Synthetic Composite Shingle Manufacturers List & Website Directory
By Jack Gray, Roof Online Editor • Last updated April 10, 2024
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Synthetic shingles and tiles are fairly recent developments among roofing materials. They are designed to look like traditional roofing materials like slate, clay, or cedar, but are made from engineered materials that mostly contain polymers such as synthetic rubber or plastic, or a combination of both. Synthetic shingles are also known as composite shingles, synthetic composite shingles, “imitation slate” or tile, or artificial shingles. (“Composition” shingles are simply regular asphalt shingles and are another thing entirely.)
These synthetic products offer several advantages, including long lifespans (warranty coverage for up to 50 years is common), high impact and wind resistance, the use of recycled materials, and they are often more lightweight and much more more affordable compared to their natural counterparts.
Types of Synthetic Shingles and Tiles
- Imitation Slate Shingles: These are designed to look like natural slate but are much lighter and easier to install (although they won’t last nearly as long). They will typically contain recycled synthetic rubber, usually from tires. Some brands can look extraordinarily similar to the real thing.
- Synthetic “Clay” Tiles: These tiles have the appearance of traditional clay tile roofing but are lighter and less fragile (and again, they do not last as long as the real thing). They are typically made from a blend of plastic and rubber.
- Synthetic Composite Wood Shakes: These synthetic shingles are designed to look like natural wood shakes but without the potential to split, rot, or warp. They’re usually molded from a mixture that contains recycled plastics and rubber.
Important Considerations Before Buying
- Durability: Check the estimated service life and length of the warranty offered by the manufacturer. Synthetic shingles generally have a long lifespan, often around 50 years or more.
- Appearance: Ensure the style and color of the shingles match your home’s architectural style and your personal preference, and make sure they don’t violate any HOA regulations.
- Weight: Synthetic shingles and tiles are generally lighter than their natural counterparts, which can reduce structural stress on your home. They typically weigh about the same (installed) as thicker “architectural” asphalt shingles, so if your house currently has an asphalt shingle roof on it, synthetic shingles are almost certainly an option.
- Cost: While often much more affordable than the real thing, prices can vary widely based on the type of synthetic shingle and the manufacturer. Also remember that when it comes to slate and clay tile, imitation slate or tile will typically last only around half as long (which is still a long time for a roof).
- Environmental Impact: If using “sustainable” products is important to you, you can find shingles made from recycled materials and some will even be recyclable at the end of their life.
Importance of Choosing a Reputable Manufacturer
- Quality Assurance: A reputable manufacturer is more likely to produce high-quality, durable products that have been rigorously tested to withstand various weather conditions. With roofing products like synthetic shingles that don’t have a (relatively) long track record to look at, this can be especially important
- Warranty: Reputable manufacturers typically offer better warranties and make it easier for you to get help with any warranty claims you might need to make.
- Product Range: Established manufacturers typically offer a wider range of styles, colors, and types of synthetic shingles, giving you a better chance at finding exactly what you’re looking for.
- Technical Support: A reputable manufacturer will have a solid technical department that provides support and guidance both during installation and after, should any issues come up.
- Qualified Contractors: Reputable synthetic shingle and tile manufacturers will typically have a network of reputable roofing contractors that they have trained and tested, and will provide you with a list of approved, certified contractors in your area.
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If you are a reputable and qualified synthetic shingle manufacturer and feel that we’ve overlooked your company, feel free to contact us to ask to be added to this list.