The Great Pretenders: All You Need to Know About Composite Shakes and Slates

Durable composite roof shingles arguably improve upon the traditional slate and wood shake shingles they are engineered to mimic.

By Joe Provey | Updated Sep 04, 2020 03:13 PM

Getting It Right

1/7
Manmade Shingles

Creating alternatives to traditional roofing materials has proved a steep and slippery slope for a surprising number of manufacturers, but in recent years, several companies have developed composite shingles that successfully mimic the look of real slate and wood shake roofing.

istockphoto.com

Fancy Shakes

2/7
Composite Shakes

DaVinci Roofscapes, LLC, offers a comprehensive line of composite shake- and slate-type products. It is a polymer-based product with top impact and fire ratings, plus a strong warranty. Shown here: DaVinci's Multi-Width Slate in Castle Gray.

DaVinci Roofscapes

Cedar Copcycat

3/7
Composite Cedar Shakes

Durable composite shingles are available in multiple widths and colors, allowing homeowners to create blends with realistic textures and shade variations. Shown here: DaVinci's Multi-Width Shake in Aged Cedar.

DaVinci Roofscapes

Sleek Slate

4/7
Composite Slate

CertainTeed’s line of slate-like shingles is a dead ringer for the real thing, from its surface texture to its rough-chiseled edges. Shown here: CertainTeed's Matterhorn Slate in Storm Slate.

CertainTeed

Cool Colors

5/7
Energy Efficient Shingles

CertainTeed's lightweight Matternhorn shingles arguably improve upon the genuine article. You can select from shake, slate and barrel tile available in a range of colors, including energy efficient "cool roof" shades that are capable of lowering rooftop temperatures. Shown: Certainteed's Matterhorn Tile in Tuscan Stone.

CertainTeed

Sustainable Slate

6/7
Manmade Slate

EcoStar offers a sustainable option for composite roofing. Their tiles are made of up to 80% recycled post-industrial rubber and plastic, and they offer three Energy Star®-rated colors. EcoStar Shown here: EcoStar's Empire Niagara Slate in Driftwood.

EcoStar LLC

Seneca Shake

7/7
Ecostar Shingles

EcoStar shingles and shakes are virtually indistinguishable from real slate and wood, earning them approval for use in historic preservation projects. Shown here: EcoStar's Majestic Slate in Smoke Gray.

EcoStar LLC

Don't Miss!

1pixel

Get the help you need for the home you want—sign up for the Bob Vila newslettertoday!