If most homeowners could tell you their dream roof, it would be slate or cedar shake. However, most people can't afford these premium roof systems. 

However, there’s a newer roofing material in the industry that gives you the look of slate or cedar shake without being as expensive. This roofing material is synthetic. 

But what exactly are synthetic roof shingles? 

Here at Bill Ragan Roofing, we want you to have all the information needed to make the best decision for you and your budget. That’s why we’re going to break down what you need to know about synthetic shingles. 

Let’s get to what synthetic shingles are and the 3 advantages of a synthetic roof. 

What are DaVinci synthetic roof shingles?

Like I said earlier, synthetic shingles are newer to the roofing industry than most other roofing materials. Most synthetic (also called composite) roof shingles are made of recycled materials, like rubbers and plastics. 

However, some composite shingles, like DaVinci shingles, are made out of an engineered polymer instead of the recycled materials. 

If you work in the roofing industry, you might be able to tell the difference between the synthetic shingles and the roofing material it mimics.

However, you, your neighbors, or anyone walking by won’t be able to tell the difference from the ground. Because of this, DaVinci synthetic shingles are becoming more and more popular as a cheaper alternative to slate or cedar shake shingles. 

Let’s go into a little more detail about the two types of Davinci synthetic shingles.  

DaVinci slate synthetic shingles

Davinci slate synthetic shingles are modeled from actual slate to give them a completely authentic look. They even have chisel marks to add a hand-crafted touch.  

synthetic slate shingles

DaVinci slate has multiple color options to give your roof the look you want. Unlike real slate, you won’t have to worry about the shingles cracking or breaking. 

DaVinci cedar shake synthetic shingles

Davinci cedar shakes synthetic shingles have realistic grain patterns and deep grooves to create a shingle that looks just like shake shingles. Like the slate option, these synthetic shingles have multiple color options. 

synthetic cedar shake shingles

Normal cedar shake shingles eventually rot, crack, and curl. You won’t have to worry about that with synthetic shingles. 

3 advantages of a synthetic shingle roof 

Now you know what a DaVinci synthetic shingle is and about the two types of synthetic shingles they offer. But there are a few more advantages of a synthetic roof than just looking like a slate or cedar shake roof. 

1. Synthetic shingles are durable and long-lasting

One of the biggest advantages of synthetic shingles is how durable they are. DaVinci shingles have a Class 4 impact rating, which is the highest rating a roofing material can have. 

This means they stand up well to anything that hits your roof, including extreme weather, such as hail. You can also walk on the shingles without worrying about breaking them like you would with normal slate or cedar shakes. 

Because of this durability, synthetic shingles are one of the longest-lasting roofing materials on the market. As long as the roof is installed correctly, you can expect to get around 40-50 years of life out of synthetic shingles. 

2. Synthetic shingles are lightweight compared to slate

Real slate roofs are incredibly heavy. Because of this, your house actually has to be built or framed to carry the weight of the slate tiles.

When this happens, it really adds to the cost of getting an already expensive slate roof. This leads us to the next advantage of synthetic shingles, they’re lightweight. 

When getting a synthetic slate roof, you don’t have to worry about the weight issue that comes with a new slate roof. You won’t have to retrofit your home or do anything else to ensure your walls don’t fall and have your roof cave in on you. 

This saves you money and time but still gives you the natural slate look you want. 

3. The cost of synthetic shingles compared to slate or cedar shake

Slate roofs and cedar shake roofs are huge investments. The truth is, most homeowners won’t be able to afford these kinds of roof systems. 

But comparing synthetic's price to the roofing material it mimics depends on the type you choose. 

A synthetic slate roof will always be cheaper than real slate. Synthetic shingles are usually around half the price for the shingles and components compared to real slate. 

On the other hand, a synthetic cedar shake roof and a real cedar shake roof will actually be around the same price. Synthetic cedar shake shingles might be marginally less expensive, but it won't be by much.  

Be aware, the labor costs for synthetic or any other roofing material depend on the roofing contractor you hire. So, it’s hard to say if the labor to tear off your old roof and install your new synthetic one will be cheaper than real slate or cedar shake. 

With that in mind, a synthetic roof will be a sizable investment and will cost more than the most expensive asphalt shingle roof. The cost will really go up if you add any upgrades, like getting copper flashing. 

However, if you’re already considering a slate or cedar shake roof seriously, you’ll be able to afford a synthetic shingle roof. 

Find a great roofing contractor to learn if a synthetic roof is right for you

After learning the 3 advantages of a synthetic roof, you’re better prepared to decide if it’s the right type of roof for you. However, there’s still more information you need to know that only a local roofing contractor can give you. 

That’s why you need to know how to spot a great roofing contractor that has experience with synthetic shingles. The best way to do this is by asking the right questions.

That’s why you need our checklist of 16 questions to ask a roofing contractor. It gives you the questions every homeowner needs to ask and the right answers the roofing contractor should give back. 

Don’t risk making the wrong hiring decision. Get the checklist now. 

Bill Ragan Roofing Company has provided high-quality roof replacements and other roofing services in Nashville and surrounding areas since 1990. If you’re local to our area, don’t hesitate to contact us if you’re interested in a new synthetic roof or for any of your other roofing needs. 

Whether you’re local to us or not, get your Checklist of 16 Questions to Ask a Roofing Contractor to ensure you find a great roofer in your area.

checklist of questions to ask a roofing contractor