ROOFING

Synthetic Roofing

Synthetic roofing (also known as composite roofing) may be the new kid on the roofing industry block, but it’s a sustainable and durable roofing trend that’s been growing in popularity every year—and with good reason.

Let’s take a closer look at all the benefits that come with synthetic roofing, along with how it stacks up to traditional asphalt shingle roofing.

What is Synthetic Roofing?

Synthetic roofing is a newer roofing system featuring a mixture of commonly used sustainable roofing materials, such as plastic, rubber, and recycled paper products. However, some synthetic roofing materials are made out of engineered polymer or propylene rather than recycled materials. Either way, you’ll be left with a long-lasting roof that provides incredible wind, fire, and impact resistance—withstanding strong winds up to 190 mph.

Synthetic roofs can be made to look exactly like natural slate, Spanish clay tiles, or cedar shake roofing, albeit a more lightweight and affordable version compared to these traditional roofing materials. While synthetic roofing may not last as long as a natural slate roof (up to 200 years!), you can expect this type of roof to last between 40 to 50 years when properly installed.

Advantages of Synthetic Roofing

Considering that synthetic roofing is newer to the roofing industry, the only real drawback currently is its initial higher cost compared to asphalt shingle roofing. With that said, there are plenty of benefits that come with synthetic roofing, including:

Long-Lasting Roof

Synthetic roofing is built to last for the long haul when properly installed and maintained. Depending on the specific type of synthetic roof you choose for your home, you can expect these roof types to last between 40 and 50 years—and they’re typically backed by a 50-year limited warranty.

Fire, Wind and Impact Resistant

One of the biggest benefits of synthetic roofing is its overall durability. When properly installed, a synthetic roof can hold up against natural disasters:

Fire resistance: Many synthetic roofs have Class A fire ratings that offer the best protection against fires.
Wind resistance: Most synthetic shingles can withstand high winds between 110 and 190 mph.
Impact resistance: Many synthetic roofing products come equipped with the highest Class 4 impact resistance rating to protect your home against devastating hail storms.

Eco-Friendly

Many synthetic roofing products are made from 100% recycled materials—eliminating unnecessary waste in landfills.

They also include naturally reflective properties, meaning synthetic shingles don’t easily absorb sunlight and therefore won’t degrade as quickly as other roofing materials. Additionally, synthetic roofing helps keep indoor temperatures stable thanks to its natural cooling capabilities.

Lightweight Material

Natural roofing materials, like genuine slate, are extremely heavy and may require additional reinforcement as slate roofs can weigh between 800 to 1,500 pounds per 100 square feet.

So if your home can’t support the added weight, synthetic roofing offers the look of an expensive natural slate roof at a fraction of the weight. In fact, synthetic shingles are one of the lightest roofing materials out there—even lighter than traditional asphalt shingles—which also makes them easier to transport and install.

Synthetic Roofing vs Ashphalt Shingles

For over 100 years, asphalt shingle roofing has been the most common type of roofing system for many homeowners due to its affordability and easy installation. Asphalt shingles are usually made out of fiberglass or paper mats covered with a layer of tar and granules.

While asphalt shingles and synthetic shingles share several qualities, both roofing systems also differ in many ways when it comes to:

Cost: Asphalt shingles are typically less expensive than synthetic roofing. On average, a synthetic roof may cost between three to four times more than a traditional asphalt roof.
Lifespan: Synthetic roofing usually lasts between 40 to 50 years, while asphalt shingle roofing tends to have a lifespan between 20 to 30 years. This difference may offset the initial higher price tag that often comes with synthetic roofing.
Weather resistance: Synthetic roofing materials are generally more durable as they are designed to withstand strong winds up to 190 mph, compared to asphalt shingle roofs that may start to tear apart with winds up to a mere 90 mph.
Curb appeal: The visual attractiveness of your home can certainly boost its value. With synthetic roofing, you can mimic the look of more expensive roofing materials like natural slate and traditional Spanish clay tiles to increase the curb appeal of your home.

Even though synthetic roofing may come with higher initial costs, you could end up saving more in the long run due to the longer lifespan and durability of synthetic shingles. Additionally, synthetic shingles are lighter in weight compared to asphalt shingles—making them easier to transport and install.

If you’re interested in replacing your existing roof with a tile roof, reach out to our experienced roofing company today!

ROOFING

Synthetic Roofing

What is Synthetic Roofing?

Advantages of Synthetic Roofing

Long-Lasting Roof

Fire, Wind and Impact Resistant

Eco-Friendly

Lightweight Material

Synthetic Roofing vs Ashphalt Shingles

Roofing

Renovations

Service Locations

Multi-family

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