Homeowners across the Triangle—Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and beyond—are always weighing their roofing options. Between hurricanes, summer heat, and unpredictable storms, finding a material that balances performance and affordability is key.
If you’re replacing your roof or building a new home, composition shingles (also called “comp shingles”) might just be your smartest option yet.
Think all shingles are the same? Not quite. Here’s why this popular choice keeps winning over North Carolina homeowners.
Composition shingles are made from a blend of asphalt, fiberglass, and mineral granules, engineered to provide long-lasting performance and visual appeal. Unlike basic asphalt shingles, comp shingles offer enhanced durability, better moisture resistance, and a wider range of styles.
They’re often available in textures and finishes that mimic higher-end materials like wood shake or slate—without the high price tag.
Want to dig deeper into how they compare? Learn more about how composition shingles differ from asphalt shingles in this blog post.
Between hurricanes, humidity, and intense summer sun, North Carolina demands a roof that holds up. Composition shingles are specifically designed to stand up to:
In a climate like the Triangle’s, durability matters and comp shingles bring it.
Cost is always a factor—but you shouldn’t have to sacrifice quality or style.
Composition shingles offer strong performance at a lower price point than materials like slate, cedar, or metal. That makes them especially appealing for larger roof footprints often seen in custom homes across Wake and Orange counties.
They deliver serious curb appeal without blowing the budget.
Your roof shouldn’t limit your home’s style.
Today’s comp shingles come in a wide variety of textures, colors, and shapes. Whether you’re restoring a Chapel Hill bungalow or building a sleek new construction in Durham, these shingles offer design flexibility.
You can even find options that replicate natural slate or shake—giving you the look you want without the weight or maintenance.
When installed correctly and maintained properly, composition shingles can last 20 to 30+ years. Many are:
If low-fuss reliability is your priority, comp shingles check that box.
With reflective coatings and ENERGY STAR® options, many composition shingles are built to help reduce heat absorption. That’s a big win during North Carolina summers, when a cooler attic can ease the load on your HVAC system.
Fewer hot spots = lower energy bills.
Safety matters. Most comp shingles offer:
That level of protection is important not only for severe weather, but also for wildfire-prone rural areas around the Triangle.
Leading manufacturers like GAF, CertainTeed, and Owens Corning offer product warranties up to 30 years or more.
When installed by a trusted local roofer like Pickard Roofing, you also benefit from extra peace of mind from a team with decades of experience in North Carolina roofing.
In short, they’re practical, attractive, and built to last.
Composition shingles strike the right balance of beauty, performance, and price. They're ideal for everything from new builds to historic home upgrades. And when installed by a team that understands the climate and construction of the Triangle, they deliver serious value.
They’re more affordable, easier to install, and come in more styles. Great for homeowners who want quality without a high-maintenance system.
Yes—especially impact-resistant options installed to meet wind and weather codes.
Yes. Many products include recycled content and can be recycled at the end of their lifespan.
Pickard Roofing offers free consultations and product recommendations based on your home’s style, structure, and needs. See our residential roofing page for more information.
Composition shingles aren’t trendy—they’re trusted. They’ve earned their place on homes across The Triangle by delivering the durability, flexibility, and affordability homeowners want.
If you’re planning a roofing project, they’re worth a serious look.
Need help deciding what’s right for your home?
Schedule a free consultation with Pickard Roofing to explore your options. We’ll walk you through materials, styles, and warranties—backed by more than 100 years of local expertise.