Composite Roofing: What Is It, Its Types, and Benefits

Roofing has come a long way over the years, and many new, innovative types of roofing have become available. Composite roofing is one of those advances. Made from a combination of synthetic plastic and recycled materials, composite roofing combines durability with eco-friendliness to create a highly resilient roofing material.

Composite roofing has become increasingly popular due to its ability to mimic the look of natural materials while providing superior performance. Composite roofing materials have both pros and cons to discuss, so in case you’re interested in learning more about this roofing material, let’s go over the basics.

What Is Composite Roofing Material?

Composite roofing is made from a combination of materials, which can include fiberglass, asphalt, granules, rubber, recycled paper products, polyethylene, polyurethane, ceramic, slate, wood fiber, and more. These materials are blended, heated, and shaped to replicate other popular roofing types like hardwood, clay, slate, or stone.

This process results in a material that offers the aesthetic appeal of natural roofing without the maintenance and durability challenges often associated with them.

Why Use Composite Roofing?

The primary benefits of composite roofing are its durability and low-maintenance requirements. By combining synthetic and natural materials, composite roofing is engineered to resist many of the deteriorating factors that affect traditional roofing materials. For example, it is generally invulnerable to:

  • Water intrusion

  • Insect damage

  • UV ray damage

  • Rot and mold

  • Algae growth

  • Warping, buckling, and cracking

Unlike traditional materials like clay, concrete, and wood, composite roofing doesn’t need to be resealed regularly to protect against water intrusion. In most cases, it is naturally waterproof, which helps prevent common forms of damage. This durability makes it highly resistant to extreme weather conditions, including high winds, fire damage, and impact from storms.

Furthermore, composite roofing provides excellent energy efficiency. While some roofing materials, like asphalt, struggle in high temperatures and others, like clay, become brittle in the cold, composite materials remain strong in all weather conditions. This balance helps keep your home insulated in the winter and cool in the summer, potentially reducing heating and cooling costs.

Aesthetic Appeal and Cost

Another significant benefit of composite roofing is its aesthetic flexibility. Composite shingles can be made to perfectly mimic natural materials like wood, slate, or stone, making it difficult to tell the difference from afar. This allows homeowners to achieve the look they desire without the upkeep associated with traditional materials.

While the upfront cost of composite roofing is higher than that of asphalt shingles, it offers long-term savings due to its minimal maintenance requirements and longevity. Additionally, composite roofing often lasts longer than natural materials like wood or slate. For example, some composite products, like synthetic cedar shingles, can last over 50 years before needing replacement.

Types of Composite Roofing

There are several types of composite roofing, including:

  • Composite slate shingles

  • Wood shake shingles

  • Composite tile shingles

  • Architectural shingles

  • 3-tab shingles

Each type is designed to mimic the appearance of its natural counterpart while providing the benefits of composite materials, such as increased durability and resistance to weather damage. The only downside is that composite roofing may not add as much resale value as the natural materials it imitates, and it can be more expensive upfront compared to traditional asphalt shingles. However, these materials can provide considerable long-term savings in maintenance and replacement costs.

The Best Type of Composite Material for Roofing

Wood is one of the most popular materials for composite roofing, especially for homeowners who prefer the rustic, elegant look of real wood but want to avoid its downsides. Wood shingles, particularly cedar shakes, are known for their beauty but also for their vulnerability to rot, insect damage, and weathering. This is where composite wood shakes come into play, offering the same look without the headaches.

For example, CeDUR’s synthetic cedar shingles are designed to look identical to real cedar but come without the constant maintenance. CeDUR offers shingles in multiple colors, including Shiloh, Live Oak, Golden Cedar, and Walden, providing a wide range of options to match your home’s style. Their realistic appearance makes them a top choice for homeowners who want the charm of cedar without the maintenance.

CeDUR’s composite shingles are also incredibly durable, boasting a Class A fire rating and a Class 4 impact resistance rating—two of the highest certifications available for roofing materials. This durability ensures that they can withstand severe weather, including storms, high winds, and even fire, without requiring frequent repairs. In fact, CeDUR shingles are expected to last over 50 years before needing replacement.

In addition to their durability, CeDUR shingles provide energy efficiency, helping homeowners reduce heating and cooling costs when installed properly. Unlike other composite roofing materials, CeDUR’s synthetic cedar shakes can even enhance your home’s resale value, offering an attractive, low-maintenance, and long-lasting solution.

Ready to Upgrade Your Roof with CeDUR?

Whether you're looking for a durable, low-maintenance roofing solution or want to boost your home's curb appeal, CeDUR is the perfect choice. 

Contact us today to discover the benefits of composite roofing firsthand!