Roofing Systems
Synthetic Slate and Shake Roofing
Synthetic roofing means the finished roof surface: engineered tiles molded to resemble slate or wood shake, at a lighter weight than the materials they imitate.
What this material is
Synthetic roofing products are manufactured from engineered polymer or composite materials, often molded from real slate or shake to pick up the surface texture. Composition, thickness, and color method vary by manufacturer and product.
Properties and applications it may suit
- Homes that want a slate or shake appearance where the structure will not carry stone
- Owners comparing the look of natural materials against a lighter system
- Projects where the roof profile is a significant part of the elevation
- Roofs where the pitch and deck suit the specific product, which we verify on site
Appearance and customization
- Slate-look and shake-look profiles with molded surface texture
- Color variation within a course to avoid an obviously repeating pattern
- Thickness and edge detail that read closer to natural materials than a printed surface would
- Matching hip and ridge pieces supplied with the system
Installation considerations
- Synthetic roofing is not the same thing as synthetic underlayment. Underlayment is the water-resisting layer that goes beneath a roof covering and is never the finished surface; synthetic roofing is the visible roof itself
- Layout, exposure, and fastening follow the specific product's written instructions
- Deck condition is verified after tear-off before installation
- Flashing and ventilation details are part of the same project
Maintenance considerations
- Keep valleys and gutters clear of debris
- Have damaged pieces replaced rather than patched over
- Ask us to inspect after significant storms instead of walking the roof yourself
- Keep your product documentation, since matching a replacement piece depends on the exact product
Common questions
- Is synthetic roofing the same as synthetic underlayment?
- No, and the names cause real confusion. Synthetic underlayment is a water-resisting sheet installed beneath the roof covering on many of our projects, including asphalt shingle roofs. Synthetic roofing is the finished, visible roof surface made to resemble slate or shake.
- Which synthetic brand do you install?
- We select the product with you for the specific project rather than defaulting to one brand. Ask us during your inspection and we will tell you what we can source and install for your roof.
- Does synthetic roofing need a structural evaluation like slate?
- Synthetic products are lighter than natural slate or tile, which is often the reason owners consider them. We still review the deck and framing as part of any roofing project.
Talk through synthetic roofing on your property
We will look at your roof, explain what the system would involve here, and answer your questions before you decide.
Educate. Facilitate. Add value.