What Is Composite Roofing? Which Type Fits Your Home

The short answer: the industry uses "composite" and "composition" loosely, so the same word now describes two product families. Both are made from combined materials, which is where the name comes from, but they differ in what they are made of, how they look, and what they cost.

Here is how the two compare side by side:

If a quote you received just says "composite," ask which of these two the contractor means. It changes the price, the look, and the warranty you are comparing.

Composition shingles are built in three layers. A fiberglass mat forms the base, an asphalt coating makes it water resistant, and a top layer of granules protects the asphalt from UV and gives the shingle its color, according to GAF's guide to composition roofs. Some shingles also include granules designed to resist the blue-green algae streaks common on shaded Northwest roofs.

Within that family there are three main styles:

1. 3-tab shingles. Flat and uniform, with three cutouts per shingle. Usually the lowest cost option, with 25 to 30 year limited warranties per GAF.
2. Architectural shingles. Multiple layers laminated together for a thicker, dimensional look. A popular middle ground between price and curb appeal.
3. Designer shingles. Heavier shingles shaped to mimic shake or slate. Usually the highest priced asphalt option.
   
   

As a GAF Master Elite certified contractor, we install GAF shingle systems on many of the asphalt roofs we replace around Kent and the South Sound. If you want to see the color and style range before deciding, our shingle roofing options cover luxury, architectural, and composite styles.

A synthetic composite roof uses molded tiles engineered to copy natural materials. Brava tiles are made from recycled materials and can be recycled again at the end of the roof's life, according to the manufacturer. They come in three looks: cedar shake, old world slate, and Spanish barrel tile.

Brava publishes these specifications for its cedar shake tile on its cedar shake product page:

• Impact resistance: Class 4, the highest impact class
• Fire resistance: Class A when installed with fire-retardant underlayment (Class C with standard underlayment)
• Weight: about 321 pounds per roofing square (100 square feet)
• Thickness: 5/8 inch to 7/8 inch, which creates the deep shadow lines of real shake
• Warranty: 50-year limited warranty
• 
  

That fire detail matters. If a Class A rating is important to you or your insurer, the underlayment has to be specified correctly from the start, so ask to see it named on your estimate.

We are an authorized Brava contractor, and our in-house crews install the full shake, slate, and barrel tile lines. You can see recent projects, including a full Brava Cedar Shake roof in Woodinville, on our Brava tile roofing page.

Both types can perform well here when they are installed correctly. The bigger threat in Western Washington is not heat or hail. It is months of rain, shade from tall evergreens, and the moss and algae that come with them.

With asphalt composition shingles, the granule layer does the heavy lifting. Once granules wear away, the asphalt underneath breaks down faster. Shaded slopes under trees tend to hold moisture longest, which is where moss usually gets a foothold. Algae-resistant shingle lines help with staining, but you still want to keep debris off the roof and deal with moss early. Our guide to moss vs. algae on Washington roofs explains what to look for.

Synthetic composite tiles do not absorb water the way natural cedar does, so they do not rot or split. Brava markets them as needing no ongoing maintenance. In practice we still recommend clearing needles and debris from valleys and gutters each fall, the same as any roof under Northwest trees.

Whatever you choose, installation quality decides how long it really lasts. Flashing, ventilation, and underlayment details are where most early roof failures start.

The right choice depends on your budget, the look you want, and how long you plan to stay in the home. Here is how we usually help homeowners sort it out:

1. You want solid protection at the best price. Architectural composition shingles are the practical choice for most homes. You can get a ballpark number in a few minutes with our instant roof cost calculator.
2. You have cedar shake now and love the look. Synthetic composite shake keeps the look without the rot, splitting, and treatment schedule of real cedar.
3. You want slate or tile but worry about weight. Natural slate and clay are heavy and often need structural review. Synthetic slate and barrel tile give a similar look at a far lighter weight.
4. You plan to stay 20 years or longer. Compare warranty length, not just upfront price. A longer manufacturer warranty can change the math.
5. You are still deciding between materials. Many homeowners also weigh standing seam metal roofing. We install all three, so we can price them side by side on the same visit.

You get a clear, written comparison you can take your time with. Here is how it works with our team:

1. Free inspection. We look at your current roof, decking, ventilation, and flashing, and talk through the look you want.
2. Options side by side. If you are deciding between asphalt and synthetic composite, we price both so you can compare real numbers.
3. Written estimate. Every estimate is free, comes with no obligation, and stays valid for one year.
4. Financing if you need it. Flexible financing is available on approved credit.
5. In-house installation. Our own crews do the work. We never use subcontractors. Most standard shingle replacements take one to two days, and tile-style roofs can take longer depending on size.
6. Warranty paperwork. You receive the manufacturer warranty plus our workmanship warranty. Documents typically arrive within six months of installation.
   
   

We are licensed, bonded, and insured in Washington. You can confirm our contractor registration, license #TEAMRRN801B9, through the Washington L&I contractor lookup.

Not sure whether composition shingles or synthetic composite tile is right for your home? Our team will inspect your roof and price both options so you can decide with real numbers in hand.