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Your investment in some synthetic slate shingles can give you the beauty of natural slate at a fraction of the cost. Modern technology has turned these roofing materials into a useful answer that looks great on new homes and renovations!
You'll love how synthetic slate now balances your budget with long-term protection and classic style. These shingles stand strong against extreme weather. Their looks last for decades to come - this makes them worth every penny you spend.
Your commitment to eco-friendly home improvements will feel even better when you have synthetic slate on your roof! These shingles last a very long time. You won't have to climb up there for non-stop repairs, either. And the money you save on maintenance means more cash in your pocket for other home projects.
Let's talk about what you should know about synthetic slate shingles - and why they could be the perfect choice for your home.
Materials and Composition
You'll find that synthetic slate shingles are made from recycled materials that mimic real slate's appearance! The manufacturers mostly use recycled rubber from old tires and plastic that would usually fill up landfills. They also now combine ground-up paper products and wood fibers to make the blend even stronger.
Your synthetic slate begins its process when workers melt these materials into a thick liquid combination. The next step means pouring this combination into molds that create an authentic slate texture - these molds feature small ridges and bumps! It'll give you the exact same look as natural stone. After going through a few heating and cooling cycles, your shingles become tough and durable.
The manufacturers have total control over how your synthetic slate will look. You can pick from shades of gray, brown, and other natural stone colors because they combine the pigments right into the liquid material. Some businesses even give you multi-toned options that change colors depending on how the light hits them.
The choice of synthetic slate helps the environment, too! Just one synthetic slate roof saves thousands of pounds of waste from ending up in landfills. Instead of sitting in a dump, these recycled materials get a whole new job. Your synthetic shingles will stay strong for decades without degrading.
Thanks to recent innovations, your synthetic slate options are more awesome than ever before. Advanced UV protection keeps the colors looking fresh and great for years. New polymer blends make your shingles more flexible and resistant to cracking. The manufacturers now also have fire-resistant additives to give your home extra protection.
Since these materials weigh much less than natural slate, you won't need extra structural support for your roof. The installation process is easy too since contractors can cut and nail synthetic slates just like standard shingles. Unlike real slate, there's no need for special tools or extensive training.
Cost Analysis
You'll pay between $8 and $12 per square foot just for the synthetic slate shingles. When you add in the professional installation, it raises the total cost to $14-$21 per square foot. For a common 2,000-square-foot roof, you're looking at spending anywhere from $28,000 to $42,000 for the entire job.
The materials alone can start at $15 per square foot and can shoot up past $30. You'll also need to shell out way more for the installation since natural slate needs skills and extra support for your roof.
Your location plays a giant role in what you'll pay for the labor costs. If you live in cities like New York or San Francisco, expect contractors to charge about 30% more than they would in smaller towns. The setup of your roof can also affect the final price tag.
Tough roofs with cut back slopes and decorative features will cost you more to install. Your contractor needs extra safety equipment and time to work on hard layouts. Features like dormers, chimneys, and valleys can add a few thousand dollars to your project.
More businesses are jumping into the synthetic slate game recently. This competition has pushed prices down a bit which is good news for your wallet. Some manufacturers stand behind their products and offer warranties that last 50 years or even longer.
While synthetic slate might feel expensive at first, you'll probably save some money down the road. These shingles manage rough weather and wear and tear much better than other options. You won't have to spend much time or money keeping them in good shape or replacing damaged pieces.
The weather where you live should factor into your choice of costs. Synthetic slate works in locations with harsh weather conditions. Unlike natural slate, which can crack when it freezes, synthetic materials manage big temperature changes beautifully.
Your insurance company might give you a break on your premiums since most synthetic slate comes with quality fire ratings and stands up well to strong winds. Counting the money, you'll save on maintenance and insurance over the years, and that initial investment starts looking way more interesting.
Durability and Lifespan
Your synthetic slate roof will stand up to the brutal weather excellently. These tough shingles can resist winds up to 110 mph and stay attached to your roof! A few manufacturers have earned the top ratings for protection against hailstones and falling tree branches.
You'll never have to worry about temperature changes damaging your synthetic slate roof. The polymers used in the manufacturing process stay strong even during extreme heat and cold. Plus, the added UV protection will keep your roof looking fresh and pristine for years to come.
Synthetic slate lasts between 40 and 50 years with some care - while natural slate might last over 100 years. Your synthetic slate roof will far outlast regular asphalt shingles that usually need replacement after just 20 years. Most manufacturers also back their products with generous 40-50 year warranties for your security.
The success of your synthetic slate roof can depend on the installation. Even though the material itself is tough, the way it's put on makes the difference. Professional roofers know where to place the nails and how much overlap each shingle needs for maximum protection.
Your synthetic slate roof needs very little maintenance over its lifetime. Since the color goes all of the way through each shingle instead of just sitting on top, you won't have to manage fading or peeling. The material also naturally resists moss growth and algae stains that plague other roofing options.
Synthetic slate gives exceptional fire protection for your home. It exceeds safety standards. These materials earn the highest Class A fire safety ratings through rigorous testing. Your synthetic slate roof won't catch fire or let flames spread across its surface during an emergency.
Installation Process
Synthetic slate shingles weigh just 1.25 to 1.5 pounds per square foot - this makes them easy to work with compared to natural slate's 10 pounds per square foot.
You'll need a clean and stable roof deck to get started. Your roofers will strip away the old roofing materials and repair any damaged sections they find. After that they'll lay down a waterproof barrier to keep your house protected and dry.
Your synthetic slate shingles come with some useful nail guides already marked on them. The crew starts laying them from the bottom of your roof and moves upward, row by row. Each new shingle overlaps the one below it to create a shield against water.
These modern shingles snap together at the edges, too - this useful design holds them in place during strong winds and stops water from sneaking underneath. Since synthetic slate is lighter and easier to manage, your roofers can work much faster than they would with natural slate.
Most roofing teams can wrap up a synthetic slate job in half the time it takes for natural slate. Your roof won't need any extra structural support either - this saves you some time and money.
Your roofers will follow the manufacturer's rules to keep your warranty valid. That means checking nails and keeping the right space between shingles. Some areas like valleys and peaks need attention too.
Since synthetic slate is easier to work with, you'll pay less for labor. Usually 25% to 50% less than natural slate installation. The quicker installation time means less disruption to your schedule too.
Natural slate will need years of training. But synthetic slate doesn't need as much. More contractors know how to install synthetic products, so you'll have an easier time finding someone for the job. With more qualified installers available, you're also more likely to get competitive prices.
Maintenance Requirements
Your synthetic slate roof needs way more care than real slate. Modern manufacturers add UV blockers to help protect your shingles from sun damage and fading. You can also find shingles with extra minerals mixed in that stop those unsightly dark streaks from growing on your roof.
When it comes to keeping your synthetic slate clean, it's easy, too. Just grab your garden hose and some mild soap when the surface gets dirty. You should do this quick cleaning job once or twice each year to keep everything looking pristine. Don't use a pressure washer, though. The strong spray can damage your shingles.
Walking on synthetic slate is a big no-no since the shingles can crack under your weight. You might need to check the roof up there sometimes - that's fine. Just make sure that you use safety equipment and walk on boards laid across the roof to spread out your weight.
Your synthetic slate might pick up some scratches or small dents over time (mainly from tree branches or rough weather). The good news is that you can fix these little problems with repair kits made for synthetic slate. These kits come with color-matched materials that fill in the scratches and blend right in with your roof.
After a few years, some shingles might come loose or change around a bit. That's why scheduled roof inspections help - they catch these problems before water starts leaking in. A qualified roofer can swap out any damaged shingles without interfering with the rest of your roof.
Your synthetic slate will naturally expand and contract when temperatures change quite a bit. It isn't anything to worry about, though. Modern synthetic materials are made to be flexible enough to manage these movements without breaking.
Remember to clear out any fallen leaves and debris from your roof valleys and gutters each season. This easy job stops water from getting stuck under your shingles during heavy rain and prevents moisture from building up in shady places where moss likes to grow.
Environmental Impact
Synthetic slate has more eco-friendly benefits than natural slate for your home. You can find recycled materials like plastic and rubber in synthetic slate products - these help waste from piling up in landfills!
You'll save more energy with synthetic slate since it doesn't need any intensive mining operations. Natural slate mining tears up the landscapes and destroys animal habitats with heavy machinery that spews carbon emissions into the air. Synthetic materials can skip these harmful environmental effects.
Your old synthetic slate shingles won't go to waste since manufacturers can completely recycle them into new products. Natural slate forms over thousands of years in the earth and sadly ends up as debris once you remove it from your roof.
The lightweight nature of synthetic slate makes a positive change for the environment. Since it weighs 70% less than natural slate you'll need fewer trucks to transport it and create less pollution along the way.
Synthetic slate makers now proudly display their green certifications. These show you how much recycled content goes into each product and prove their commitment to eco-friendly manufacturing. Your building project might even earn LEED points when you choose certified synthetic slate products!
Synthetic slate protects your home and the environment for decades to come. Quality synthetic slate usually lasts over 50 years. You won't need regular roof replacements that create unnecessary waste.
Today's synthetic slate is greener thanks to innovative manufacturing. You can find more renewable materials and less production waste than ever before. Some businesses have switched to solar-powered facilities too - these advances cut back on environmental effects year after year.
Protect The Roof Over Your Head
Your choice of a roofing material will protect your home and family for years to come. Each roofing type brings different benefits and properties - so you'll want to look at your options! You might love how synthetic slate looks just like the real item and lasts way longer. You'll find that metal roofs or asphalt shingles can be a good choice for what you need and what you can spend.
Your perfect roof can depend on what drives you the most right now. Maybe you want something that'll last for decades or maybe you're looking to save some money. You might even want the most environmentally friendly option you can find.
Take a look at the weather where you live too and think about how your house is built. And let's talk about your future plans for your home. What counts is the top return for your dollar based on your situation.
Here at Colony Roofers, we're trusted experts for home and business roofing needs throughout Georgia, Florida, and Texas! You deserve to feel completely safe under your roof. Let the pros manage any repairs or problems you might have (we can help)!
We'll come out and check your roof for free - no strings attached. Just reach out to us and we'll show you what real roofing expertise looks like. Don't take chances with your roof when you can get reliable advice and good service from our team at Colony Roofers.
Give us a call today!
