.50 per square foot.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)FAQ

Are composite roofs less durable than traditional roofing options?

No, they are not. In fact, composite roofing lasts longer than many types of traditional roofing options.

How much does composite roofing cost?

Based on national averages, composite roofing costs between $4 and $8 per square foot.

Do composite roofs require a lot of maintenance?

Since composite roofing is such a durable option, it requires very little maintenance. Depending on the type of composite roofing that you choose, you may need to invest in annual cleaning, but overall, composite roofing maintenance is rare and affordable.

When choosing the right type of roof for your home, you should educate yourself about all the options that you have at your disposal. Composite roofing provides a durable, lightweight, cost-effective option that has led many homeowners to choose composite roofing for their homes nationwide.