Learn The Facts About Synthetic Roofing
Most roofing materials in use today have been around for centuries, but a growing number of consumers are choosing cutting-edge synthetic roofing materials for their homes.
Synthetic roofing materials have a number of benefits and are often designed to mimic the look of more traditional roofing materials. Get the facts about synthetic roofing to decide if synthetic roofing is right for you.
The Benefits of Synthetic Roofing
Synthetic roofing has a lot to offer over its more traditional competition. One appeal of synthetic roofing materials come from the green building trend.
The environmental impact of synthetic roofing materials varies widely among manufacturers, but because it is basically made of plastic, synthetic roofing can contain a good amount of recycled (and recyclable) material.
Most synthetic roofing uses high quality recycled materials from industrial sources, such as the automotive industry. However, there are some manufacturers who also include a limited amount of post-consumer materials such as recycled tires.
Even if you’re not going for the green, synthetic roofing provides benefits in the durability category. Because synthetic roofing materials are created in a lab and thoroughly tested before they go into general production, they are engineered to be more durable than traditional roofing materials.
They are more resistant to weathering and include components that make them less susceptible to damage from UV rays. They can also withstand greater impact than natural materials and many are rated as Class A fire resistant. A good synthetic roof will often carry a 50-year warranty.
What Exactly is Synthetic Roofing
As its name implies, this type of roofing is entirely man-made. Whereas most traditional roofing materials are organic, especially popular options like slate and wood shake, synthetic roofing is petroleum based.
It is basically high-end, engineered plastic designed especially for use as roofing material. Some synthetic roofing materials are made of specifically engineered synthetic rubber, as well.
Because there are so many possibilities when it comes to producing man-made materials, there is a wide variety of materials that fall under the category of synthetic roofing.
Each material has specific properties, so you can choose the material that will best suit the needs of your particular home. These properties include impact resistance for locations that tend to receive large hail, uplift resistance for locations with high winds (such as tornados or hurricanes), and UV resistance for locations that experience a lot of direct sunlight.
The Look of Synthetic Roofing
Synthetic roofing often mimics the look of organic roofing, while providing the benefits of plastic and rubber polymers.
What type of synthetic roof you choose depends on what type of look you want for your home. Common styles of synthetic roofing are slate and shake replacements, and a good synthetic can be almost indistinguishable from the organic roof it emulates.
However, synthetic roofs vary widely, so it’s best to see an example of a complete roof that uses the material you are choosing, either in person or in a brochure. Looking at just a few shingles may not give you the best idea of how the finished roof will look.
If you are considering a synthetic roof, talk to the pros at Eagle Watch Roofing. They will be happy to walk you through your options. When you are ready, they will provide you with a written, no cost, no obligation estimate for your home.