How Does Composite Roofing Compare To Genuine Slate Or Cedar Roofing
While slate shingles were popular in the United States in the early 20th century they have long been replaced by synthetic or composite slate shingles. Slate composite shingles are lighter in weight and cheaper in cost. At approximately a quarter of the weight of natural slate, composite shingles are easier to transport and install. Normal roofs can support synthetic slate shingles, and standard nails will support them without breaking under the weight. Saving the expense of real slate shingles does not mean compromising the look of the roof. Composite cedar shakes are often manufactured of post industrial plastics, used tires and other materials. They also contain cedar wood shavings and materials to help protect them from UV degradation. These high quality products can easily last as long as 20 years. In fact, without any maintenance, fiberglass cedar shingles and other composite alternatives can carry up to 50 year warranties.
The Lifespans Of A Slate Roof And A Synthetic Slate Roof
The lifespan is the number of years you get out of your roof. I mentioned earlier that slate is one of the longest-lasting roofs on the market.
But how long does it really last, and how does it compare to a synthetic slate roof?
As long as your slate roof is properly installed and flashed properly, itll be the last roof you ever put on your home. Its hard to put an exact number on the lifespan, but theres no reason a slate roof shouldnt live around 75 years or even close to 100.
While a synthetic slate roof wont last as long, you can still expect to get around 40-50 years out of it as long as its installed correctly. Obviously, a slate roof has a clear advantage over a synthetic slate roof when it comes to lifespan.
However, correctly installing a slate roof is the key to reaching its maximum lifespan. Every individual slate tile has to be handled carefully, and it takes a really skilled roofer to handle and install the easily breakable slate tiles.
Con: Higher Upfront Costs
The initial cost of installing composite slate shingles is more expensive than asphalt and architectural shingles however, composite slate is much less expensive than clay tile and authentic slate. Keep in mind that, despite the higher upfront cost, composite slate roofs can last for decades, reducing costs down the line.
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Composite slate shingles offer the aesthetic appeal of traditional slate at a fraction of the cost and with much higher levels of durability. Given composite slates eco-friendly nature, long warranty, and unparalleled longevity, the pros of composite slate far outweigh the cons.
If you live in southwest Missouri, contact Taylor-Made Roofing for help with your roof. Our experts can help you explore new roofing options, maintain an older roof, perform emergency repairs, complete tear-offs and recovers, and perform remodeling services. With over 20 years of experience in residential and commercial roofing, Taylor-Made Roofing is a company that you can trust with all of your roofing needs. Our family-owned business offers quality services, a reassuring warranty, and free estimates. For more information regarding roofing options, please give us a call at 417-326-8778 or contact us online. We look forward to hearing from you!
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There Are Several Reasons That Synthetic Slate Roofing Is Much Cheaper Than Traditional Slate Roofing
- Installation costs Synthetic slate is a light weight material which, compared to traditional slate, is easier to work with. This means that the costs of labor and installation are lower. That why its typically much faster to install a full synthetic slate roof, compared to a traditional slate roof.
- Artificial slate is manufactured, not quarried Natural slate is still quarried by hand and machine, which means high labor costs. This translates to a higher cost of materials. In addition, high-quality slate can only be quarried in a few places around the world. In contrast, the mass-produced nature of composite slate makes it much more affordable.
- Cheaper transportation/import costs Synthetic slate usually has a better impact resistance than natural slate. It is lighter and normally fits larger quantities per pallet. This adds up to a lower overall cost, compared to traditional slate when allowing for transport and importing logistics.
If youre looking for a durable, long-lasting alternative to asphalt shingles or a metal roof, a synthetic slate roof may be perfect for you.
HOW LONG DOES IT ROOFING LAST?
A synthetic slate roof will usually last for a very long time up to 50 years. In fact, most synthetic slate companies offer 50-year warranties on their products if any of your tiles fail before 50 years, you will likely be able to have them replaced free of charge.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF SYNTHETIC SLATE ROOFING?
SEE IF A COMPOSITE SLATE ROOF IS RIGHT FOR YOU!
What Is Composite Slate Roofing
As mentioned above, composite roofing is created by combining various components that contribute to a strong roof, including asphalt, slate, shake, laminate, and/or wood. Each of these components contributes to a highly durable, unique shingle variety. Composite slate roofing, also known as synthetic slate, is designed to look like natural slate roofing but it is much more affordable, durable, and versatile than traditional slate roofing. This is great news for homeowners who appreciate the beauty of authentic slate but dont want to deal with its high cost and fragility.
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What Is Synthetic Slate Roofing Made Of
Synthetic has a variety of materials that it comes in, including polymers, plastics, clay, asphalt, rubber, fiber cement, and steel. The best synthetic slate roofing material is up to the homeowner and how the new roof will match the style of their house. Each of them has its own characteristics, strengths, weaknesses, and costs.
Manufacturers of plastic and polymer composite mold tiles to look authentic. Recycled rubber and plastic can also sometimes be used to form the basis of rubber tiles. You wont have to worry about recycled materials being cheap, either they typically consist of high-quality post-industrial materials.
Traditional Slate Roof Cost
The high cost of materials and installation of a slate roof may deter many homeowners. The total slate roofing costs per roofing square range from $1200 to $3300 the most expensive roofing material on the market. Material costs for a slate roof vary greatly depending on the durability, color, and thickness. The most attractive and sturdy slate tiles can cost a staggering amount of money three times more than a lesser-quality-slate tile. The range in installation costs generally represents the expertise of the roofing contractor. The longevity and performance of a slate roof depend on proper installation by an experienced contractor specializing in slate roofing, which will cost a homeowner more, but is essential to the roofs success.
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The Material Warranty That Comes With A Composite Roof
When getting a new roof, youll have two warranties to protect your investment. One will be on your contractors workmanship and one from the manufacturer on your roofing materials.
That brings us to the next pro of a composite shingle roof, the material warranty they come with.
A composite shingle roof usually comes with a lifetime limited material warranty that will prorate after a certain number of years. However, the actual length of the material warranty depends on the manufacturer of your composite shingles.
Talk to your roofing contractor about the manufacturer they use and your material warranty options before jumping into a composite roof investment.
Good Composite Slate Look
Can anyone recommend a composite shingle that really looks like slate? Would be nice if it held up well too!Thanks.
dixiedoodle
15 years ago
In the neighborhood where we are building, the architectural guidelines stipulate that the roofing material must be cedar shakes, slate, composite slate, tile, or metal. We chose the metal roofing option however, about 90% of the homes have the fake slate. Some of the roofs look terrific. But, none of them look like real slate. Most of them are also starting to fade. There is a true art to installing this product to avoid “patterns” and “bumps” that definitely shows that it is not real slate…most installers have not done enough to have worked out the kinks. In my area, they are primarily using Duraslate or Lamarite. Another interesting fact…my GC used the Lamarite product on another house in the neighborhood. After 2 months of exposure to the elements, you can now completely crack the shingles by hand. I was very glad that we chose the metal after seeing this. These are very expensive products…at least $400/sq materials cost. With labor, I saw quotes of $700-$750/sq. A lot of money for something that I question the durability of now…
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Composite Shingles Are Long
One of the biggest pros of composite shingles is their durability. Remember when I mentioned the importance of them being made out of recycled materials?
Because composite shingles are made of recycled plastic and rubber, you can hit them with a hammer and it bounces back. You also dont have to worry about cracking them like real slate and cedar shakes when walking on the roof.
Composite shingles also have a high impact rating. For example, DaVinci shingles have a Class 4 impact rating, which is the highest rating a roofing material can have.
This means they stand up well to anything that hits your roof, including extreme weather, such as hail. Because of this durability, composite shingles are one of the longest-lasting roofing materials on the market.
As long as the roof is installed correctly, you can expect to get around 40-50 years of life out of a composite roof.
Total Project Cost Examples
A typical house is about 2,000 square feet with a 6/12 pitched roof and an attached garage. Taking roof pitch into account, here are the average roofing material requirements for the three most common home types, each with 2,000 square feet of living space plus a garage:
Single-story / ranch with 2-car garage: 3,100 square feet of roof.
Split-level with 2-car garage: 2,495 square feet of roof.
Standard two-story with 2-car garage: 1,880 square feet of roof surface.
Most contractors factor in 5% to 10% for trimming and waste.
Using low, high, and average costs, plus 5% for waste, heres the pricing table for the three types of homes with 2,000 square feet of living space:
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Pro Tip: Determine your roofs surface area to estimate roofing costs most accurately using the information in this guide. This will reduce the sticker shock when you get estimates and prevent shady roofing contractors from padding their material and labor charges.
Youll need to:
1) Determine the square footage of space directly under the roof. In a single-story, its the entire home. In a standard two-story, its the upper floor. In a split level, its the top floor plus the single-story part of the home. Dont forget the garage!
2) Find the roofs slope the number of inches it gains in elevation for each horizontal foot.
Did you know?
Cost Factors
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Should I Get Synthetic Slate Roofing
Whether you get this type of roofing or not is entirely up to you! At Legacy Service, well guide you throughout your decision with a free consultation for roofing installation or replacement.
If youre interested in this type of roofing, please give us a call at 215-798-9790 or contact us here.
Posted on Sep 30, 2020 in Roof
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HOW LONG SHOULD A ROOF LAST?ELEMENTS
A lot of elements play a role in maintaining the integrity of the roof, but as a homeowner, the most important components to pay attention to are the underlayment, ventilation, and material.
Certainteed Symphony Slate Series: Composite Slate Shingles
CertainTeed has done it again. This time, the brand trusted by builders and remodelers across America has created a composite slate shingle that almost perfectly mimics the aesthetically pleasing stone, but at a far cheaper price.
It looks exactly like slate at a fraction of the cost, said David Garner, owner of Garner Roofing.
The CertainTeed Symphony Slate Series has achieved the ideal blend of nature and technology with composite shingles, hips, and ridge accessories.
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Slate Roof Tiles Product Profile
With a 1 profile, Bravas Old World Slate polymer tile has the volume of traditional slate roof tiles with a fraction of the weight. This allows for less expensive shipping costs and ease of installation. Our Old World Slate shingles have the thickest synthetic slate roof profile available. The 1″ thick profile of this product creates beautiful color exposure and an unsurpassed durability. Our composite slate roof tiles are available in any custom color or color combination.
Synthetic Slate Roofing: Everything You Need To Know In 2022
As is the case with nearly any industry, once the initial item is created, it is only a matter of time before competitors within the industry learn how to replicate those production methods and implement more cost-effective materials and measures to reproduce that item.
This is absolutely the truth when it comes to the roofing industry, particularly slate shingles. Those authentic slate material shingles have been the material of choice for roofing construction for a number of centuries. Its popularity can be seen in the United States and Europe for things like cathedrals, libraries, estate homes, and so many more buildings.
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Slate Roof Installation Cost
Labor costs can vary based on the slope, pitch, and size of a homes roof. However, the tiles weight and the need for an expert slate roofing contractor for the installation make it more expensive than the installation of most other roofing materials. Labor costs to install a slate roof can range from $600 to $1,500 per roofing square. Installing a slate roof costs more than other roofing products because it weighs 800 to 1,500 pounds per square, making it difficult for workers to handle. Furthermore, the weight of slate often requires extra structural support to the home or building. The fragility of slate makes it prone to breaking during and after installation, particularly if walked on. A cracked or broken slate tile requires immediate repair to prevent moisture infiltration/damage. It may be difficult to replace a natural-slate-roof tile with a perfect match because of the uniqueness of each lot of slate tiles.
Composite Slate And Cedar Shingle Installation In New Jersey
Experience the beauty of slate or cedar roofing without the maintenance. DaVinci Roofscapes have captured the natural allure of traditional slate and cedar, while offering the promise of maintenance free comfort. With a limited LIFETIME WARANTY, DaVinci Roofscapes give you all the esthetics you are looking for without the worry.
DaVincis unique composite construction outperforms natural slate and cedar shake with a Class A Fire Rating, Class 4 Impact Rating and a 110 mph Wind Rating. Built to last, DaVinci lives up to the look of nature, without the maintenance, repairs or replacement.
DaVinci products are modeled from actual slate and hand-split shake for natural, non-repeating beauty and decades of enduring and worry-free beauty. DaVincis full line of synthetic slate roofing materials are available in a wide variety of colors and can be layered in a straight or staggered pattern, giving you the choice to customize your roofs tiles to achieve your perfect look.
Lasting color: DaVincis state-of-the-art tiles are made of virgin resins fortified with state-of-the-art UV stabilizers. The color you pick is the color you keep.
Single-Width
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Slate Tile & Cedar Roofing
The best roofing sheets for your home will meet your budget, provide the roof durability you need, and create the curb appeal you want. No maintenance or repair costs, light roofing materials, and better ventilation of the attic are just some of the benefits of the installation. Metal system for shingle roof.
Steel roofing has been a popular roofing product in Europe since the Middle Ages. What you may not know is that in Canada today, it is believed that metal roofs account for about 10% of all residential roofs. A chance to have a metal roof on your own street. As values change, Canadian homeowners are looking for building products that are environmentally sustainable, energy efficient and still look good. Metal roofing is the perfect choice for those who want a permanent roofing solution that makes financial sense and improves the overall appearance of their homes exterior.
At Top Metal Roofs we handle all residential metal roof installations with care. But dont take our word for it read our reviews and see for yourself why other homeowners like you recommend our metal roofing services every day! We know that hard work and keeping promises is not enough a properly installed metal roof requires a team that is skilled and knowledgeable about the products they are installing.
The Difference In Cost Between A Slate Roof And A Synthetic Slate Roof
Both a slate roof and a synthetic slate roof are big investments. The truth is, most homeowners wont be able to afford these kinds of roof systems.
With that in mind, a synthetic slate roof will be cheaper than a real slate roof. Synthetic slate roofs are usually around half the price for the shingles and components compared to slate tiles.
Unfortunately, its impossible to give you an exact price because there are too many factors that go into the cost of a roof. However, I can give you a general ballpark number for the two.
You can expect a slate roof to start around $15.00 per square foot and has the potential to get up to around $30.00 or more per square foot for labor and materials.
On the other hand, you can expect a synthetic slate roof to start around $10.00 to $12.00 per square foot and has the potential to get up to $20.00 or more per square foot.
If youre already considering a slate roof seriously, youll be able to afford a synthetic slate roof.
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