Synthetic Slate Roofing: An In-Depth Guide
Last Updated: Apr 7, 2025Slate roofs are beautiful. They carry the patina of history as a go-to material for centuries for topping off homes, churches, government buildings, and apartments. Homeowners love them for their attractive appearance and the character they add. Yet slate can be expensive, heavy, and difficult to install. It must be quarried and transported to manufacturing facilities, resulting in high levels of energy consumption before being applied to rooftops.
Enter synthetic slate tiles. They have many advantages over real slate, from installation to the ability to be recycled. Yet, are they a green application for roofing? A debate rages in the roofing industry over synthetic slate tiles. Here’s a closer look at the issues.
Table of Contents
- What is Synthetic Slate Roofing?
- What is Synthetic Slate Roofing Made Of?
- How is Synthetic Slate Roofing Made?
- What Are the Advantages of Synthetic Slate Roofs?
- What Are the Disadvantages of Synthetic Slate Roofs?
- Is It Difficult to Install a Synthetic Slate Roof?
- Do Synthetic Slate Roofs Cost More Than Slate Tiles?
- Do Synthetic Slate Roofs Last Longer Than Real Slate?
- How Do Synthetic Slate Roofs Perform in Storms?
- Are Synthetic Slate Roofs Fire Resistant?
- Are Synthetic Slate Roofs Sustainable?
- Do They Have Any Other Sustainable Attributes?
- Are There Other Considerations?
- What Process Should I Follow to Select Synthetic Roofing?
- What Are Some of the Big Names in the Synthetic Industry?
What is Synthetic Slate Roofing?
Synthetic slate roofing looks like authentic slate roofing, except it’s composed of plastic and rubber materials. Manufacturers of synthetic slate roofing offer a wide variety of styles that fit nearly any house, from contemporary to French Colonial.
What is Synthetic Slate Roofing Made Of?
Faux slate comes in various materials, including plastics, polymers, clay, fiber cement, rubber, steel, and asphalt. They have different characteristics, price points, strengths, and weaknesses.
What Are the Advantages of Synthetic Slate Roofs?
In general, synthetic slate roof manufacturers and installers say they cost less to install and last much longer than authentic slate and other roofing materials. They maintain a good appearance for years, say advocates for synthetic roofs. More roofing companies can install them compared to slate, which demands a higher level of expertise.
What Are the Disadvantages of Synthetic Slate Roofs?
Authentic slate proponents say no one will ever mistake synthetic slate with the real thing. Synthetics can curl, crack and disintegrate, especially in harsher climates. The flexibility of rubber and plastic means curling and cracking can occur, sometimes allowing water to seep into attics of synthetic roof owners. Tiles have discolored or faded in just a few years.
Is It Difficult to Install a Synthetic Slate Roof?
No, synthetic slate weighs much less than slate, allowing for simpler and faster installation, even by handy homeowners. Transporting tiles costs less because synthetic tiles weigh a quarter of natural slate. Installers can nail synthetic tiles into place with standard roofing nails and pneumatic nail guns. A utility knife can cut tiles. Authentic slate tiles need heavy nails and can be challenging to cut and shave. Roofers installing slate often require hiring specialized installers with more expensive skill sets.
Do Synthetic Slate Roofs Cost More Than Slate Tiles?
No, the tiles are less expensive, as is the installation. Synthetic slate roofs cost roughly about $9 to $12 per square foot, installed, depending on where you live. Real slate roof installations cost $22 to $43 per square foot. Compared to other conventional roofing materials, synthetic slate roofing falls in the middle, being less expensive than real slate and clay tiles but more expensive than asphalt and architectural shingles.
Do Synthetic Slate Roofs Last Longer Than Real Slate?
Manufacturers claim they last longer for several reasons and offer 50-year warranties, with some claiming they can last 100 years. Materials used to produce the tiles are combined with ultraviolet inhibitors to reduce sun damage. However, most synthetic slate products have been in the marketplace for less than 20 years. Critics charge that they begin to look a bit aged after just a decade, with chipped and discolored panels. Over time, we will gain a clearer picture of the longevity of synthetic slate tiles.
How Do Synthetic Slate Roofs Perform in Storms?
Many synthetic slate models come certified for Class 4 impact resistance from Underwriters Laboratories. That’s the highest level that roofing materials can achieve, and this will help increase the resiliency of your home. Many synthetic slate roofs have elements and designs to mitigate storm damage.
Are Synthetic Slate Roofs Fire Resistant?
Many synthetic roofs have Class A fire ratings, the highest level. The tiles do not create burning particles and embers that could spread fire to the rest of a roof and have no dangerous flammable characteristics.
These features make synthetic slate roofing a great option when considering the fire resistance of your home. Some synthetic roofs have Class B or C ratings. To increase that rating, contractors can add a layer of fire retardant material underneath synthetic tiles that will raise the project's cost.
Do They Have Any Other Sustainable Attributes?
When removed, synthetic roofs can be recycled. Roofing materials contribute 5 percent of the waste stream of landfills, a not insignificant figure. Real slate is not renewable and cannot be recycled.
Are There Other Considerations?
As noted, synthetic tiles not as cheap as other roofing options. Not all models have Class A fire ratings. The industry suffered from a few fly-by-night companies, leaving customers with worthless warranties. And speaking of warranties, many industry professionals question the 50-year length since synthetics are relatively new. No one knows what they will look like after five decades of weather abuse.
Frank Jossi
Based in St. Paul, Frank Jossi is a journalist, editor and content strategist. He covers clean energy in Minnesota for Midwest Energy News and writes frequently for Finance & Commerce. His work has appeared in more than 70 local, national and international publications.
