Real, authentic slate is a beauty to behold. It's a beautiful and natural rock formation cut into thin tiles that adorn many glamorous Denver CO homes. However, they're quite expensive even if they can last for decades as excellent roofing materials with superior protection against hail and snowstorms. As experienced and long-term roofers in Denver CO, we've come to see artificial slate roofing as a perfect alternative to traditional slate.
Artificial slate roofing uses EPDM, TPO, or PVC as their core materials. Alternatively, some manufacturers use metal sheets of varying densities to create excellent emulations of slate's appearance. In doing so, the aesthetics enjoy the functionality and capability of synthetic roofing materials or metal roofing.
Here are the benefits you will enjoy by using artificial slate roofing.
HGTV has a great list of all the advantages you can enjoy by using artificial slate roofing. You can refer to this list when you're making decisions about the roofing materials you will use. Read more below.
Synthetic slate is considered a "green" building alternative—even those that use virgin materials—because all types of synthetic slate can be recycled at the end of a roof's usable life.
Synthetic slate shingles are more durable than authentic slate, as they contain advanced ultraviolet inhibitors to reduce wear from the sun. Safety is built-in. Synthetic slate typically contains impact modifiers to help withstand storm damage; in fact, most are certified by Underwriters Laboratories for Class 4 impact resistance, the highest level for roofing materials. Many synthetic slates also have the highest fire-resistance rating—Class A—which means they're effective against severe exposure to external fires, are not readily flammable and do not spread fire. (Continued)
Artificial slate roofing isn't strictly made from synthetic materials or metal roofs. You have a wide variety of materials to choose and use. Home Style Choices has a great selection of materials you can use for your new artificial slate roofing below.
Clay
Faux slate tiles that are clay-based are no different from a material perspective than other types of clay roof tiles such as the barrel tiles typical on homes with a Southwestern or Mediterranean motif. They're just molded to resemble the look of slate.
Fiber Cement
Fiber cement is the combination of fiberglass and a cement mix. It's similar to fiber cement siding but rather than formed into long planks or shakes it's made into individual tiles that mimic the look of slate tiles.
Steel
There are some steel roofing manufacturers that make a steel roof tile in the shape of slate roofing tiles. The texturing might not be as defined as what's achievable on plastic or rubber faux slate tiles however.
Asphalt Composition
While some may not classify these types of shingles as a faux slate they're still worth mentioning. The makers of traditional asphalt shingles also make premium asphalt shingles aimed at achieving the look of a slate roof. While they may not be mistaken for a slate roof their heft and thickness do provide a very textured look on a roof, similar to the "3-D" look of true slate. (Continued)
Ask any reputable roofing company in Denver CO, and they'll tell you that artificial slate roofing and all other long-lasting roofing material can only last with proper installation. An improper application of roofing adhesive and nails can lead to missing shingles in as short as six months after installation.
We highly discourage homeowners from installing their roofs on their own. While DIY seems like an excellent option to save money, it's possible to compromise essential processes that would otherwise assure the quality and stability of roofs -- including artificial slate roofing -- for long-term performance.
If you have yet to find a roofer you can trust, we can help you. Roper Roofing is Denver CO's go-to roofing company with decades of experience and a knowledgeable and well-equipped team. Contact us today!
