Synthetic roofing has been through a lot in the past thirty years, so we’re here explain why so many choose this option in comparison to natural materials.
Synthetic Roofing History
The use of these polymers (blended with other materials) has progressed in popularity since the early nineties. Its ability to be recycled and created from recycled materials contributes to its popularity – certified by a green label – making this roof option a hit among anyone looking to lessen damage to the environment.
Due to being very new to the public, synthetic roofing is a few decades behind many other alternatives on the market today. However, in the brief time they’ve been around it has been proven that they can go toe to toe as substitutes for historical preservation sites in need of slate.
Prices
As prices for synthetic roofing vary, it’s less costly in terms of shipping and application than other forms of roofing. Being lightweight yet strong, synthetic roofing is sold by the bundle. A bundle of roofing runs to ten pieces per bundle, with each piece covering one square foot.
Synthetic Roofing Installation & Repair
Installing synthetic roofing is much like installing slate or tile… yet much easier. With no additional framing work necessary beforehand, these strong and light pieces can be applied with conventional equipment and tools.
Repairing synthetic roofing may be just as easy as installation, but having a professional – familiar to the material – to replace the piece is recommended. Being very strong and barely subject to damage such as tile, slate, or asphalt, the likeliness of replacement is fairly rare.
Synthetic Roofing Lifetime
Although most warranties claim to last 50 years, synthetic roofing has only been on the market for roughly over thirty years. It has been questioned whether they’ll eventually weaken or become brittle… but only time can decide on this matter at the moment.
Types of Synthetic Roofing
The types of synthetic roofing vary due to their ability to replicate a wide range of shingles such as:
- slate (see below)
- wood shakes
- clay tiles
- and many more
Synthetic roofing can also come laminated with a lengthy list of color selections.
More Synthetic Roofing Facts
- They’re reflective, meaning that they do not absorb heat.
- They are petroleum based, but they’re made from recycled materials.
- Lower end synthetics have an unnatural sheen due to being made of plastic.
- They’re fire resistant with a Class A to Class C rating.
- Approval from local codes is suggested before installation as synthetic roofing is fairly new to the market.
Synthetic Slate is a Roofing Annex Favorite!
They Symphony™ Slate Series from CertainTeed™ is our preferred product for use in the Cincinnati Area. These shingles are a masterpiece of composite slate design with the timeless qualities of tooled craftsmanship, natural beauty, and harmony.
Please download the brochure by clicking here.
