While traditional asphalt continues to be a popular roofing material, and genuine cedar shakes give an authentic warmth to a home’s look, synthetic shingles (AKA composite shingles) are swiftly rising as a preferred roofing solution—and for good reasons. Synthetic shingles typically have an extremely long lifespan of 30-50 years. This extreme longevity, reliable durability, and customizable beauty keep homeowners thrilled with their roofing selection for years to come.
While a roofing material’s curb appeal and warranty are important facets of your selection process, to get the best overall value for your roof replacement investment, it helps to gain knowledge of the roofing material’s lifespan before selecting which type you will have installed.
Asphalt Shingles vs. Synthetic Shingles
Asphalt roofing shingles
These popular roofing shingles are made of a fiberglass mat enclosed with a layer of asphalt. The granules that cover them may come off over time due to the elements, creating vulnerabilities in your roofing system. They typically last up to 20 years if they are well maintained and if they were installed correctly.
- Made of durable components
- Resist algae growth
- Not as environmentally friendly as composite roof shingles
- Can tend to curl up
Synthetic roofing shingles
These fabulous looking roofing shingles are made of a combination of slate, laminate, and wood—creating their reliable strength and superior durability. A sound financial investment, they generally have a lifespan of 30-50 years, making them a favorite for homeowners. You’ll enjoy the beauty, durability, many more benefits of composite roof shingles, particularly if you’ve found your forever home. Here are some of the reasons for their extreme longevity:
- They resist algae growth
- Reduce sun damage (preventing fading and cracking)
- Manufactured with sustainable recycled materials
- Much lighter weight than other roofing materials
- Protect your home from the elements with ease
- They are the best shingles for cold climates
Clay Barrel Roof Tiles vs. Synthetic Barrel Tiles
Clay barrel roof tiles
Historic Spanish architecture often uses clay tile roofing to bring a beautiful three-dimensional look to accent a home’s unique style. The problem with clay barrel roof tiles is they are super heavy, and your roof must be structurally sound to bear the additional weight without causing damage. They last over 100 years when they are installed correctly and maintained well. Some things to consider about clay barrel roofing tiles:
- They break easily
- This roofing material can be an investment of up to 2-3 times more than a traditional asphalt roof
Synthetic barrel tiles
You can enjoy the beauty of a clay barrel roof without the need for extra support in your home’s structure. Other great features include:
- Lifespan of 50 years
- Minimal maintenance required
- More cost effective than clay barrel roof tiles
- Lightweight
- Recyclable
Natural Slate Roof Tiles vs. Synthetic Slate Tiles
Natural slate roof tiles
If they are well maintained and installed according to the manufacturer’s guidelines, natural slate roof tiles can last up to 100 years. Slate has an uncommon beauty that boosts the value of your home instantly. The downside to slate is its weight. Because it’s extremely heavy, it requires additional support to your underlying roofing structure to ensure it won’t collapse.
Natural slate requires regular maintenance from a professional team (it’s far from a DIY maintenance project). Although slate is brittle and special care should be taken when walking on your roof, it does have a lifespan that outshines many of its competitors. Here’s why:
- Made of stone
- Resilient to the elements
- Fireproof
Synthetic slate roof tiles
When you choose a synthetic slate roof, you get all the beauty of natural slate without the need to fortify your home due to heavy roofing material. Gorgeous synthetic slate roof tiles require minimal maintenance and last 50 years. Here’s why:
- Synthetic slate tiles don’t break easily
- They have excellent fire ratings
- They are impact resistant
- Synthetic slate stands up to the elements with ease
Cedar Shakes vs. Synthetic Cedar Shakes
Cedar shakes
Many love the rustic texture of a cedar shake roof, but there are several factors to consider when comparing regular and synthetic cedar shakes. Cedar shakes are lightweight, yet fragile and require the expertise of a professional roofing contractor with experience installing cedar shakes. Some things to consider about cedar shakes:
- They break easily if impacted by windblown debris
- Moisture penetration may occur and lead to mold and rot
- Even if they are treated for fire protection, they are not permitted in some regions
- Their lifespan is 30 years if installed properly and well maintained
Synthetic cedar shakes
Unlike genuine cedar shakes, synthetic cedar shakes are not prohibited in areas of high fire risk. They have the look of hand cut tiles. The life expectancy of synthetic cedar shakes is 50 years, and homeowners love them because:
- They are wind and hail resistant so they won’t break easily
- They only need minimal maintenance
- They are made of eco-friendly material
Get the Long-Lasting Durability of Synthetic Roofing Shingles
Synthetic roofing gives you the beauty, durability, and low maintenance you deserve in a new roof. Its enduring color, outstanding warranty, and eco-friendly makeup combine to make synthetic roofing the perfect solution to your roofing needs. Synthetic roofing shingles last decades, and with routine maintenance you can even extend their lifespan.
At American Way Exteriors, we offer Brava® synthetic shingles which are backed by a 50-year limited warranty. Take a moment to learn more about our synthetic roofing services.
