Composition Roofing

Composition shingle roofing is the industry term for “asphalt shingle roofing.” However, any roofing company will know what you mean if you ask for asphalt roofing. The shingles used in this system are made of a “composite” of materials that include a base mat, asphalt on both sides, and granules on top.

Composition roofs are the most common type, due to their versatility, easy installation, and low cost. Early versions were made with an organic base mat of felt, paper, or wood pulp, coated in asphalt, and topped with a layer of ceramic granules. These shingles have been replaced with fiberglass, which begins with a fiberglass base reinforced with synthetic resin, coated with asphalt and topped with granules. The resin and asphalt make the shingle waterproof and hold the granules in place, while the granules protect the shingle from UV damage, add color, and can help resist algae and fungus growth depending on what additives are added by the manufacturers.