We live in a society that romanticizes authenticity, and there’s nothing wrong with that—but it does not consider the entire picture.

Yes, there’s something unassailable about “the real McCoy.” We could be discussing genuine leather or a movie shot on set with practical effects instead of a green screen with CGI. 

Or, more relevant to this blog, we could be referencing the building materials used for our homes and businesses.

Take traditional slate roofs, for instance.

In sticking with our classic film analogy, traditional slate is as stunning and timeless as watching ‘Casablanca’ on an old-school projector.

However, just like watching a movie on authentic film, traditional slate roofing might not withstand all the elements or the test of time. In the case of genuine slate, hail can cause significant damage and limit its lifespan despite its otherwise durable nature. 

There’s also the matter of pricing. 

Slowly but surely, inflation is plateauing, but it’s still high. Skyrocketing living costs are making it challenging for families everywhere. Thus, splurging on traditional, authentic slate roofing doesn’t make sense for many households.

At the same time, don’t you owe it to yourself to have the aesthetic you want on your home’s exterior? Why should you have to settle because traditional slate roofs are too expensive and susceptible to damage, further detracting you from wanting to make such a lofty investment?

Undoubtedly, you can break your back trying to budget for a traditional slate roof if that’s what you’ve set your heart on. But why would you do that when another viable option—composite (or synthetic) slate roofs—offers the aesthetic you want at a price that makes sense?

Let’s explore the composite slate roofs below and why the synthetic option might actually satisfy your needs more than traditional slate ever could.

Traditional Versus Composite/Synthetic Slate Roof.

Traditional slate roofing uses natural slate tiles and other authentic materials. It’s highly durable and visually appealing in about every which way. 

The primary aesthetic appeal of traditional slate is its rustic yet classical beauty, as handcrafted stone adds grandeur and screams craftsmanship and quality. 

There’s a flipside to that coin, though. Traditional slate roofing, which can cost up to $20 per square foot, presents challenges for those on a budget. Furthermore, hard slate can reach up to $30 per square foot.

Also, as we mentioned earlier, while traditional slate is highly durable and can withstand much punishment, that isn’t necessarily the case when it hails. If your traditional slate roof gets damaged, you’ll have to get it repaired, which can also cost a fortune.

Enter the alternative: composite slate roofing, which costs up to $12 per square foot on average but can be as low as $9 per square foot. 

Synthetic slate shingles use recycled materials, emulating the appearance of authentic slate. They mirror the chisel marks found in the genuine product to provide the same handcrafted aesthetic as the real thing.

We won’t pretend that synthetic/composite slate looks exactly like authentic slate. That’s simply not true. Still, the more important question is this: Would anyone be able to tell the difference?

Sure—if you’re friends with a group of roofers and builders, they might pick up on the nuances that differentiate synthetic slate from traditional slate. 

For the most part, though? Nobody would be the wiser. 

You’ll get (essentially) all the aesthetic benefits from composite slate roofing as you would from the genuine article at a fraction of the price.

Are Composite Slate Roofs Durable?

We discussed how traditional slate is highly durable but might not withstand hale and is expensive to replace or repair. 

Let’s then ask how synthetic slate compares—can it withstand the elements, and does it have lasting power?

Composite slate roofing is—in fact—highly durable. 

More to the point, synthetic slate is more durable than authentic slate in many ways. Unlike traditional slate, synthetic slate doesn’t split, warp, peel, or warp over time. It’s also better at resisting algae and mold growth, making it a suitable roofing option in high-moisture areas with more extreme weather scenarios.

Moreover, if your composite slate roofing is damaged, you can replace it individually, saving you tons on repairs and replacements.

Another factor to consider is the 50-year warranty on composite slate roofs, which is double that of traditional slate roofing.

Giving You The Roof That You Want.

Composite slate roofing isn’t a matter of one-size-fits-all. 

You can get the appearance you want from the shingles you choose, giving your home’s exterior the look and feel that makes you happiest as a homeowner. 

Investing in composite slate roofing lets you choose size, shape, and color. You can also bolster your composite slate shingles with UV degradation protection, further enhancing durability.

While authentic slate shingles have aesthetic advantages, synthetic options aren’t without unique visual appeal. You aren’t suddenly saddled with cheap-looking shingles that don’t pass the eye test—it’s quite the opposite, in fact. Composite slates enable you to express your personal style and turn your home into your castle. 

A Lighter Weight Roofing Option.

Traditional slate is heavy. Really, really heavy. 

That doesn’t sound like a big deal, especially if you’re already hiring someone else to install it (and you can afford the price tag that comes with it).

Yet, not all homes can withstand the weight of traditional slate shingles. If this is the case for your home, you’d need to retrofit it to handle the weight, which would increase the price even more. 

Comparatively, synthetic slate is light, meaning you don’t need to stress over the chance of retrofitting and the related expenses. 

Potential Eco-Friendliness Is A Massive Selling Point.

While not all composite roofing options are eco-friendly, they often are. Many products use recyclable materials (e.g., hemp fibers, recycled roofing materials, and post-industrial plastics).

Environmentally conscious shoppers will find these products a tremendous boon while satisfying their other roofing needs.

Looking For An Alternative To Traditional Slate Roofing?

While we’re big fans of authenticity, sometimes opting for synthetic or composite options is the superior choice, especially if that’s what your budget allows. Such is the case when choosing synthetic slate shingles over traditional slate.