How to Install a Composite Roof
Choosing a new roof for your New England home is far from an effortless process. As you do your research, you’ll likely be bombarded with an array of product options, including asphalt shingles, metal, slate, clay tiles, and natural wood shakes. However, there’s another alternative that is newer than most but might be the best of the bunch: composite roofing.
What Is Composite Roofing?
Composite roofing is a unique product that is made by mixing several materials, most of which are usually recycled and sustainable. Some of the components of composite roofing can include rubber, plastic, fiberglass, asphalt, and paper products. One of the top selling points of composite roofing is that these materials can be formed into almost any shape or texture, so composite shingles can mimic popular roofing styles like:
- Asphalt shingles
- Slate
- Clay tiles
- Wood shakes
The selling points of composite roofing are many, as it’s usually less expensive than many metal and slate roofs but offers similar performance. In fact, composite roofs offer an extensive list of benefits, including:
Longevity
Composite roofs are engineered to last longer than asphalt shingles and other types of roofing. They also offer superior fade resistance than shingles, slate, and wood shakes, as they hold up better during constant exposure to the sun’s UV rays.
Durability
Composite roofs are specifically engineered to stand up to the elements better than their all-natural counterparts like wood and slate. They also offer excellent resistance to wind, fire, and damage due to impacts.
Curb Appeal
Metal roofs can look industrial, and slate roofs can fade or develop mildew problems that cause discoloration. When it comes to long-lasting roofing materials, it’s hard to beat the aesthetic appeal offered by composite shingles.
Environmental Friendliness
Most of the materials used to create composite roofs are recycled, and when a composite roof has reached the end of its life, it can be recycled again.
Value
A composite roof will add to your home’s value, so if you decide to sell you can expect to receive an excellent return on your investment.
Installing a Composite Roof
If you’ve made your decision and chosen to have a composite roof installed on your New England home, you’re probably wondering how the installation process will play out. The first step is to select a contractor that not only offers the product you’re looking for but also has the expertise needed to ensure that your project is completed flawlessly. Finding the right contractor is crucial because no matter how well-made the composite roofing shingles you choose are, they won’t deliver on their performance promises if they’re not installed properly.
The process for installing a composite roof is similar to that of an asphalt shingle roof. The first step is making sure that the wooden roof deck is in decent shape and that all rotted boards have been replaced. Composite roofing is much lighter than some products, like slate, so extra reinforcement isn’t needed. Next, underlayment is installed over the wood to prevent water intrusion. It’s important to ensure that extra layers are installed around the edges and on the hips and ridges for extra protection.
Now it’s time for the composite shingles. They are installed a little differently than asphalt shingles, as some products come with pre-marked nailing locations, and some require nailing along the side of the shingle as well as the top. Like asphalt shingles, composite shingles can be cut into various shapes using a saw to fill in odd spaces.
Partner With New England’s Composite Roofing Specialists
If you want to ensure that the composite roof installed on your home will provide decades of worry-free performance, entrust your project to the team at NEWPRO. We’ve been providing home improvement upgrades for New England homeowners since 1945 and have served more than 100,000 satisfied customers and counting. What’s more, much of our new business comes through referrals from previous customers, so it’s no surprise that we maintain an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
When you partner with us, we’ll protect your home with our proprietary Max-Composite Roofing. This unique product is made from post-industrial recycled rubber and plastics and mimics the look of natural slate. It also exceeds industry performance standards and comes with a 50-year Gold Star Warranty or a 50-Year Limited Material Warranty.
Learn More
Contact NEWPRO today and we’ll schedule a time to visit your home to answer any questions you have about Max-Composite Roofing and provide a free project estimate.