Synthetic slate and shake

Synthetic roofing, also called composite, is molded to look like natural slate or cedar shake. It's usually made from plastics and rubber, often with recycled content. Homeowners in Colorado choose it for the look of slate or wood without the weight, fire concerns or brittleness.

What it is

Composite slate and shake are individual pieces, installed one at a time like the real thing. They're molded with textures and edges that imitate split stone or wood grain, and they usually come in blended colors to avoid a uniform look. As a rule of thumb, they're much lighter than natural slate or tile, so most homes don't need structural work to accept them.

Products vary widely

"Synthetic" covers a broad range. Some products are premium, heavily tested and backed by long warranties. Others are thinner, cheaper and less proven. InterNACHI's guideline life for simulated slate is 10 to 35 years, and that wide range reflects the spread in quality.

One example at the higher end is DaVinci composite shake, made by Westlake Royal. The manufacturer lists it with a Class 4 impact rating, a Class A fire rating and a lifetime limited material warranty. We use it only to show what to look for; other brands make similar claims.

How to compare products

• Impact rating. Look for UL 2218 Class 4 on the specific product. See Class 4 explained for what that test does and doesn't prove.
• Fire rating. Look for Class A, and check whether it applies to the product alone or needs a specific underlayment assembly.
• Warranty terms. "Lifetime limited" usually means coverage reduces over time and has conditions. Read what's excluded, including hail.
• Track record. Ask how long the product has been on the market and whether the installer has seen older installs age.
• Installer experience. Composites have their own nailing and spacing rules. Ask for installs the contractor has done with that product.

Synthetic in Colorado conditions

Hail is the first test for any roof here. Impact-rated composites are designed to flex rather than crack. They can still scuff or mark, and severe hail can damage them. The free Roof Report shows how often large hail has fallen near your home.

Sun is the second test. Plastics and rubber can fade or change in UV, and Colorado's elevation brings more UV than lower places. Ask about the product's UV stabilization and color warranty. Our Colorado climate page covers sun, wind and hail exposure.

Fire is the third. In mapped wildfire hazard areas, the Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code requires a Class A roof covering or assembly. Synthetic shake can be a way to get a shake look while meeting that rule, if the product and assembly are rated Class A.

Insurance and repairs

Some insurers discount impact-resistant roofs; it's not required by Colorado law, so ask. Because synthetic products are proprietary, matching a discontinued color or line after a storm can be hard. Keep a record of the exact product name and color from your install. See our insurance guide for how matching works in Colorado.

For a side-by-side with other materials, return to the materials overview.

Common questions

Are synthetic shakes hail-resistant?

Many products carry a UL 2218 Class 4 impact rating, but not all. Check the specific product's listing, and remember Class 4 is a lab test, not a hail guarantee.

How long does synthetic slate last?

InterNACHI's guideline for simulated slate is 10 to 35 years, a wide range because products differ so much. Manufacturer warranties can be much longer, but a warranty term is not a lifespan.

Is synthetic shake allowed in wildfire areas?

Only if it meets the Class A requirement under the Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code in mapped hazard areas. Some composite products are rated Class A; confirm the rating for the product and assembly.