Why Choose Synthetic Slate Roofing: What Chicago Homeowners Need to Know
So, it is an excellent slate roof alternative to natural slate. Homeowners can get the beauty of Chicagoland roofing shingles that look like slate without paying a lot of money. These imitation roof slates are designed to last a long time, i.e. to provide a durable and visually appealing option for your home. Of course, you should consider the pros and cons of synthetic slate. But with the right Chicago roofing contractor, you can enjoy a roof that mimics the elegance of natural slate. All in all, synthetic slate roofing is a stylish roofing solution that is practical at the same time and people who opt for this type of roof have the advantage of knowing that slate roofs last.
Roof Secrets in Chicago: Slate Tiles Materials and Composition
Artificial slate roofs in Illinois are made of different materials to look and perform like natural slate, but to be stronger and more environmentally friendly. The main types of synthetic slate:
- Recycled plastic slate roof – It is used to make lightweight and durable shingles. It is environmentally friendly because it uses old plastic.
- Rubber slate roof – Often made from old tires. These shingles are very durable and can withstand harsh weather.
- Cement-fiber material – Cement, sand, and fiber are mixed together. It is cheap but needs to be repaired more often than other types.
- Concrete – It’s simple: cement, water, sand, and dyes. It is strong but heavy.
- Bitumen (asphalt) – This is a lightweight and cheap option, but not as beautiful or durable as the others.
- New plastic – A special plastic that is very strong and durable, but more expensive.
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Synthetic VS Natural Slate
Benefits of Synthetic Slate Roof Tiles
Wondering what benefits can be brought by roofs near me that look like slate in Chicago Areas and Chicago suburbs? Then let’s find out:
Savings and Availability
Fake slate roofing shingles are much cheaper than natural tiles, although they look very similar. For example, the price of natural slate can range from $15 to $25 per square foot, while synthetic slate can cost from $8 to $15 per square foot, including installation. It is lighter, so it is easier to install, which also saves money. Many products have long warranties and can withstand extreme weather conditions. Moreover, it’s one of the most affordable roofing in close to the Chicago Community Area.
Easy and Quick Installation
Composite slate roofing tiles are very lightweight, so there is no need to additionally strengthen the roof. They are easy to transport and install quickly for professional Chicago roofers. Due to the lightness of synthetic slate, it can be laid on existing structures without the need for additional reinforcement
Variety of Designs and Colors
You can choose from a variety of colors, from classic gray to bright green or red. Synthetic slate offers various textures and shapes, imitating natural slate or other materials such as wood tiles. Unlike natural tiles, real slate style shingles are always the same size and color, so the roof looks even and neat. At the same time, they are as durable as natural ones.
Disadvantages of Synthetic Slate Roofs
When comparing natural and artificial roofs in Chicago Areas, keep these disadvantages in mind:
Service life
Although manufacturers promise that faux slate roofing shingles will last 50 years or more, we don’t really know for sure if this is true. There are concerns that such slate style asphalt shingles can deform, crack, or even fall apart over time, especially in bad weather. In addition, it can be sensitive to shock, although it is considered stronger than natural tiles. Therefore, it is important to know local IL expert roofers near you if choosing high-quality tiles and installing them properly is difficult.
Differences in aesthetics
Asphalt shingles look like slate tries to copy natural shingles, but there are differences between them. Natural tiles have a unique look, each tile is different in color and shape. It ages beautifully over time. Artificial tiles look the same and do not change over time. Therefore, if the natural look is important to you, it is better to choose real tiles.
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Composite Slate Roofing Installation Process
Roof installations can be difficult for people without training and knowledge. Therefore, we offer professional installation services in Illinois for synthetic slate shingles that provide a slate roof look alike. Nevertheless, here we will explain this process to you and inform you about all the features of the installation.
Let’s take a look at the list of necessary materials:
- Sharp cutting knife or standard circular saw
- Tape measure
- A crowbar
- Cordless drill or screwdriver
- Metal nippers
- Copper, stainless steel, or hot-dip galvanized nails
- Blue chalk ruler
- Stainless screws 30mm x 4mm
- Pencil/marker
- Breathable membrane or synthetic lining material
- Hammer
Stages of Installation Roofs in Chicago
Preparation
First, check that the roof is clean, level, and free of debris. Inspect it for structural problems and reinforce it if necessary.
Installing the Starting Row
First, cut the full tiles to 3/4 size for the starter row. Place the starter tiles along the eaves, ensuring that they do not protrude more than 50 mm.
Installing the Main Tiles
Start with a full tile, aligning it with the vertical chalk line. Continue laying the tiles, keeping a 6 mm gap between the tiles for expansion and contraction. Fix each tile with stainless screws, which should penetrate the roof covering at least 12 mm.
Installing Aprons
Before installing the composite roof, install metal aprons to prevent leaks. Use lead or copper aprons for shafts and corners, ensuring an overlap of at least 150 mm.
Installing the Ridge and Corner Tiles
Install ridge tiles along the roof ridge to create a watertight seal. For corners, use specially cut tiles that need to be fixed with appropriate nails.
What Not to Do
- Do not skimp on materials, especially on the underlayment material and fasteners.
- Do not neglect the preparation of the roof before laying the tiles.
- Do not forget about the ventilation of the roof, so it is important to observe the distance between the tiles.
- Do not save time and do the job poorly. If you are having problems, don’t be ashamed to call the Chicago Areas or Chicago suburbs roofers for repairs.
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Maintenance and Care of Synthetic Slate Roof Shingles
First, it is important to regularly inspect the simulated slate roof shingles, remove any debris from it, and clean out any gutters. It is also worth trimming close to me tree branches that may be in the way. Secondly, the slate roof substitute can fade in the sun, deform, or even leak. Therefore, it is important to check its condition regularly, especially after severe weather. Thirdly, if you notice any damage to the tiles, you need to repair them quickly. It’s better to fix a small problem right away than call for roofing repairs near me. Professional Chicago roofing contractors can do this work more carefully and timelessly.
Remember that proper care of artificial tiles will help them last longer and maintain their beautiful appearance.
Case Studies: Real-World Applications
Synthetic slate roofs are a modern solution that has already proven itself in many interesting projects. Here are some examples:
- Restoration of historical buildings – Although not a synthetic slate project, the restoration of a natural slate roof at Cambridge University demonstrates the demand for a slate look in historic buildings. This creates chances to use imitation slate shingles especially when the real ones cannot be accessed or they are very costly.
- Churches – Several churches have decided to use artificial slate roof shingles because of their appearance, environmental friendliness, cost-effectiveness, and lightness. Imitation slate shingles allow you to maintain the traditional beauty of authentic slate but for less money and with fewer installation costs.
- Residential premises – A famous example is the Walt Disney residence in Los Angeles. Although it is not specified that authentic slate shingles were used here, it emphasizes the popularity of slate tiles also in luxury homes. It shows that synthetic slate has the potential to be used in luxury buildings.
- Carports for cars – One project included a double carport with a slate like roofing shingles and galvanized downspouts. This solution not only looked harmonious with the main house but also emphasized the flexibility of using synthetic slate in combination with different architectural styles.
Conclusion
To summarize, slate-look shingles are cheaper, lighter, and easier to install than natural tiles. They also do not burn, are resistant to poor weather conditions as well as can be made from recycled materials. However, there are also disadvantages – it can crack on impact, for example, from hail. In addition, we don’t know exactly how long it will last because it is a new material. And although it is made of recycled plastic, it is still plastic, which is not good for the environment.
Asphalt shingles slate look offers a similar aesthetic to slate roofing products, but synthetic slate roofing costs can vary. If you want a roof that looks like slate but don’t want to pay a lot and wait a long time for installation, synthetic tiles may be suitable. But you need to consider its disadvantages and think carefully before choosing close-to-me roofers.
