Premium Style Without the Weight of Natural Materials

Composite shingles—also called synthetic roofing shingles—are designed to recreate the appearance of natural slate, cedar shake, clay tile, or other premium roofing materials.

​

They are typically made from engineered combinations of polymers, recycled materials, rubber, mineral compounds, or other synthetic ingredients. The exact construction varies by manufacturer and product line.

​

Composite shingles may be worth considering if you want:

• A premium architectural appearance

• More texture and dimension than standard asphalt shingles

• A lighter alternative to natural slate or tile

• Lower maintenance than traditional wood shake

• A broad choice of profiles and colors

• A roofing material designed for long-term performance

• An exterior that stands out without looking overly modern

 

At Veterans Siding & Exteriors of Kansas, we help homeowners compare composite roofing with asphalt, metal, tile, and other options before making a major investment.

​

​

​

​

​

​

Honest guidance. Quality work. Respect for your home.

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

What Are Composite Shingles?

Composite shingles are manufactured roofing products created to imitate the shape, color, texture, and shadow lines of natural roofing materials.

​

Depending on the product, they may resemble:

• Natural slate

• Hand-split cedar shake

• Traditional wood shingles

• Clay or concrete tile

• Barrel tile

• Weathered architectural shingles

 

Unlike natural slate, wood, or clay, composite products can often provide the desired appearance with less weight and fewer maintenance concerns.

​

However, composite shingles are not all made the same. Material composition, thickness, impact resistance, wind rating, fire classification, warranty coverage, and installation requirements vary by manufacturer.

​

Before choosing a product, homeowners should compare the actual specifications—not just the appearance.

​

​

Composite Shingles vs. Asphalt “Composition” Shingles

The names can be confusing.

​

Standard asphalt shingles are sometimes called composition shingles because they are made from several materials, including fiberglass, asphalt, and mineral granules.

​

The composite shingles discussed on this page are different. They are specialty synthetic or engineered shingles designed to imitate premium materials such as slate, cedar shake, or tile.

​

In general:

Standard asphalt shingles focus on affordability and familiar residential performance.

Premium composite shingles focus on architectural detail, material imitation, durability, and a more distinctive finished appearance.

​

​

Why Homeowners Consider Composite Roofing

Premium Curb Appeal

Composite shingles can create deeper shadow lines, varied textures, and more realistic individual pieces than many standard asphalt products.

​

They may help give a home the appearance of natural slate, cedar, or tile without using the original material.

​

Lower Weight Than Some Natural Materials

Natural slate and traditional tile can place significant weight on a roof structure.

​

Many composite products are considerably lighter, which may make them suitable for homes that cannot support the weight of traditional slate or tile.

​

The structure should still be inspected before installation because product weights and roof conditions vary.

​

Resistance to Rot and Insects

Synthetic composite shingles do not rot like untreated wood shake.

​

They also cannot be consumed by termites or other wood-destroying insects. The decking, framing, and materials underneath must still be protected from moisture.

​

Reduced Maintenance

Composite shingles generally avoid many of the maintenance concerns associated with natural cedar, including splitting, curling, decay, moss-related deterioration, and repeated treatment.

​

They should still be inspected periodically for:

• Cracked or displaced pieces

• Loose fasteners

• Damaged flashing

• Debris accumulation

• Sealant failure

• Storm damage

• Changes in color or surface condition

​

Design Flexibility

Composite roofing is available in an expanding selection of profiles, textures, and color blends.

Homeowners may choose a traditional appearance, a rustic weathered look, a dramatic slate style, or a cleaner contemporary finish.

​

Potential Storm Resistance

Some composite roofing products are designed and tested for strong impact and wind resistance.

​

This does not mean they are damage-proof. Severe hail, wind-driven debris, falling branches, and improper installation can still cause damage.

​

Always verify the specific product’s published ratings.

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Types of Composite Shingles

Composite shingles are often categorized by the natural material they are designed to imitate.

​

Synthetic Slate Shingles

Synthetic slate shingles recreate the flat, layered appearance of natural stone slate.

​

They may include varied widths, slightly irregular edges, and blended tones to make the roof appear more natural.

​

Popular color families include:

• Charcoal

• Slate gray

• Black

• Blue-gray

• Green-gray

• Weathered blends

• Historic multicolor blends

 

Best for homeowners who want:
A refined, high-end slate appearance without the weight and fragility of natural stone.

​

Synthetic Cedar Shake

Synthetic shake shingles are designed to imitate split or sawn cedar.

​

They often feature varied grain patterns, irregular edges, and staggered widths to create a handcrafted look.

​

Common finishes include:

• New cedar

• Weathered gray

• Driftwood

• Dark brown

• Rustic blended tones

• Aged cedar

 

Best for homeowners who want:
The warmth and texture of cedar with less concern about rot, insects, splitting, and repeated treatment.

​

Composite Wood Shingles

Composite wood shingles usually provide a cleaner, more uniform appearance than shake.

​

They may resemble traditional sawn cedar shingles with straight edges and consistent courses.

​

Best for homeowners who want:
A classic wood-roof appearance with a more orderly and refined pattern.

​

Composite Tile Shingles

Composite tile products are shaped to resemble clay or concrete tile.

​

Depending on the profile, they may imitate:

• Spanish barrel tile

• S-shaped tile

• Flat Mediterranean tile

• Low-profile tile

• Weathered clay

• Traditional terracotta

 

Best for homeowners who want:
The architectural character of tile in a lighter engineered roofing product.

​

Designer Composite Shingles

Some manufacturers offer proprietary profiles that combine elements of slate, shake, tile, and dimensional shingles.

​

These products may be selected for a custom home when the homeowner wants a distinctive roof that does not fall into one traditional category.

​

Best for homeowners who want:
A unique, high-end roof with strong visual impact.​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​​​

Colors, Textures, and Finishes

Composite shingles are often selected because they can reproduce the natural variation found in stone, wood, and clay.

Color is rarely limited to one flat shade. Many products use blended tones to create depth and reduce repetition across the roof.

​

Popular Slate-Inspired Colors

• Charcoal

• Graphite

• Black

• Blue-gray

• Pewter

• Green-gray

• Plum or burgundy accents

• Historic multicolor blends

​

Popular Cedar-Inspired Colors

• Fresh cedar

• Chestnut brown

• Weathered gray

• Driftwood

• Walnut

• Dark aged wood

• Mixed brown-and-gray blends

​

Popular Tile-Inspired Colors

• Terracotta

• Deep red

• Burnt orange

• Clay brown

• Sand

• Weathered earth tones

• Charcoal tile

• Blended Mediterranean finishes

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Texture Options

Composite products may feature:

• Smooth slate surfaces

• Chiseled slate edges

• Hand-split wood grain

• Sawn cedar texture

• Deep shadow lines

• Weathered surface variation

• Curved tile profiles

• Flat modern profiles

 

The amount of variation matters. A product with identical repeating pieces may look artificial, while better-designed products often use multiple molds, widths, textures, or color tones to create a more natural result.

​

​

​​

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

​​​

Best for Homeowners Who…

Want the Appearance of Slate Without the Weight

Natural slate is beautiful but extremely heavy and may require structural reinforcement.

Synthetic slate can provide a similar visual effect with less weight and easier handling.

​

Love Cedar but Not the Maintenance

Natural cedar requires ongoing care and may be vulnerable to moisture, insects, splitting, and weathering.

Synthetic shake provides a cedar-inspired appearance without using natural wood.

​

Want Premium Curb Appeal

Composite roofing can become a major architectural feature.

It may be especially attractive on:

• Custom homes

• Historic-inspired homes

• Craftsman homes

• Tudor-style homes

• Mediterranean homes

• Farmhouses

• Luxury additions

• Homes with stone or brick exteriors

​

Plan to Stay in the Home Long Term

Composite roofing typically costs more than standard asphalt shingles.

It may make the most financial sense for homeowners who value the appearance, performance, and longer-term ownership benefits.

​

Need a Lighter Alternative to Tile or Slate

Composite products may provide the visual character of heavier roofing materials without placing the same load on the structure.

The roof should still be evaluated before installation.

​

Want More Design Flexibility

Composite products can be used to coordinate with:

• Stone

• Brick

• Stucco

• Fiber-cement siding

• Metal siding

• Wood-inspired siding

• Traditional lap siding

• Modern exterior finishes

​​​​​​​​​​

​

Choosing the Right Composite Product

Appearance is important, but it should not be the only factor.

Before selecting composite shingles, compare the following.

​

​

Material Composition

Products may be manufactured from:

• Polymers

• Recycled plastics

• Rubber blends

• Mineral compounds

• Engineered resins

• Proprietary mixed materials

The specific material can affect weight, flexibility, impact performance, temperature response, and long-term appearance.

​

​

Published Testing and Ratings

Review available product information for:

• Wind rating

• Impact rating

• Fire classification

• Freeze-and-thaw performance

• UV resistance

• Installation requirements

• Approved roof slopes

Ratings apply to specific products and assemblies, not to composite roofing as a whole.

​

​

Warranty Coverage

Read the warranty carefully.

Important questions include:

• What is covered?

• Is labor included?

• Is fading covered?

• Is hail damage covered?

• Is the warranty transferable?

• Does coverage decrease over time?

• What maintenance is required?

• Must installation be completed by an approved contractor?

A long advertised warranty does not automatically mean every type of damage is covered.

​

​

Product Availability

Composite shingles are more specialized than standard asphalt products.

Before choosing a brand or style, consider whether replacement pieces will remain available for future repairs.

Keeping several extra shingles after installation may help if a section is damaged years later.

​

​

Installation Experience

Composite roofing may require different tools, fasteners, spacing, cutting techniques, and flashing details than asphalt shingles.

The installer should follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the exact product being used.

​

​

What Makes a Quality Composite Roof?

Sound Roof Decking

Composite shingles require a stable, properly prepared surface.

Soft, rotted, warped, or damaged decking should be repaired before the new roof is installed.

​

Correct Underlayment

The underlayment provides an important secondary layer of moisture protection.

The required product may vary based on roof slope, climate, manufacturer instructions, and local requirements.

​

Proper Flashing

Flashing protects:

• Chimneys

• Walls

• Valleys

• Vents

• Skylights

• Dormers

• Roof transitions

• Pipe penetrations

 

Many roof leaks occur at these transitions rather than through the main field of shingles.

​

Correct Fastening

Fastener type, placement, number, and spacing must follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Improper fastening can lead to lifted, cracked, displaced, or wind-damaged shingles.

​

Balanced Ventilation

Heat and moisture trapped in the attic can damage decking, insulation, and other roof components.

The ventilation system should be evaluated as part of any roof replacement.

​

Careful Layout

Synthetic slate, shake, and tile products often require thoughtful layout to prevent obvious repeating patterns.

Color blends, widths, textures, and staggered joints should appear intentional and natural across the roof.

​

​

Kansas Weather Considerations

Hail

Kansas hail can damage nearly any roof.

Some composite products are manufactured for enhanced impact resistance, but performance varies. Large hail or wind-driven debris may still crack, puncture, or displace shingles.

​

High Winds

Wind resistance depends on:

• Product design

• Fastening method

• Roof shape

• Roof height

• Edge details

• Installation quality

• Exposure

Roof edges, ridges, hips, and corners require particular attention.

​

Heat and Sun Exposure

Composite materials should be designed to tolerate UV exposure and high roof-surface temperatures.

Dark colors may absorb more heat than lighter colors.

​

Freeze-and-Thaw Cycles

Kansas temperature changes can cause roofing materials to expand and contract.

Products should be appropriate for climates that experience freezing temperatures and rapid weather changes.

​

Severe Temperature Swings

Movement allowances, flashing, fastening, and installation details matter when temperatures shift quickly.

​

​

Signs Composite Shingles May Need Attention

Schedule an inspection when you notice:

• Cracked or broken shingles

• Missing or displaced pieces

• Lifted edges

• Gaps or uneven courses

• Surface fading or discoloration

• Loose ridge or hip pieces

• Damaged flashing

• Water stains inside the home

• Debris trapped in valleys

• Repeated leaks

• Dents or punctures after hail

• Pieces of roofing material on the ground

• Changes around vents, chimneys, or roof edges

 

A small damaged area may be repairable if compatible replacement pieces are available.

Widespread damage, installation problems, or failing underlayment may require a larger repair.

​

Repair or Replace?

A Repair May Be Enough When

• Damage is isolated

• Matching shingles are available

• The surrounding roof remains in good condition

• The underlayment is still performing

• Flashing can be repaired

• The roof deck is sound

• The leak source is clearly identified

​

Replacement May Make More Sense When

• Damage is widespread

• The same areas continue to leak

• The installation system is failing

• Large sections have faded or warped

• Matching replacement products are unavailable

• Underlayment or decking is damaged

• Multiple previous repairs are visible

• You want to change the roof’s style or performance level

​

​

​

​

​

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

​​​​

Composite Shingles Compared with Other Roofing Materials

Composite vs. Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles generally cost less and are more widely available.

Composite shingles usually offer more architectural texture, deeper profiles, and more realistic slate, shake, or tile appearances.

​

Composite vs. Natural Slate

Natural slate offers authentic stone beauty and can have an exceptional service life.

Composite slate is lighter, easier to handle, and less vulnerable to cracking during installation or foot traffic.

​

Composite vs. Cedar Shake

Natural cedar provides genuine wood texture and character.

Composite shake may require less maintenance and is not vulnerable to rot or insect consumption.

​

Composite vs. Clay or Concrete Tile

Traditional tile provides authentic depth and architectural character but is heavy.

Composite tile products may recreate the look with less weight and more flexibility.

​

Composite vs. Metal Roofing

Metal roofing offers long panels, concealed-fastener systems, metal shingles, and strong modern styling.

Composite roofing provides more convincing slate, wood, or tile textures when a traditional appearance is preferred.

​

​​​​​​

Frequently Asked Questions

Are composite shingles the same as asphalt shingles?

No. Standard asphalt shingles are sometimes called composition shingles, but premium composite shingles are engineered synthetic products designed to imitate slate, shake, or tile.

​

Are composite shingles made from recycled materials?

Some are, but the amount and type of recycled content vary by manufacturer.

​

Do composite shingles look realistic?

High-quality products often use multiple molds, textures, colors, and widths to reduce repetition and create a natural appearance.

​

Are composite shingles lighter than slate or tile?

Many are significantly lighter, but product weights vary. The roof structure should still be evaluated.

​

Are composite shingles hail-proof?

No roofing material is completely hail-proof. Some products offer enhanced impact resistance, but severe hail can still cause damage.

​

Can composite shingles fade?

Any exterior material can change with long-term sun and weather exposure. Fade resistance varies by product, color, and manufacturing method.

​

Can damaged shingles be replaced individually?

Often, yes, provided compatible pieces are available and the surrounding roof remains in good condition.

​

Are composite shingles maintenance-free?

No. They generally require less maintenance than natural wood, but inspections, cleaning, flashing maintenance, and storm-damage repairs may still be necessary.

​

Can composite shingles be installed on any roof?

Not automatically. Roof slope, decking, structure, ventilation, product requirements, and local conditions must be evaluated.

​

How long do composite shingles last?

Service life varies widely by manufacturer, product construction, installation, climate, exposure, and maintenance. Review the specific product warranty and technical information rather than relying on a general estimate.

​

Do composite shingles cost more than asphalt?

They typically have a higher upfront cost than standard asphalt shingles because they are specialty products designed for premium appearance and performance.

​

​

Honest Guidance Before You Invest

Composite shingles can deliver a beautiful, distinctive roof—but the right product must fit the home, budget, structure, and long-term plan.

​

At Veterans Siding & Exteriors of Kansas, we help homeowners compare:

• Profiles

• Colors

• Textures

• Materials

• Weight

• Ratings

• Warranty coverage

• Installation requirements

• Long-term maintenance

• Alternative roofing options

 

If composite shingles are the right fit, we will explain why.

If asphalt, metal, clay, concrete, or another system makes more sense, we will explain that too.

No pressure. No scare tactics. Just honest guidance and quality work.

​

​

Ready to Explore Composite Roofing?

Whether you love the appearance of slate, cedar shake, or tile, composite roofing may provide the character you want in a lighter engineered product.

​

Veterans Siding & Exteriors of Kansas is ready to help you compare available options and make an informed decision.

​

​

​

​

​

Premium character. Engineered performance. Built on trust.

​

​

Looking for more?

• Roofing Options

• Asphalt Shingles

• Metal Roofing

• Clay and Concrete Tile Roofing

• Signs of Roof Damage

• Completed Projects

• Contact / Free Estimate