What Is Synthetic Slate or Shake Roofing?
Synthetic (composite) slate and shake are roofing tiles molded from engineered polymers to look like natural slate or cedar. Leading products such as DaVinci® and Brava® carry UL 2218 Class 4 impact ratings and Class A fire options, weigh far less than real slate, and won't split, rot or absorb water — a strong fit for Colorado hail and freeze-thaw.
Natural slate is beautiful but heavy, expensive and brittle under hail. Cedar shake looks warm but needs upkeep and is a wildfire concern. Synthetic roofing solves both, which is why it's become a go-to premium roof on the Front Range.
Synthetic products we install
- Synthetic slate — single-width or multi-width tiles in blends of grays, blacks, greens and purples.
- Synthetic shake — hand-split cedar texture in fresh or weathered color blends, without rot, insects or splitting.
- Synthetic tile — barrel and flat tile looks for homes that can't carry concrete or clay weight.
We work with established composite manufacturers such as DaVinci Roofscapes® and Brava Roof Tile®, and install per their specifications for Colorado wind and snow so manufacturer warranties stay in force.
Is synthetic worth the cost?
Synthetic roofing costs more than asphalt shingles and is typically comparable to premium metal, but far less than natural slate. You get a distinctive, high-end look, long service life and strong hail performance — and some Colorado insurers offer premium discounts for Class 4 roofs.
100% free. No obligation. Locally licensed & fully insured contractor.