Homeowner’s Guide to Synthetic Shingles

How are synthetic shingles environmentally friendly?

Unlike some other roofing materials, synthetic shingles are sustainable. So what does it mean for a material to be sustainable?

• They are made from renewable resources
• They don’t harm the environment and don’t cause significant or irreparable damage to the earth
• The manufacturing process doesn’t harm individuals or society as a whole

If you make an effort to purchase green products that have a minimal impact on the environment, synthetic shingles are a great choice. Here’s why:  

• They are made from recycled material, eliminating unnecessary waste in landfills, and can be completely recycled after use.
• They don’t require the use of fossil fuels or mined materials.
• They are extremely durable and backed by a 50-year limited warranty.

How low-maintenance are synthetic shingles?

As a busy homeowner, you don’t want to spend your precious time maintaining your roof and you don’t want to repeatedly spend your hard-earned money repairing – or worse – replacing your roof before you should have to. The best way to avoid this headache is to choose a low-maintenance roofing material, such as composite shingles. They don’t warp, mold, or rot easily, so you don’t have to worry about constantly checking for damage or cleaning off algae or other unattractive stains.

Unlike wood, composite shingles don’t attract pests, which means you can avoid critter damage and resulting repairs. Squirrels and other pests can wreak havoc on your home. If they find their way in, they can destroy electrical wiring, or drop nuts or pinecones down your gutter, clogging them and allowing moisture to damage your home’s foundation.  

Here is why synthetic shingles are the lowest maintenance roofing material available:  

• Superior for cold climates as they are designed to allow snow and ice to slide off
• Stand up to heavy wind, while asphalt shingles may not
• Moisture resistant and able to withstand freeze and thaw cycles
• Made of lightweight polyurethane material, making them affordable to install and maintain even in frigid temps
• Unlike cedar shake wood shingles, synthetic shingles are non-combustible and won’t contribute to a fire

What styles and colors do synthetic shingles come in?

One of the truly outstanding perks of synthetic shingles is the variety of styles and colors available.  

Synthetic shingles come in three distinct designs that can be customized to suit any home, including:

• Barrel Tile – Mediterranean or Tuscan style homes look beautiful with these gorgeous rounded, smooth tiles that mimic the look of traditional clay, but are lighter and more resilient.
• Cedar Shake – With a hand-hewn, rustic look, varied shingle width, and grainy texture, synthetic cedar shake compliments ranch homes, those in rural areas, or craftsmen exteriors, without the drawbacks of wood.
• Slate Tile – With the same grooves as quarried slate, this style is a great accent for Gothic Revival homes, as well as traditional, colonial, or more modern homes built in the last few decades.

Are synthetic shingles expensive?

The answer is, yes and no. Here’s how composite shingles compare to other materials:

• Real slate – About twice as expensive as synthetic
• Real cedar shake – Approximately the same price as synthetic
• Asphalt – About half as expensive as synthetic
• Clay tile – Can be as much as three times more expensive than synthetic

In addition to materials, other factors that go into pricing include the roof’s configuration, installation, and whether your contractor must remove your old roof. Synthetic shingles can often be installed right on top of old roofs.

But the bottom line is this: in the long run, synthetic shingles are extremely durable and last for decades, so you’ll get a much better return on your investment.