What Is Composition Roofing Material? A Simple Guide
By Jim Sed, Owner & Founder, Tri-Link Contracting · U.S. Military Veteran | Published October 10, 2026 · Last updated October 10, 2026
What is composition roofing material? It is the common name for asphalt shingles, the most widely used residential roofing in the United States.
You may have seen it in an inspection report, an insurance letter or a roofing quote. This guide covers what composition shingles are made of, the main types, lifespan, cost and how they handle Pittsburgh winters, so you can decide with clear facts and no pressure.
Composition roofing material is the trade name for asphalt shingles: a fiberglass mat coated in asphalt and topped with mineral granules. "Composition" is not a different material. Most composition roofs last about 15 to 30 years, depending on the shingle type, the installation and the climate.
Key Takeaways
- Composition shingles and asphalt shingles are the same product.
- "Composite" shingles are different: synthetic polymer, built to look like slate or shake.
- Three-tab shingles are the budget option; architectural shingles are the usual upgrade.
- In cold, snowy areas, ventilation and an ice barrier matter as much as the shingle.
Table of Contents
What Is Composition Roofing Material Made Of?
The short answer: composition roof shingles have five layers, built around a fiberglass mat. The name "composition" comes from that mix of materials.
- Fiberglass mat. A non-woven glass fiber base that gives the shingle tear strength and a Class A fire rating. Its physical minimums are set by ASTM D3462.
- Asphalt coating. Asphalt covers both sides of the mat and makes the shingle waterproof. Some premium lines use rubber-modified (SBS) asphalt to stay flexible in the cold.
- Mineral granules. Crushed rock on top shields the asphalt from UV rays and gives the shingle its color. Ceramic-coated granules sit on top, and algae-resistant granules carry copper or zinc.
- Sealant strip. A factory strip of adhesive that softens in the sun and bonds each course to the one below, helping the roof resist wind.
- Backing. A fine mineral dusting on the underside stops shingles sticking together in the bundle.
A full roof also includes roof decking (the plywood or boards underneath), underlayment, flashing around chimneys and valleys, a drip edge, ridge caps and vents. Some roofers say "composition roof" to mean that whole system.
Composition Shingles vs Asphalt Shingles vs Composite Shingles
What are composition shingles? The same thing as asphalt shingles, and roofers shorten it to "comp shingles" or a "comp roof". Composition vs composite shingles is asphalt versus polymer: composite shingles are different.
| Composition (asphalt) shingles | Composite (synthetic) shingles | |
|---|---|---|
| Made from | Fiberglass mat, asphalt, mineral granules | Molded polymers, rubber or recycled plastic |
| Look | Textured, many colors | Made to copy slate or cedar shake |
| Typical cost | About $3 to $7 per sq ft | About $8 to $16 per sq ft |
| Typical lifespan | 15 to 30 years | 40 to 50+ years |
Cost and lifespan figures are from The Roofing Brief. They are estimates and vary by roof and region.
Some sites mix up the two words, so ask which one a quote covers.
Types of Composition Shingles
There are three main grades. Each is a composition shingle, and they differ in thickness, weight and warranty.
| 3-tab | Architectural (dimensional) | Luxury (designer) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Build | Single flat layer with three cutouts | Two laminated layers | Heavy multi-layer laminate |
| Weight per 100 sq ft | About 190 lb | 210 to 235 lb | 290 to 450+ lb |
| Typical warranty | 20 to 25 years | 30 years to lifetime | Lifetime or 50-year |
| Typical lifespan | 15 to 18 years | 24 to 30 years | 30 to 50 years |
Three-tab and dimensional lifespans are from Wikipedia. Luxury figures are contractor estimates.
Architectural shingles are also called dimensional shingles or laminate shingles. They are thicker, look more textured and are the usual choice for new roofs. Owens Corning, GAF, CertainTeed and Malarkey all make them.
How Long Does a Composition Roof Last?
The short answer: about 15 to 18 years for three-tab shingles and 24 to 30 years for architectural shingles, according to Wikipedia's figures. Composition roof lifespan also depends on climate, ventilation and installation quality.
Warranty length is not lifespan: a "lifetime" warranty is limited and can be prorated, so read the terms. Field reports from hot, sunny or hail-prone regions suggest shingles can fail much sooner than the guide numbers, sometimes in 7 to 15 years. Poor attic ventilation is a common cause and can also void a manufacturer warranty.
How Much Does a Composition Roof Cost?
The short answer: roof replacement cost varies widely. Published estimates run from roughly $3 to over $10 per square foot installed. The spread depends on shingle type, roof size and pitch, tear-off, repairs to the decking and who is quoting.
Jolly Giant Roofing's 2026 guide puts standard composition at about $3 to $6 per square foot; other sources run higher. Roofers usually quote a cost per square, meaning 100 square feet. Ask whether the price includes tear-off, underlayment, flashing, ventilation and disposal.
A free estimate is the only reliable way to price your own roof.
Not Sure What Your Roof Has?
Tri-Link will inspect your roof, tell you the shingle type and how much life is left, and show you photos. We would rather inspect first and explain than pressure you.
Composition Roofing Pros and Cons vs Metal, Slate, Tile and Wood
Composition roofing is lighter, cheaper and easier to repair than most alternatives. It does not last as long as metal, slate or tile.
| Material | Typical cost per sq ft | Typical lifespan | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composition (asphalt) | $3 to $7 | 15 to 30 years | Light, walkable, Class A fire rating |
| Metal roofing (incl. stone-coated steel) | $5 to $18 | 30 to 80+ years | Longer life, higher cost |
| Slate roofing | $10 to $30+ | 75 to 150+ years | 800 to 1,500 lb per 100 sq ft, may need reinforced framing |
| Clay and concrete tile | $7 to $25 | 30 to 100+ years | Heavy, can crack if walked on |
| Wood shakes | $5 to $15+ | 25 to 30+ years | Class B fire rating, needs upkeep |
Estimates from published roofing guides such as Jolly Giant Roofing (2026). They vary by region and job.
Pros of composition roofing: lower cost, light weight, many colors, a Class A fire rating, and simple repairs.
Cons: a shorter lifespan than metal or slate, less wind resistance than the heaviest materials, and sensitivity to heat and poor ventilation.
Is Composition Roofing Good for Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Ohio Winters?
The short answer: a composition roof for Pittsburgh homes works well when it is installed with the right underlayment and ventilation. Western Pennsylvania, northern West Virginia and northeast Ohio bring snow, ice and freeze-thaw cycles, and these details matter most:
- Cold flexibility. Standard asphalt can turn brittle below freezing. Rubber-modified (SBS) lines stay more flexible in sub-zero weather.
- Ice barrier. Heat escaping from the attic melts snow, which refreezes at the eaves and forms ice dams. Where ice dams are a risk, the International Residential Code (R905.1.2) calls for a self-adhering ice and water shield along the eaves, reaching at least 24 inches inside the exterior wall line. Local codes vary, so check yours.
- Ventilation. Soffit intake with a ridge vent keeps the attic cooler. A common rule is 1 square foot of vent area for every 150 square feet of attic floor (IRC R806).
- Hail damage and impact. UL 2218 rates impact resistance from Class 1 to Class 4. A UL 2218 Class 4 shingle resists a 2-inch steel ball dropped from 20 feet without cracking. Impact-resistant lines such as Owens Corning Duration STORM, GAF Timberline AS II and CertainTeed Landmark ClimateFlex are rated Class 4.
- Wind rating. Architectural shingles typically carry 110 to 130 mph ratings; three-tab, about 60 to 70 mph.
Is Composition Roofing Right for Your Home?
It suits most homes. Check these three points first:
- Roof pitch. Standard installation needs a slope of at least 4:12. A pitch of 2:12 to 4:12 needs special low-slope underlayment, and composition is not allowed below 2:12.
- Budget and timeline. Composition roofing is the lowest-cost option among the long-lasting materials.
- Weather exposure. If hail is common where you live, ask about Class 4 shingles.
Not sure what your roof has? Get a free estimate or call (724) 470-7669. We would rather inspect first and explain than pressure you.
When Should You Replace a Composition Roof?
Watch for these signs:
- Heavy granule loss. A few granules in the gutters is normal early on. Widespread loss that shows black asphalt or shiny fiberglass signals a roof near the end of its life.
- Curling, cupping or splitting. Heat and freeze-thaw cycles make shingles lose flexibility and lift at the edges.
- Loose or sliding shingles. Often caused by nails placed too high, which miss the double layer and let shingles slip.
- Leaks or stains. Check the ceiling and attic after heavy rain.
- Age. A three-tab roof past 15 years or an architectural roof past 24 years deserves a professional look.
Jim founded Tri-Link Contracting after his military service and personally walks every completed project before he signs off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions homeowners ask about composition roofing material.
What is a composition roof made of?+
Is composition roofing the same as asphalt shingles?+
What is the difference between composition shingles and composite shingles?+
How long do composition shingles last?+
How much does a composition roof cost?+
Is composition roofing good for cold winters, snow and storms?+
Want an Honest Look at Your Roof?
Composition roofing is asphalt shingles by another name: affordable, light and well suited to our region when it is installed properly. Get the details in writing. Tri-Link Contracting is a veteran-owned, Owens Corning Preferred contractor serving PA, WV and OH, with a 25-year labor warranty.
Sources for the technical figures: Wikipedia, Asphalt shingle; Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA). General information only, not a quote or insurance advice.