Synthetic Roofs

Are you interested in having synthetic roofing material installed; however you’re hesitant to call a roofer because you don’t know anything about roofing? Not a problem. We understand you have questions that need answers before you can invest in a synthetic roof.

There is a recent interest in synthetic roofs in the USA. In fact, many roofers and individuals in the roofing industry have been looking into the new trend. A synthetic roof, also known as a composite roof, is a roof made up of many compressed materials in the form of tiles or shingles.

The tiles or shingles, depending on the manufacturer, are made up of different materials that are mixed and compressed. Many manufacturers use rubbers and polymers to create their shingles, while others used recycled products. 

There are a multitude of positives when it comes to using some of these types of materials, but synthetic roofs are still relatively new and therefore there are a lot of questions. Many in the industry question the true durability when it comes to some of the materials used.

Most are UL-certified for Class 4 impact resistance, and many, but not all, also achieve a Class A fire resistance rating. Furthermore, some are rated to resist uplift in high winds.

The question of whether synthetic roofing products have green characteristics must be answered on a product-by-product basis. They are all polymer-based, which means they are made from a petroleum-derived material. Some synthetic slates and shakes are manufactured using recycled content and some are not.

Those that contain recycled content typically use high-quality post-industrial materials from automotive and other industries, but a few incorporate a small amount of post-consumer content such as recycled tire rubber.

Top manufacturers for Synthetic Roofs

DaVinci Roofscapes. Exhibiting deep surface graining and a thick profile, DaVinci Shake roofing features two layers of UV protection to prevent fading and damage, according to the firm. Four different shingle widths create the random appearance of a real wood shake roof, the maker says. The product is Class A fire rated and Class 4 impact rated.
800-328-4624. www.davinciroofscapes.com.

Royal Building Products. Manufactured from a proprietary polymer compound, Dura Slate roofing tiles look like slate, but install easily without the structural requirements of the real thing, says the maker. Dura Slate will not dent, chip, or spall, the company says, and achieves UL Class A fire resistance and Class 4 impact resistance.
800-387-2789. www.royalbuildingproducts.com.

EcoStar. Designed to replicate the smaller size and appearance of eastern United States slate roofs, Majestic Slate Colonial tiles are made from a formula that includes recycled rubber and plastic. The flexible, durable tiles come in nine colors. They are rated for Class 4 impact resistance and Class A fire resistance, and come with a 100-mph wind warranty.
800-211-7170 www.ecostarllc.com.

Wellington Polymer Technology. Utilizing a composite of post-industrial plastics, recycled rubber elastomers, and cellulose fibers, Enviroshake replicates the look of a silvered taper-split cedar shake roof, the maker says. Enviroshake, which carries a Class C fire rating and Class 3 impact rating, is mold-, mildew-, and insect-resistant, the maker claims.
866-423-3302. www.enviroshake.com.

Tamko Roofing Products. Lamarite Slate shingles are made from a mineral-filled polymer and are molded to exhibit the textures and contours of natural slate, according to the manufacturer. The Class A fire rated, Class 4 impact resistant shingles come in four colors. They feature spacer tabs, exposure marks, and designated nailing areas to ease installation. 800-641-4691. www.tamko.com.