6 Reasons Why Synthetic Composite Roofing Materials are Best 

Finding the perfect roofing material for your home is never easy. Synthetic roofing materials are specifically engineered and designed to replicate the exact look of popular roofing materials like natural wood or slate, but are instead made from superior and longer-lasting synthetic materials.

1. Life Span

Wood roofing shakes and asphalt shingles are very popular but will wear out quickly. At best you can maybe get 15-25 years out of a wood roof and three-tab asphalt shingle roof. According to the NAHB (National Association of Home Builders) asphalt shingle / composition shingle roofs last approximately 20 years. Synthetic roofing tiles last up to 50 years, feature a manufacturer's warranty, and require minimal maintenance. 

2. Impact Resistance

Synthetic roofing materials typically contain impact modifiers to help withstand storm and weather damage. These impact modifiers provide extreme durability and impact resistance and allow synthetic materials to pass the roofing industries most difficult testing standards. The impact test, which is certified by Underwriters Laboratories - UL 2218 impact test - for Class 4 impact resistance, is the highest level of impact resistance for roofing materials. Synthetic roofing materials are engineered specifically to endure class 4 impact rating with no evidence of impact, cracking or tearing after the UL 2218 test.

3. Fire Resistance

Many synthetic shake shingles have the highest fire resistance rating - ASTM E108 - which means they're effective against severe exposure to external fires and are not readily flammable and do not spread fire. Class A, B, and C fire ratings are assigned to roofing materials and roofing systems when they are assessed to the fire tests specified by UL 790 ASTM E108. Class A denotes products that offer a higher degree of performance when subjected to a test fire when compared to products rated Class B and C. Class A is the most fire resistant and should be the choice of anyone living in wildfire prone areas. CeDUR for example is Class A fire rated, you can view footage of the Class A Burning brand test here.

4. Eco Friendly

Synthetic materials do not deplete natural resources such as quarries for slate or lumber for wood shakes. Asphalt shingles account for a large percentage of landfill waste and are not easily recyclable. Synthetic roofing isn’t just the best long-term solution for your home, it is also the most responsible.

5. No Natural Degradation

Synthetic materials do not naturally degrade over time. Wood shake for example is prone to cupping, curling, warping, splintering, moss and mildew growth, splitting, and UV damage. Synthetic roofs are extremely durable, weather resistant, and UV resistant.

6. Reliability

Because of synthetic roofing's durability, there is not much that can damage synthetic roofing materials. Synthetic products can withstand damage from wind, fire, and water much better than natural roofing alternatives. Following a storm you will not need to deal with missing shingles or roof leaks if you have synthetic roofing. Synthetic products also require significantly less maintenance than their natural alternatives. Many synthetic products are also backed by a 50 year warranty.