A composition roof is an asphalt shingle roof. "Composition" is an older, general name for the same shingles most houses wear today: a glass-fiber mat soaked in asphalt and covered on top with mineral granules. InterNACHI, the home inspectors' association, says in its roof inspection course that "asphalt" and "composition" are general terms for the same thing. The word that causes trouble is composite. On most cost pages and estimates, a composite roof is a different product, made from plastic, rubber or resin. If your estimate or insurance paperwork says either word, find out which roof it means before you compare prices.
Why it is called composition
A shingle is not one material. A modern asphalt shingle is a fiberglass mat embedded in asphalt, with granules covering the face that meets the weather, according to InterNACHI. The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA), the makers' trade group, describes the mat as made entirely of glass fibers, coated with asphalt and surfaced with granules, which it defines as ceramic-coated, colored crushed rock. InterNACHI says the name reflects that mix of materials, in contrast to a roof of one material such as wood or clay.
So a "composition roof" and an "asphalt roof" are the same thing. So is a "fiberglass shingle roof": InterNACHI says all modern North American shingles use a glass mat, which is why they are also called fiberglass shingles. Our guide to asphalt versus fiberglass shingles explains the older paper-felt shingles that this word once separated from fiberglass ones.
Composition, composite, rubber, synthetic: which is which
The words overlap, and sellers use them loosely. This table is how the manufacturers' and cost sites' own descriptions line up.
| Word on the estimate | What it usually means | What it is made of | Where to read more |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composition | Asphalt shingles, 3-tab or architectural | Glass-fiber mat, asphalt, mineral granules | Architectural vs 3-tab shingles |
| Asphalt, fiberglass | The same asphalt shingles | The same | Asphalt vs fiberglass shingles |
| Composite | Usually molded imitation slate or cedar shake, but some sites use it for asphalt too | A blend that varies by maker: resins, plastics, rubber | Synthetic roofing |
| Synthetic | Molded imitation slate or shake | Polymers; each maker uses its own recipe | Synthetic roofing |
| Rubber | Shingles or tiles made largely from recycled rubber | One maker says 70% recycled tires | Synthetic roofing |
The "usually" matters. HomeAdvisor describes composite roofing as a mixture of several materials, including plastic, wood, asphalt and laminate. And it says low-grade composition roofs can cost as little as $1 per square foot, which puts the two words side by side on one page. We could not find an official standard that fixes either word, so read the product name, not the label.
Examples of what makers say their composite products are
These are descriptions from the makers' own pages, not endorsements:
- DaVinci says its slate is "made of virgin resins, UV and thermal stabilizers, along with a highly-specialized fire retardant."
- Euroshield says its product is "made from 70% recycled tires."
Neither description has anything in common with a glass mat dipped in asphalt. That is the reason the label matters.
How the two kinds differ in cost and life
Composite and synthetic roofs are priced and sold on their own terms. HomeAdvisor, updated June 20, 2026, puts composite roofing at about $4 to $8 per square foot installed, with shake or tile styles reaching about $10 and complex jobs about $15. It says composite roofs can last up to 50 years, and gives 30 to 50 years with warranties of 25 to 50 years in its FAQ.
Asphalt shingle lifespans are shorter. InterNACHI's chart lists about 20 years for 3-tab and 30 for architectural. Fixr, in a January 21, 2026 update, gives 15 to 20 years for 3-tab, 25 to 30 for architectural and 30 or more for luxury lines. Our guide to how long asphalt shingles last goes through those ranges by shingle line, and how long a roof lasts compares all materials.
Two things in that comparison deserve care. The composite figures are partly the makers' own claims: the long lifespans come from how products are rated and warranted, and neither HomeAdvisor nor DaVinci's page gives a measured field record. HomeAdvisor itself is not consistent on whether composite costs more or less than asphalt: it says the cost is often lower than that of traditional materials in one place, and in its FAQ that composite shingles can cost more upfront than asphalt. Price your own roof from estimates.
What to write on your estimate
The cure for a loose word is a specific one. Ask the roofer to put the following in writing, whichever word the estimate used.
- The manufacturer and the exact product line. "Composition shingles" tells you nothing about quality; "3-tab" or "architectural" and a product line name tells you a lot.
- The shingle type. 3-tab, architectural or luxury, since the price and life differ by type.
- Whether the shingles are asphalt or a molded composite or rubber product. If it is not asphalt, ask for the maker's data sheet and warranty before you sign.
- The warranty document, not a summary. Our guide to roofing warranties explains what to look for.
- The quantity, in squares of 100 square feet, so you can compare estimates line by line. See how to compare roofing estimates.
If a roofer says "composite" and the price is near asphalt, ask which they mean. If they say "composition" and the price is closer to synthetic slate, ask the same.
Insurance and sale papers
Paperwork may name your roof with either word. If a policy, an inspection report or a seller's disclosure says "composition" or "composite", ask what material it means, because the age and material of a roof matter to an insurer. This is general information, not legal, tax, financial or insurance advice. Our guide to roof age and home insurance explains why.
Frequently asked questions
Is a composition roof the same as an asphalt roof?
Yes. InterNACHI says "asphalt" and "composition" are general terms for the same shingle. Both mean a fiberglass mat, asphalt and granules.
Is a composite roof the same as a composition roof?
Usually not. Composite most often means a molded synthetic product made from resins, plastics or rubber. Some cost pages use the word for asphalt shingles too, so confirm with the roofer.
How long does a composition roof last?
Like any asphalt roof: InterNACHI lists about 20 years for 3-tab and 30 for architectural shingles, with hot climates cutting that sharply. Fixr's range for luxury lines is 30 years or more.
Are composition shingles fiberglass?
Yes, today. InterNACHI says all modern shingles made in North America use a fiberglass mat. ARMA calls glass fiber the predominant mat in the United States and notes the older paper-based type.
Is a composition roof a good choice?
It is the most common kind of shingle roof. Our guide to roofing materials compares it with metal, tile and slate.
Where this information comes from
HomeAnvil does not publish roofing data of its own. Every source below was read on October 13, 2026.
- InterNACHI, Mastering Roof Inspections: Asphalt Composition Shingles, Part 1: that "asphalt" and "composition" are general terms for the same thing, the fiberglass mat and granule make-up, and the fiberglass and organic mats. The page carries no date.
- InterNACHI, standard estimated life expectancy chart: 20 years for 3-tab and 30 for architectural asphalt, and the note on hot climates. No date given.
- ARMA, frequently asked questions, published May 8, 2017: the glass-fiber and organic mats and the definition of granules.
- HomeAdvisor, composite roof cost, updated June 20, 2026: what composite is made of, the cost range, the lifespan and warranty ranges, and the cost of low-grade composition roofs. HomeAdvisor says its figures come from surveying its customers and other published research.
- Fixr, asphalt shingles, updated January 21, 2026: lifespans by shingle type.
- DaVinci, slate roofing overview, and Euroshield, about us: what each maker says its product is made of. Naming them is not a recommendation.
We tried to read the Brava product page and Angi's and HomeGuide's shingle pages, but the sites refused our requests, so we use none of their figures. We will update this page when these sources publish new figures, and the date above will say when.
Related guides
Asphalt vs fiberglass shingles: what's the difference?Fiberglass shingles are asphalt shingles. The old organic (felt) kind stopped being made around 2008, rated Class C for fire where fiberglass is usually Class A.
Is synthetic slate or shake roofing worth it?Synthetic slate costs $9 to $15 per square foot installed, against $10 to $30 for natural slate, and weighs about a third as much. Costs, lifespan and ratings.
Types of roofing materials, and how they compareRoofing materials compared: asphalt costs $3 to $7 a square foot installed and lasts 20 to 30 years; slate $15 to $30 and 60 to 150 years.
Are architectural shingles worth it over 3-tab shingles?Architectural shingles start near $3.50 a square foot against $1.50 for 3-tab, last about 30 years instead of 20, and carry longer warranties.
How much does a roof replacement cost?A roof replacement typically costs $5,900 to $13,400, or $400 to $1,100 per square installed. How to measure your roof, what moves the price and how to compare estimates.
How long does a roof last?Architectural shingles last about 30 years, 3-tab about 20, metal 40 to 80, slate 60 to 150. What shortens a roof's life, and why a warranty isn't a lifespan.- What is an asphalt shingle roof, and is it right for you?Asphalt shingles are the most common home roof. 3-tab starts near $1.50 a square foot, architectural near $3.50. Life, wind, hail and warranty compared.