In 1982, we founded Cedar Roofing Company. We were absolutely focused on bringing the beauty and durability of natural cedar roofing to Chicagoland and beyond.
Today, CRC continues to recommend and install natural shake shingles, as well as other natural roofing materials, including slate, metal, and tile. But today, we’ve also got another go-to recommendation for our customers: synthetic roofing materials.
Why synthetic roofing? Because it’s durable, beautiful, easy to maintain, and, sometimes, much lighter.
Recent innovations in synthetic roofing have provided homeowners with new, dependable options that can mimic the appearance of wood or stone without requiring the same level of upkeep.
Let’s look at the synthetic options available for your roof at CRC Roofing.
What makes natural materials so appealing?
Before we break down the benefits of synthetic materials, it’s important to recognize why so many people gravitate toward natural materials like cedar and slate in the first place.
Cedar shake offers that warm, rustic feel that perfectly suits wooded neighborhoods and traditional home designs. Its natural texture and color variations lend a unique charm that many homeowners love.
Slate, on the other hand, is famed for its elegant, upscale appearance. You’ll often see it on historic properties and luxury estates, not only because it looks gorgeous but also because it’s known for its longevity—if it’s cared for properly.
However, natural materials offer some challenges. Cedar shake can be prone to rotting, warping, mold, and insect infestations if it’s not meticulously cared for. Slate, though generally robust, is extremely heavy, and any needed repairs can be costly and time-consuming. If a piece of slate cracks, you may need to find a matching tile.
Understanding Synthetic Roofing Materials
Synthetic roofing materials are designed to look and feel like their natural counterparts, without many of the inherent hassles. Manufacturers create these products using mixtures of polymers, rubber, and other advanced compounds, which gives them a surprising level of durability and versatility. They often include UV inhibitors, fire retardants, and other protective features that make them especially resistant to extreme weather.
Some key advantages of synthetic roofing include:
- Lightweight Construction: No need for heavy structural reinforcements.
- Incredible Durability: Built to resist common issues like splitting, warping, and discoloration.
- Minimal Upkeep: Generally no rot, mold, or insect damage to worry about.
- Energy Efficiency: Many synthetic products provide added insulation and energy savings.
- Fire Resistance: An important safety plus, especially when some natural materials can be more combustible.
With so many factors in its favor, synthetic roofing is quickly becoming a popular choice for homeowners who want to balance style and practicality.
Roofing that embraces Chicago’s weather challenges
For anyone who has spent time in or around Chicago, the weather can feel like quite the rollercoaster! Winters often bring a biting chill, complete with heavy snowfall and ice, while summers can sizzle with heat and humidity. These wild swings truly put a roofing system to the test.
Natural cedar shake is especially vulnerable to moisture issues. Over time, water may creep in and lead to rotting or warping, and the freeze-thaw cycle of Chicago winters can really amplify these concerns. While slate is definitely more resilient in many ways, it can still become fragile in freezing temperatures. And let’s be honest, if a slate tile happens to crack, getting it fixed can certainly be a bit tricky!
That’s where synthetic roofing really shines! It’s specifically designed to withstand the elements. These materials can handle both frigid temps and the blazing summer sun much better than most natural products. By choosing a synthetic roof, you’re investing in a system meant to brave the diverse Chicago climate, so you can enjoy peace of mind without the constant worry about damage deterioration.
Roofing that cuts down on maintenance needs
While cedar offers a beautiful look, its maintenance schedule can be demanding. It usually needs regular inspections and treatments to prevent mold, mildew, and insects. Individual shakes may also need replacing if they warp or split. Slate isn’t as high-maintenance as cedar, but it still requires occasional checkups by specialized contractors who know how to handle stone roofing.
Synthetic shakes and slates, by contrast, require far less attention. Aside from periodic inspections—recommended for any roof to make sure it’s free of debris and minor damage—synthetic materials don’t rot, curl, or play host to insects. By reducing the time and money you spend on upkeep, synthetic roofing ultimately saves you stress in the long run.
Does synthetic really look as good as natural?
A big myth about synthetic roofing is that it can’t replicate the high-end feel of natural cedar or slate. Not true. Today’s manufacturing processes have advanced so much that synthetic products are often indistinguishable from real wood or stone, even at close range. The variations in color and texture are carefully designed to mimic the subtle irregularities that make natural materials so appealing.
Additionally, synthetic options come in a wide range of color palettes and styles. If you love the authentic look of weathered cedar but want to avoid dealing with fading or gray spots, synthetic alternatives can maintain their vibrant color far longer. If you admire the timeless elegance of slate, synthetic tiles come in everything from traditional black to mottled gray, all without the weight and the high installation costs associated with real stone.
Going green with a synthetic roof
Many homeowners today are increasingly mindful of their environmental impact. While you might assume that natural cedar is more eco-friendly because it comes from trees, the reality is that cedar shake often needs frequent repairs and replacements, leading to more overall resource consumption. Slate must be quarried and transported, which can lead to a sizeable carbon footprint.
Some synthetic roofing materials incorporate recycled content in their manufacturing process, and many are recyclable themselves. Because these materials often last longer than natural cedar and can remain in good condition for decades, fewer resources end up being used—and less waste goes into landfills. Some synthetic products even meet green certification standards for energy efficiency, making them a smart, eco-conscious choice.
Considering cost and long-term value
Cost is a key factor for any major home improvement project. Slate, while beautiful, can be one of the most expensive roofing materials on the market—not just for the product itself, but also for the specialized labor needed to install it. Cedar is generally less expensive than slate, but you’ll still face ongoing maintenance costs over its lifespan.
Synthetic materials can be a great way to save money, especially when you consider their cost in comparison to slate. Plus, they usually make installation easier and more affordable because they’re lighter and simpler to handle. Even if high-quality synthetic roofing starts at a price similar to natural materials, you might find that the savings on repairs and maintenance over the years could truly make it the smarter choice for your wallet in the long run!
Adding to your home’s curb appeal and resale value
Your roof is one of the first things people notice, which is why curb appeal can be a game-changer when you decide to sell. A well-maintained, visually appealing roof can quickly elevate your home in the eyes of potential buyers. If that roof happens to be synthetic, they’ll also appreciate the lower maintenance requirements and durability—two qualities that are growing in importance among today’s buyers.
By choosing a synthetic roof that mirrors the high-end look of cedar or slate, you can maintain or even boost your home’s allure. Buyers who are familiar with synthetic roofing tend to see it as a plus: it captures the elegance of natural materials while eliminating many of the associated headaches. That can translate to a higher sale price or a quicker closing, as buyers feel more confident about the condition of the home.
Choosing the right roofing contractor
The quality of any roofing system—natural or synthetic—ultimately depends on the skill of the people installing it. At CRC, we understand how crucial proper installation is.
With years of experience serving homeowners throughout the Chicago area, we pride ourselves on offering top-tier service and guidance.
Our team regularly updates its training to stay current with the latest synthetic roofing technologies and best practices.
Working with us means you’ll find a roofing option that perfectly matches your style, fits within your budget, and meets your performance needs. We’re committed to getting it right the first time, so you can relax and enjoy your beautiful new roof for many years to come!
Ready for your synthetic roof?
Making the switch from cedar shake or slate to a synthetic alternative can be a smart move if you’re looking to balance beauty, durability, and cost-effectiveness. Modern synthetic shingles and shakes are designed to stand up to Chicago’s temperature swings, require much less maintenance, and rival the natural look of cedar or slate—all while typically costing less in the long run.
If you’re in the market for a new roof or just weighing your options, consider synthetic materials as a robust, visually pleasing, and environmentally friendly choice. When the time comes to take that step, the team at CRC Roofing is here to guide you from initial consultation to final installation. Get in touch with us today to learn more about the benefits of synthetic roofing and start planning your upgrade with confidence.
In the meantime, click here to learn more about all the possibilities of a synthetic roof.
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This article was written by CRC’s Keith MacNaught, who has been with Cedar Roofing Company since 2006. In that time, he has built a reputation as someone who knows roofs and is deeply experienced in building and maintaining the ideal roofs for residential and commercial customers. He is a CertainTeed Master Shingle Applicator and CertainTeed Quality Master. In addition, he is a Haag-Certified inspector and a member of the Professional Roofer’s Advisory Council. He was also instrumental in having CRC’s work recognized and named as a DaVinci Masterpiece Contractor.
