Your Guide to Synthetic Tile Roofing
Shull Construction in Emporia is proud to offer Decra and DaVinci synthetic tile options for your next roofing project! Synthetic tile shingles are a modern improvement on a construction classic. Made from combinations of plastic and rubber, synthetic tile is designed to mirror the beauty and uniqueness of authentic tile without the expense of installation headaches, all while being a longer-lasting shingle. Synthetics are made by injection-molding petroleum-based materials into metal forms that are cast from authentic tile. Some brands of synthetic tile shingles are manufactured with virgin rubber or plastic, while other products incorporate recycled rubber or plastic, mineral dust, or cellulose fibers. Recycled content usually consists of high-quality post-industrial materials; only a few incorporate post-consumer recycled materials.
Here’s a look at the benefits that synthetic tile provides without sacrificing the aesthetic value of traditional tile:
Cost and Longevity
On a scale comparing the costs of conventional roofing materials, the initial cost of installing synthetic tile shingles falls in the middle—it’s more expensive than asphalt and architectural shingles and less expensive than authentic materials. Unlike less expensive asphalt shingles, however, synthetic tile roofs can last for up to 100 years, and the majority of synthetic tile shingles have 50-year warranties. The long life expectancy of this material means that a roof doesn’t have to be replaced in 15 or even 30 years, and also that fewer repairs are needed during the roof’s lifetime.
Safe and Energy Efficient
Synthetic tile is considered a “green” building alternative—even those that use virgin materials—because all types of synthetic tile can be recycled at the end of a roof’s usable life. Synthetic tile shingles are more durable than authentic tile, as they contain advanced ultraviolet inhibitors to reduce wear from the sun.
Safety is never an afterthought with synthetic tile. Synthetic tile typically contains impact modifiers to help withstand storm damage; in fact, most are certified by Underwriters Laboratories for Class 4 impact resistance, the highest level for roofing materials. Many synthetic tiles also have a Class A fire-resistance rating, which means they’re the most effective against severe exposure to external fires, are not readily flammable, and do not spread the fire.
Smooth Transportation and Installation
Transportation and installation of synthetic tile shingles are easier and less expensive than other roofing materials. Synthetic tile shingles are lighter than all asphalt shingles and are only a quarter the weight of authentic tile shingles. Their light weight also means that a standard roof structure can support synthetic tile shingles with no special reinforcement, making them practical for mainstream residential construction. During installation, synthetic tile shingles can easily be field-cut with a utility knife and nailed into place with standard roofing nails and a pneumatic nail gun. These characteristics are in sharp contrast with those of authentic tile installation, which requires precision cutting and nailing of heavy shingles that chip and crack easily.
Conclusion
It’s easy to see how you can maintain the pleasing aesthetic of a traditional tile roof without having to sacrifice key features, such as durability or energy efficiency, and even save time and money while doing so! That said, synthetic tile roofing material may not be right for everybody or every roof. If you’re ready to see if synthetic roofing is right for you, contact Shull Construction best roofing company in Emporia today for a free estimate. Our team is ready to help you take your roof to new heights, so don’t wait, give them a call!
