Synthetic Shingles

Synthetic shingles are state-of-the-art engineered products that provide comparable beauty, greater durability and easier installation than natural steep slope roofing products, such as clay tile, slate or cedar shake.

Aesthetics

Many want the look of clay tile, cedar shakes or slate for their steep slop roofs. But while attractive and sometimes offering top durability, they can come at a pretty high price, not only financially but also architecturally.

Clay tile and slate are heavy, requiring additional architectural support for a steep slope roof. In addition, slate is expensive to quarry, heavy for shipping and installation, and fragile.

Cedar shake has a tendency to attract insects, which can alter its natural, rustic charm and physical integrity. Cedar shake also presents a higher risk of fire damage, making it expensive to insure.

Synthetic shingles are an elegant solution to waterproofing a steep slope roof and offering the authentic look of high-end natural products without the price. Available in authentic color palettes, synthetic shingles offer designers more control over coloring blends.

Durability

Though natural products, such as clay tile and slate, offer a high degree of beauty and protection from the elements, they have inherent weaknesses. Clay can crack, and slate because of its structure, is easy to split -- a great feature during the application process but less desirable once applied to a steep slope roof.

Synthetic shingles for steep slope roofs are lightweight, impact resistant, insect resistant and impervious to freeze and thaw cycles.

In addition, synthetic shingles for steep slope roof are rated for wind resistance up to 110 mph and often are Class A rated.

Finally, synthetic shingles for steep slope roof are maintenance-free and resist color fading from exposure to the ultraviolet rays of the sun.

Environmentally Friendly

Though a synthetic shingle steep slope roof may outlive its buyer, the emphasis on green products over the past several years means more are considering the lasting impact of their building choices. Though not all synthetic shingles are constructed from post-consumer materials, many of them will be recyclable at their end of their useful lives.

Value

Though cost varies, synthetic shingles often are available at a fraction of the cost of their natural counterparts. Their durability also means many products are guaranteed up to 50 years.