Slate and wood shake shingles are two natural materials that create an elegant roof and beautiful curb appeal but Florida’s extreme weather can be too rough for these materials. Slate can shatter with high impact during hurricanes and tropical storms. Even treated cedar shake can curl and degrade in the very hot and humid summers. Instead of ongoing, expensive maintenance, many homeowners are making the switch to high-tech synthetic alternatives that offer all the appeal of the originals but with much greater durability and lower maintenance demands. Our team at Jack C. Wilson Roofing Co. can help you explore the different options and then install a new roof built to last.
Beyond Tradition: What Exactly Are Synthetic Slate & Shake?
At Jack C. Wilson Roofing Co. we build roofs with high-tech synthetic shingle options made from Brava, EcoStar, and other reliable manufacturers. These synthetic options have a Class 4 impact rating, underlining their top-tier performance against hail, wind-borne debris, and impact damage. Synthetic slate shingles are made from lighter-weight materials than conventional stone, meaning they can be installed without adding additional structural reinforcement to your home. They are engineered from a mix of plastics, polymers, and rubber, making them well under two pounds per tile and resistant to the cracking and shattering that stone can undergo.
Synthetic shake shingles are equally advantageous. Manufacturers make them from a mix of plastics, rubber, and engineered polymers and can create a natural-looking variety of deep-grain products that look like cedar. The synthetic materials don’t attract bugs and fungus and are much more resistant to moisture and impact damage.
Jacksonville’s Unique Roofing Challenges: Why “High-Tech” Matters Here
Jacksonville, Florida, is home to extreme weather. During the summer, roofs have to endure day after day of extreme humidity and sunny heat. During hurricane season, the roofs also need to withstand heavy rain, forceful winds, and debris during the storms. Traditional roofing materials can’t stand up to these hazards and have an unpredictably shortened lifespan and even older-generation synthetic shingles couldn’t always withstand the gale force winds and water.
This introduces secondary challenges:
- Homeowners and business owners used to only have a limited selection of roofing options
- Frequent repairs and replacements lead to escalating insurance rates and even insurance companies leaving the state
- Higher HOA fees for condos
The development of highly advanced synthetic materials that are rated for extreme weather and offer improved aesthetics solves all these problems.
Is Synthetic Slate & Shake the Right Choice for Your Jacksonville Home?
Thinking about switching to advanced roofing materials so your home stays safer during the next hurricane season? Here are some factors to consider so you zero in on the right product for you:
- Architectural style and exterior color palette. Cape Cod, Tudor, and coastal homes look beautiful with cedar shake roofing, and synthetics can duplicate the look masterfully. Tudor, Victorian, and Georgian homes also look beautiful with slate tiles. You can find shade variations of either style for virtually any color palette.
- Neighborhood requirements. Some HOAs and neighborhoods have preferences regarding roofing varieties. Double-check to make sure shake or slate are allowed they might be even more advantageous in strict neighborhoods that frown on visible roof patches or in-progress repairs.
- Insurance. See if your insurance provider offers discounts for advanced roofing shingle options, as the added durability of Class 4-rated shingles reduces your risks of claims.
Elevating Jacksonville’s Classic Style With Modern Technology
Modern synthetic shingles that offer the durability and impact resistance local homes need with the elegance of natural materials are an excellent choice for Jacksonville homes. Reach out to Jack C. Wilson Roofing Co. to explore your options and schedule a roofing consultation.
Image credit: // Shutterstock // Gianfranco Vivi
