COMPOSITE / SYNTHETIC SLATE MATERIALS – A GOOD ROOFING CHOICE FOR CLEVELAND?
Always on the lookout for new permanent products that may provide a good alternative to asphalt, we’ve examined several manufacturer’s synthetic, or “composite” slate shingles. Why wouldn’t we consider them? They’re gorgeous, much lighter than slate, a fraction of the cost of slate, and much easier to install with no maintenance needed. We were hopeful that we had found a compliment to our metal roofing selections for those interested in a slate roof, without the budget for slate.
As usual, we explored the warranty. And keep in mind, this is a material that rivals metal from a cost perspective, though again, much less expensive than real slate. What did we find in the warranty of several manufacturers? Believe it or not, pro-rated warranties, just like these companies provide for their asphalt products. The best of the warranties offered its 50 year pro-rated warranty with a non pro-rated period for “7 years against manufacturing defects that cause leaks”.
However, our biggest cause for concern came from a paragraph under “LIMITATIONS”. It read “Shading, stains, or discoloration to the shingles arising from outside sources such as but not limited to the sun, algae, fungus, moss, lichens or other vegetation, mole or mildew growth, or paints, chemicals or other similar materials.” Alright…so now we know that there’s no warranty against fading (shading , as they term it) or discoloration from the sun…PERIOD. Keep in mind that this is a polymer (plastic) material.
Conclusion? We’re not going near this product any more than we’re going near an asphalt product. Both appear to be temporary, with pro-rated warranties. Do you expect more from your roofing warranty? Let us know…we’d love to hear from you.
Northeast Ohio homeowners ask, “how much is a metal roof in comparison to asphalt?”
When discussing the issue of cost, it’s worth remembering that when you are considering a permanent roofing solution, as compared to a temporary roofing solution (asphalt), think hard about your objectives. Here’s a list that will help you qualify yourself as a good candidate for a metal roof…
1) do you plan on living in your house for more than 15 years?
2) are you at an age where you can see yourself replacing your roof at least two times, including this time (keeping in mind that a temporary asphalt roof lasts, on average, 12 – 15 years…sometimes as little as 9)?
3) do you enjoy the thought of owning something you’ve purchased that looks and performs as well today as it will 50+ years from now?
4) are you someone that appreciates environmentally friendly products?
5) would you prefer a “one time fix” to an ongoing need?
6) do you enjoy feeling that you really got something of value for what you paid for it?
7) can you justify a long term investment vs. a short term purchase if it saves you a lot of money in the long run?
If you answered “YES!” to one or more of the above questions, you may very well be someone that would appreciate the benefits of a metal roof. While costs vary considerably from roof to roof based on size, complexity, and steepness, the best way to find out how much a metal roof will cost is to have Distinctive Metal Roofing provide you with a FREE quote. It’s simple and easy. While we’re at it, we’ll help you make the right decision for your set of circumstances. NO PRESSURE, NO OBLIGATION….PROMISE! Please Email or call….we’re here to help.
Hail or Wind Damaged Roof in the Cleveland Ohio area?
Here in Northeast Ohio, and in so many places throughout the country, hail and wind have really taken their toll on so many temporary asphalt roofs this Spring. Had those roofs been Kassel and Irons steel roofs, you would have been worry free. With interlocking, tongue in groove steel panels, shingle loss or uplift is a thing of the past (non pro-rated warranty for life up to 120 m.p.h. winds).
As for hail, it doesn’t have a chance with a steel panel. The surface is corrugated to provide tensile strength and already has a slightly dimpled appearance. The panels have been tested by Underwriters Laboratory against a 2″ steel ball traveling at peak velocity. Warranted against hail damage for as long as you own your home (with the same non pro-rated warranty mentioned above), your storm worries are over forever when you’ve made the smart choice of a metal roof from Distinctive Metal Roofing. Call today for your FREE estimate. We know you’ll be glad you did.
OHIO BASED COMPANIES, U.S. PRODUCTS
- Distinctive Metal Roofing is located in Avon, Ohio
- Kassel and Irons is located in Piqua, Ohio.
- Suppliers of standing seam are based in Middleburg Heights and Jefferson, Ohio
- All U.S. steel products with up to 30% recycled U.S. steel ingredients!
Let’s all do our part to fuel our state and federal economy.