Look around your neighborhood, and you're likely to see composition shingles. More than 80% of American homes are roofed with composition shingles – and for good reason: Composition shingles are cost-effective, low-maintenance, and easy to install. And today, composition shingles offer a wide range of choice – they come in a variety of colors and textures, and may even mimic natural materials. There are many benefits to roofing your home with composition shingles. (Also called asphalt shingles.)

Low-Cost: Of all modern roofing choices, composition shingles are the most inexpensive. There are a range of choices - from 3-tab shingles to dimensional shingles - to meet every budget. Even the installation of these shingles is cost-effective, especially when handled by an experienced roofing contractor.

Low-Maintenance: Composition shingles require little in the way of maintenance. Lost or damaged shingles can be easily replaced. Because composition shingles are relatively tough and flexible, they are less fragile, and therefore less liable to break than other materials, such as slate or tile.

Suitability: Most residential roofs are suited to installation of composition shingles, regardless of pitch or shape. Composition shingles can be easily matched to most architectural styles, as well.

Variety: There are many choices in composition shingles. Even the most basic 3-tab, strip shingles come in a variety of colors. Laminated, or dimensional, shingles offer even more choices in color and texture. Specialized laminate shingles can even mimic more natural materials, offering the look of wood grain, the appearance of slate, or the color of tile. Some laminate shingles may even be copper-plated.

Customizable options: Shingles are rated for external fire resistance. Shingles carry an "A", "B", or "C" rating, with "A" being the most fire resistant. Many brands of composition shingles are also rated for wind resistance. And, if you live in a wet or humid climate, some shingles are treated with copper granules to help inhibit algae growth. So no matter what part of the country you live in, there is a composition shingle to meet your specific needs.

Warranties: Depending on the type of the shingle and the manufacturer, warranties range from 20 to 50 years. Strip shingles will be at the lower end of this range, with specialty laminate shingles having the longest and most comprehensive warranties. Check with the manufacturer for details.