This post is not saying there isnt a place for this type of material (Where? Doing your homework beforehand can save you a world of headaches and hassles and ensure that you are getting the job done right for your substantial financial contribution. Synthetic roofs are designed to last longer for several reasons. Big business is taking advantage, unfairly, of a high end roofing material and leveraging the name for profit. The relentless marketing by the manufacturers, with claims of 50-75 year lifespans, less weight, colors and designer patterns, and ease of installation coupled with the consumers lack of understanding of natural slate roofs for the most part has left us as traditional roofers little choice but to install these or starve. Their product curls, cracks, anddisintegrates..Read more on durability on this excellent article found onBlack Diamond Slate. I remember researching the choices and Amcraft had a good reputation at the timelAnyone with any real experience with them? . Synthetic slate roofing can increase your homes property value, and even significantly boost your homes curb appeal. Materials used for synthetic tiles include recycled plastic, cellulose fibers, rubber, and mineral dust. Using molds cast directly from real slate tiles, synthetic slate manufacturers inject a rubber and plastic blend into metal casings. Most people will not even be able to tell the difference and synthetic slate is designed to last longer. Im so sorry we went with synthetic. Though it is a stone, the composition of soft slate doesnt have the ultra-durability that hard slate does. In terms of premium roof materials, slate roofing is rated particularly high, as it presents homes with a timeless beauty and impressive resiliency. Not only that, they are particularly susceptible to cracking once they have been installed. Manufacturers of plastic and polymer composite mold tiles to look authentic. I have an Amcraft /Synthetic roof Slate Dismensions roof on my southern home in hot unshaded temps. Really, there are quite a few ways to do this and using recycled content actually consists of using high-quality post-industrial materials; there are only a few manufacturers that incorporate recycled materials that are post-consumer. This is what is going to happen which will rely on underlayment to protect a roof. Call us today at (877) 532-3852 to schedule your synthetic slate roofing installation with a roofer through our network, or ask for an estimate. In the case of synthetic slate, it has a similar embodied energy to natural slate without providing nearly the same service life. The downside with authentic slate shingles, however, is in the cost. Among the benefits: When you compare the costs of using authentic slate shingles versus their synthetic counterparts, the difference is massive. Lastly, slate shingles are also quite fragile, especially when cutting and nailing it. The good news is that synthetic slate roof tiles are now an option. If you are worried about the stigma of synthetic roofing, youll be pleased to know that synthetic slates are rarely distinguishable from their authentic counterpart. Here are a few of the ones people ask most frequently. Since they are less heavy and easier to install than real slate, these types of roofs typically have a lower installation cost than authentic slate roofs. Finding an experienced roofer who has dealt with slate and synthetic slate roofing before is the way to go to avoid any additional costly mistakes that might drag the already expensive process out even further. While they are not quite that, they are definitely making life easier when it comes to roof installations and repairs that were previously a very expensive endeavor. Sorry about that. Authentic slate roofing is beautiful, but it can also be heavy and expensive. That means you shouldn't need to install additional structural support. The reduction in installation costs initially is easily outweighed by the longevity of a natural slate roof and its not even close. The softer slate counterpart is, as is described in the name, softer and less durable between the two. Some materials and brands are easier to install than others. Synthetic slate marketing is grasping at any negative aspect of slate they can when they even try to compare the two products. Boral no longer owns them and your post was 5 months ago. You just cant FAKE slate. Shipping & Returns We must always consider the embodied energy of a product, and the energy it demands thru its service life. Many roofing suppliers and manufacturers claim theyre more durable in extreme weather conditions as well, sometimes lasting as long as 100 years. Soft slate offers the same fireproof and weather-resistant qualities that the harder counterpart does, it comes down to a matter of cost as well as improved overall durability for the hard slate shingle roofs that you might see. Our general observations revealed some discolored or faded products. As a local roofing contractor, we get asked tons of questions every day about synthetic slate roofs. Would love to have a real slate roof but my home is not framed for it. Typically, this doesnt mean cracks or anything that obvious; it is more along the lines of the corners beginning to roll up. In general, most fiber-cement materials quickly became unfit for roofing or became so unattractive owners were unhappy with the appearance. As you pointed out, not sure why any roofer would choose a rather untested material and put their name and livelihood behind the work. Their lightweight means that even a standard roof structure is able to support these synthetic slate shingles without requiring any special reinforcement. Thats definitely 3 Hunter units. Your email address will not be published. Theyre manufactured from a state-of-the-art polymer resin and designed to have a natural slate-like texture. Contrary to popular belief, not all roofing companies are the same. I do need to replace the asphalt roof on my addition and garage and was thinking of synthetic slate to match the house. Email: dmonfardini@yahoo.com. This is because the synthetic slate generally has things called impact modifiers that are added in to help withstand storm damage. For roofers who do not have the experience with slate roofs that are necessary, they might make a litany of easily avoidable mistakes. This is especially crucial given that handling slate is a bit more difficult than other roofing materials, though this is less imperative with a. Fake Slates. Synthetic Slate Roofing: Everything You Need to Know in 2022, The benefits of using synthetic slate shingles are numerous. Ecostar llc.com has been in business almost 30 years, with installation that look great. How do you feel about the metal slate, like what is carried by Certainteed? Bending Section Page 2 Here is an older article outlining the cost which shows a rubber roof with a 90 year expectancy and that is not correct. Benefits include their exceptional durability, their energy-efficiency, eco-friendliness, and superior protection from the elements. Snow Guards Most synthetic roofs come certified for Class 4 impact resistance by Underwriters Laboratories, which is the highest level that roofing materials can receive. shingle instead of an architectural shingle? So if the previous property owner had the slate roof installed a decade ago and wants to sell, the next owner wont be able to inherit that warranty. While synthetic slate shingles are not technically slate they are made from rubber and plastic, generally speakingthey are designed and constructed to mirror the unique, beautiful authentic slate, but without the major cost or the installation process that can leave you with a stress headache. There are some manufacturers that will guarantee the materials for up to 100 years. And there are things like leaving fasteners exposed to rain and snow that can cause headaches you dont need. This is the Lifetime Limited WarrantyThe company has only been around for 19 years. The benefits of choosing synthetic over authentic are virtually endless. Its time natural slate fights back. They have no dangerous flammable characteristics, and the tiles will not create embers or burning particles that could spread the fire. Like just about anything ever, nothing is perfect, and everything has its downsides and flaws. It should be no surprise, then, that slate rooves last much longer than rubber/plastic rooves. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. The best synthetic slate roofing material is up to the homeowner and how the new roof will match the style of their house. Once the molded materials harden, you have a shingle that is synthetic slate that is made to stand up to the test of time for a far lesser cost than the shingles of their namesake. Check out the manufacturers flashing detail drawings, they only exist for basic items and show generic renderings. Just more durable, flexible, and reliable materials that you can implement onto your roof to ensure that it stands up to the test of time for far longer. It gives opportunity to houses who want a slate look but cant put slate on. Even if you know how to do this yourself, the cost of the materials alone is much higher than other methods of installing a roof. Its popularity can be seen in the United States and Europe for things like cathedrals, libraries, estate homes, and so many more buildings. Though it is clearly a heavy financial investment, making the switch to synthetic slate shingles for your roof makes for a sound long-term investment. A little less than a year ago we wrote a post(great comments by the way) that explained how the natural slate market was being damaged by the manufacturers of synthetic slate marketing their rubberized, polymer, shingle as slate. Unfortunately, I listened to the contractor and my husband. Cost It is simple to install and at a fraction of the weight and cost of natural slate roofing. If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us anytime at 215-798-9790. At least not yet. The last thing that you want is to invest that kind of money into a roofing project only to have it done in a subpar manner that leaves the need for further repair or worse. I work with slate and have seen many fake slate products. So, bottom line, if I lived in New England I would opt for a genuine slate roof any day. I asked the preservation consultant Why are you specifying a 3 tab When all is said and done, youre looking at $14,400-17,600 for a synthetic slate shingle roof and around $26,000 for a natural slate roof of the same size. Id hate to pay all that money to have fake slate go on my roof! That means that after installation costs you are looking at $900-$1,100 PER SQUARE. Having been raised in Connecticut I have a real appreciation of real slate roofs on beautiful old colonials. Use god-honoring materials, and select a roofer that believes they will burn in hell for eternity if they ever make a mistake. Founding farther of Legacy Service. You are right to go with a product that has been in the market. At only one quarter of the weight of authentic slate, you can expect fifty years worth of impressive impact resistance, and reduced stress on your roofings support structures. Thank you for your expertise. Here are a few of the issues that have been reported about synthetic slate shingles: There have been multiple instances of the product coming faded as well as discolored. I would consider it a pass, since we already have vetted, domestic slate which is known to perform when installed right. Whoever is telling the builder this information should be called out. Most are designed to mitigate storm damage and increase the resiliency of your home. This is particularly disconcerting to me. This means that they are practical when it comes to mainstream construction in residential areas. Metal Roofing Rubber shingles are creating a huge dumpster in our ocean because they cannot be destroyed, and this goes along with their dubious nature of the product. They can also come damaged in the box. Your email address will not be published. When would you like this request to be completed? BORAL/DAVINCHI FOR THE WIN. ","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Many types of this roofing material have a Class A fire rating, which is the highest level. The shame is when owners are taken advantage of with trick marketing. PA #PA077391 | NJ #13VH09841400 | DE #2014100818 |. And with synthetic, you can get all this for a fraction of the cost. Still not convinced? Cooperage Tools Common sense is not very common, when Yorktown, VA re-roofed their courthouse, I suggested they go with real slate in a light weight application since they were trying to keep the roof weight under 600lbs, but they chose to go with an imitation slate, even though they were already having problem on several of the buildings they had re-roofed with the same product in the last ten years??? Much appreciated, both the article, and the comments from readers. Synthetic slate shingles tend to be much more durable than their authentic counterparts. It can be heavy and expensive, though. The metal panels in theory may last but like all prefinished metal roofs the flashing details are very tricky to detail. One of the most underrated aspects of using synthetic slate shingles is that they are far easier to transport and install and they are also less expensive than most other roofing materials. His reply was The #1 rule in restoration is: never use a product that imitates another product. These faux tiles are much easier to install, making them a great solution for all kinds of home designs. Three of our picks for the best roofing products/manufacturers include: Davinci roofing products have all the benefits and looks of real stone without the shortcomings. Many types of this roofing material have a Class A fire rating, which is the highest level. Im sure the initial description of synthetic slate shingles makes them sound like some sort of super material. Selecting a roofing company that will provide maintenance is important should there be any issues. There should be little wonder that homeowners are opting for synthetic shingles on their roof; they tend to be far cheaper as well as more durable over a longer period of time. And the imitation slate roof on Newport News Library on Main Street is failing. The materials used for synthetic tiles are combined with ultraviolet inhibitors to reduce damage from the sun. In this buyers guide, were going to review the types, pros and cons, as well as the general cost of this roofing material. Among the benefits: Using synthetic slate shingles is considered as a green building alternative, even those that use what are known as virgin materials. I am a traditional roofer with a deep appreciation for natural, time tested products, but I also believe that there is a large market for all synthetic products- from asphalt to plastic and everything in between. Article is correct about some newer companies that sell their business and dont honor warranties. Temperature Section Page 1 Steer clear of companies that have not been operating under the same name for a long time. Are you interested in financing your project? and there is good reason that they have become a popular alternative to authentic slate shingles. "}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Do slate roofs last forever? https://electrek.co/2020/06/11/tesla-cancelling-solar-roof-orders-after-years-deposits/. Compared to other types of roofing materials, like asphalt shingles, metal roofing, real slate, and copper, synthetic tends to fall somewhere in the middle. Synthetic has a variety of materials that it comes in, including polymers, plastics, clay, asphalt, rubber, fiber cement, and steel. The actual cost of the material though is similar. We are a national roofing contractor who has installed many beautiful natural slate projects for our clients. Its time tested, eco-friendly, fire-resistant, and beautiful. "}},{"@type":"Question","name":"How fire-resistant are synthetic slate roofs? Qualifications: More than 20 years of experience in residential and commercial exterior remodeling. ","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Unfortunately, no roof can last forever, but these types of roofs are designed to last for a very long time. But now I live in the east bay of San Francisco. Best of all? Still, roofs with shingles made of soft slate can still have a life expectancy of 50 to 125 years if in optimal weather conditions. This is due to the fact that theyre lighter and easier to install. From what I have read, the complete Tesla system, once installed, could cost upwards of $40/sq ft- 4 times the cost of a good quality natural slate roof. I have a slate roof on my home in Norfolk VA. Its already 90-years old and has no indication of wearing out in my remaining lifetime! There are some warranties that will cover the materials of the roof against any defects for decades but may only hold the contractor liable for a couple of years after the date of completion of installation. At 1.25 pounds per tile, they are far lighter than any asphalt shingle and they are about a quarter of the weight of a standard authentic slate shingle. Rubber- and plastic-based materials are made of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygenthey are organic. Incredibly, that pales in comparison to the $1,650-$3,000 per square cost of authentic slate tiles. Generally speaking, there are two types of slate roofing: soft slate and hard slate. When all is said and done, youre looking at $14,400-17,600 for a synthetic slate shingle roof and around $26,000 for a natural slate roof of the same size. We just built a new detached garage. By the time you flash everything properly (stainless steel or galvanized and soldered) you could install a proven, traditional roof with a far better track record. There is also one thing that a roofer should absolutely never do and that is coat a slate or synthetic slate shingle. The synthetic slate looks so flat compared to our homes roof, even though the color matches well. They have no dangerous flammable characteristics, and the tiles will not create embers or burning particles that could spread the fire. Because it is a hard stone, slate wont absorb water and wont become warped due to exposure to moisture. These synthetic slate shingles are made through the process of injection molding. In fact, synthetic has numerous advantages over authentic, from the ease of installation to its ability to be recycled. ","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Most synthetic roofs come certified for Class 4 impact resistance by Underwriters Laboratories, which is the highest level that roofing materials can receive. And they are unlikely to be damaged by a natural event, short of a tornado or earthquake. Property value is always a consideration when investing in home improvement. Incredibly, that pales in comparison to the $1,650-$3,000 per square cost of authentic slate tiles. This is especially crucial given that handling slate is a bit more difficult than other roofing materials, though this is less imperative with a synthetic slate roof. Sometimes, it might not be as obvious of a situation as a huge patch of the damaged roof to let you know that it is time to make a switch. Yes, per square. Top shelf. Get an estimate or schedule your appointment today, Home | Our Blog | Synthetic Slate Roofing: Cost, Types, Pros & Cons, Reviewed by Tomas Kalkys. Great article, thank you. Synthetic slates enjoy a long rooftop lifetime of up to 50 years. Often times, the terms of a warranty on your roof will depend on who the manufacturer is. Still, roofs with shingles made of soft slate can still have a life expectancy of, you are looking at $900-$1,100 PER SQUARE. These roofs are designed to last for decades, so you will almost always be getting your moneys worth when installed correctly. And it has an incredible life expectancy, sometimes lasting up to 100 years! An architectural shingle mimics a wood shingle roof. WindWarranty Manufacturershall have no liability under this Lifetime Limited Warranty for Product damage resulting from or any way related to exposure to winds (i) in excess of ninety (90) mph; (ii) occurring after the first ten (10) years following application; or (iii) any time after the Products have been exposed to winds in excess of ninety (90) mph.You cant expect our roof to hold up over 10 years! They need to know that you cant walk on slate or synthetic slate shingles in the same way that you might be able to with other materials. The softer slate counterpart is, as is described in the name, softer and less durable between the two. This helps reduce the waste in landfills. Our local Newport News Police Department, had to replace an imitation slate roof after less than 5 yrs. This is perhaps just as important of a question to ask. A lot of elements play a role in maintaining the integrity of the roof, but as a homeowner, the most important components to pay attention to are the underlayment, ventilation, and material. This is the funniest example since its right next to Hilton Village, who just celebrated 100 years (all their roofs are original Vermont Semi-weathering Gray/Green slate), https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hilton_Village. and our manager will contact you shortly. They are meant to stand up to heavy weather conditions that arent natural disaster levels and will hold up for far longer than you might ever need. Contact us to get connected to a roofer who can tell you more about synthetic slate roofing. Is your family in the market for a traditional yet stylish residential roof? Hilarious. Choosing the best roofing material for your home is the first important step in ensuring that you have the highest quality roof possible. It doesnt make sense to me to go with an untested product when one that is tried and proven and about the same cost is available. My beach house overlooks the San Andreas Fault, an my main residence sits squarely on the Hayward fault. The prices will vary from company to company, so youll be able to go over the costs during your initial consultation with a roofing company. There is no substitute for slate. I asked why would you do this if its already failing on the other buildings, he told me York County taxpayers are wealthy so there is plenty of money to re-roof again in a few years, wow!! Wow, hadnt a clue about this! Yes. Since slate is one of the strongest and longest-lasting materials available for roofing the right shingle can last as long as 200 years depending on the environment it might not be readily apparent when you might need to replace your slate roof. Also, when companies come up with a low priced, smaller, inexpensive version or one that lacks Head Lap. Still, the tiles can crack under select circumstances. There have also been instances where the singles have begun to curl, though. As we mentioned above, synthetic slate shingles will cost less overall than authentic slate roofing. Additionally, a piece of rubber will last for a long time and creates a huge plastic trash heap in the Pacific ocean. You likely will live in an area where weathering will occur; rain, snow, and wind are the most common factors involved here. Materials used for synthetic tiles include recycled plastic, cellulose fibers, rubber, and mineral dust. "}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Which lasts longer: synthetic slate or authentic slate? You cant store or install these plastic roof shingles in temperatures below 45 degrees! No matter what your questions are, our crew of experts are here to help you discover the perfect roofing solution for your house! The severity of any weathering depends on the geographicallocation of the building, the cleanliness of the air in the area, and many other influences over which Manufacturerhas nocontrol. Those authentic slate material shingles have been the material of choice for roofing construction for a number of centuries. Synthetic slates imitate the appearance of natural stone, but cost significantly less. Products like these are beautiful and mimic the slate to a T. Plus the cost for traditional slate installation is very high in price. I promise you, no reputable slate installer, with many years of installation experience, has to lose sleep at night wondering if the product will hold up.