Materials / Synthetic Slate
Synthetic Slate
UL 2218 Class 4Molded polymer (often with recycled content) tiles engineered to replicate natural slate or shake at a fraction of the weight, frequently rated UL 2218 Class 4.
Category family
synthetic
Typical lifespan
40–50 years
Typical wind resistance
rated to 110-115 mph on many products
Typical fire rating
Class A
Max impact class
UL 2218 Class 4Weight per square
200–350 lbs
Cost band
$$$
Slope suitability
steep
Typical warranty
40–50 years
Pros
- slate/shake appearance at much lower weight
- many products are UL 2218 Class 4
- no specialized structure required
Cons
- shorter lifespan than natural slate
- performance varies by manufacturer
- premium over asphalt
Colorado notes
- hail_performance: Class 4 synthetic products are a common impact-resistant upgrade in Colorado hail country
- altitude_uv: quality composites include UV inhibitors for high-altitude sun exposure
Manufacturers
Named products
Related guides
Sources
- davinciroofscapes.com verified 2026-07-11