Are Synthetic Shingles Good?

shingle roofing system

What’s that up on the rooftop looking good and protecting the house below?

Why it is synthetic shingles! What is a synthetic roof? A state-of-the-art engineered product that is doing the same thing that asphalt, cedar shake, and composite shingles have been doing for years. So, what’s all the excitement about, are synthetic shingles of good quality? 

Synthetic shingles have the appearance of other shingles that many homeowners want, like cedar shake, clay tile, or slate. When it comes to the pros and cons of synthetic shingles though, it is hard to find the downsides:

  • Aesthetically: When you want clay tile, cedar shakes, or slate on your rooftop but your budget reminds you that you can’t afford that, synthetic shingles look just as good for a fraction of the cost. Where clay tile and slate require additional support on a steep slope, synthetic shingles do not. Where slate has to be quarried and is fragile, making shipping and installation expenses, synthetic does not. 
  • Where cedar shake roofing attracts insects with its natural, rustic charm, and isn’t fire resistant,  synthetic shingles doesn’t attract insects, they are fire-resistant and waterproof. They are elegant with high-end authenticity appearance of their counterparts in a wide authentic color palette, expanding the option of color blending. 
  • Durable: Clay tile cracks and slate tile splits. Synthetic shingles do not do either of these things. They are impact-resistant, insect resistant, lightweight, and impervious to temperature changes. Class A rated and wind-resistant, insurance companies love synthetic shingles. The color fading resistance and UV ray resistance make homeowners love that they won’t need to re-roof as often and the maintenance-free aspect is great. 
  • Eco-friendly: A synthetic shingle roof will outlive the homeowner and with the worldwide concerns of going green and recycling, that make a big bonus for synthetic shingling. Where they lack in being made from post-consumer material, their end of life value is 100% recyclable.
  • Cost-Effective: Pricing varies synthetic shingles, but the cost is typically a fraction of what their natural counterparts cost to have installed. With the addition that they have an estimated lifespan of fifty years, their install cost makes them more cost-effective. 

What are composite shingles?

Is there a difference between composite shingles vs synthetic shingles? No, both composite shingles and synthetic shingles contain a blend of numerous commonly used roofing materials like asphalt,  fiberglass, and recycled paper products. Composite or synthetic shingles are fire and water resistant, and some manufacturers of this type of shingle make them algae and mold resistant.  When composite or synthetic shingles are damaged, individual shingles can be replaced  instead of an entire section of the roof. They do not crack, peel, split, or warp and the color choices are almost endless. 

What is the difference between asphalt shingles and composition shingles?

Composition is defined by Merriam Webster as “the way in which something is put together or arranged”, so this would mean that asphalt shingles is the same as  and composition shingles because both are composed of different materials.  Composition is a term to describe asphalt shingles, which are composite product of either cellulose mat or a fiberglass mat with asphalt and minerals added to the mat. 

How long do composite shingles last?

Composite shingles are an affordable roofing shingle, making them a popular choice in the way of asphalt shingles that contain a cellulose or fiberglass mat for reinforcement. When the time comes for a new roof, every homeowner should review the different options and question the longevity of each roofing material type available to them. 

When you choose composite shingles based on being inexpensive, you need to keep in mind this will likely mean a shorter lifespan too. Typically, like anything else, the more expensive roofing shingles are, the longer they will last. 

With routine cleaning, inspections, maintenance, and repairs completed as needed, you may get a longer lifespan than the estimated 20 years for an asphalt composite shingle roof. A high quality premium brand composite shingle could give you 50 years.

shingle roof

What are the longest lasting roof shingles?

Laminated shingles are today’s market as the longest-lasting when compared to the various shingles on the market. They are thicker and have a bigger exposure, a refined asphalt type of shingle that is available in two categories: 

  • Dimensional shingles – the look of architectural shingles
  • Luxury shingles – the look of shakes or slate shingles

Let’s discuss if knowing how to install synthetic shingles is a concern when choosing what type of roofing material is right for you.  The answer to that is there isn’t any need for concern. Synthetic shingle installation isn’t any different than basic asphalt installation. While you can choose synthetic shingles that look like the cedar shake, clay, or slate tiles, they are easier and faster to install.  This gives you that look that you desire at a much less expensive cost. Want synthetic shingles? Call 214-295-5500 today!