With the advancement of roofing technology, the availability of building materials has offered homeowners a variety of residential roofing alternatives. One of the most talked-about options is the difference between genuine and synthetic slate shingles. Is one material better than the other?
What Are Slate Shingles Made Of?
Shingles are made from sedimentary rocks after metamorphism occurs. Water or air-borne particles of mineral composition form layers of slate that are both durable and beautiful. Because of a high industry manufacturing standard, it is considered among the most sought-after roofing material.
What Are Synthetic Slate Shingles Made Of?
Synthetic shingles are made of petroleum products that are used to manufacture metallic sheets made within slate-like moldings. Other synthetic slate shingles are made from plastic, cellulose fibers, cement fibers, or mineral-laden particles. Blended synthetics are also quite commonplace.
Are Genuine Or Synthetic Slate Shingles Better?
Genuine slate shingles are superior in grade and quality, so they are highly desirable to homeowners who want stylish and elegant-looking rooftops. They are also more costly because the material is high-end. Over time, they may be vulnerable to fissures or chipping if heavy objects fall on them.
Synthetic slate shingles are constructed with affordability and longevity in mind, which makes them more suitable for some homeowners. What is also attractive is that they are made to look similar to genuine slate tiles, so you are getting a comparable aesthetic and curb appeal as your neighbors.
Benefits Of Choosing Synthetic Slate Shingles For Residential Roofing Needs
While they both offer great consumer benefits, synthetic slate shingles are considered eco-friendly because they are often made of recycled materials and do not require raw minerals to create. Upon a residential roofing replacement, they can also be recycled, which provides an incentive to purchase.
Synthetic slate is considered safer than genuine shingles because they were created with materials that modify their reaction to the fire and intense UV rays. The synthetic composition makes it less likely a fire will spread from a roof, which homeowners are thankful for because of safety concerns.
If your primary concern is durability and getting the most bang for your buck., synthetic slate shingles are considered more durable than genuine slate because they are composed of materials that reduce the normal wear-and-tear of rooftop materials, even in climates with rougher weather.
Roofing companies also like that synthetic slate shingles are more affordable, so it provides alternatives to more costly residential roofing materials. They are also easier to manufacture, cut, transport, and install on roofs than the more expensive raw materials like genuine slate shingles.
The time it takes to install a new slate roof affects the ultimate process, so the lighter the material, the easier they are to mount. Synthetic slate shingles weigh about three-fourths less than the weight of genuine slate shingles, so it takes less time to install them because of their ease of convenience.
North Shore Roofing offers both genuine and synthetic slate shingles. To learn more or ask us about their benefits, call (978) 977-3816 or visit us at https://www.facebook.com/NorthShoreRoofingMA.
