Love the Look of Slate? Check Out These Lookalikes

Slate roofing has long been heralded as the golden child of roofing products. Well-known for its sleek, glamorous look and long-lasting durability, it’s been the envy of homeowners across the globe since the start of the 20th century. However, despite its many redeeming qualities, slate is expensive, putting it out of the reach of many homeowners who only dream of having such a roof. 

Luckily, there are more affordable alternatives. Des Moines homeowners have access to spinoffs of traditional slate that look almost identical to the real thing but are much easier on the family budget. When it’s time for a roof replacement in Des Moines, you might want to consider one of the popular slate lookalikes available today.

Perfect for All Situations 

Whether you’re picking out a roof for a brand-new home or looking to replace an existing roof, Shamrock Roofing and Construction can help. We’ll walk you through the options that will work for your needs and answer your questions along the way. At the end of the project, you can be sure you’ll have a roof you can be proud of.

To get you started, here are a few of the most popular slate lookalikes on the market. 

Composite

Composite (also known as asphalt) is certainly the most economical of the slate roofing alternatives. While many homeowners think of asphalt as bland, a quick consultation with any reputable roofing company in Des Moines will show that asphalt has come a long way in recent years. Today’s manufacturers offer laminated products that include more layers, textures, and shadow lines that create the illusion of natural slate. Plus, they come in many different colors and patterns, allowing for newfound customization.

Rubber

Rubber roofing is a great slate alternative loved by many homeowners who are environmentally conscious. Rubber roofing is essentially recycled rubber with an added polypropylene component. This style is lightweight and can be crafted with realistic characteristics like earthy edges and multi-colored blends that closely resemble the look of true slate. It’s a great choice and an affordable option if you’re looking at slate for a roof replacement in Des Moines. 

Concrete

Concrete roofs have been around for a long time. Many homeowners choose this option for their home because it so closely mirrors traditional slate. The main difference between slate and concrete shingles is that slate only requires a light fiber base. Concrete slabs omit the fiber component, resulting in heavier shingles. This means they can only be used on homes that meet certain structural specifications. You’ll want to visit with a local roofing company in Des Moines to determine if your home’s frame will support this slate substitute.

Looking for a Des Moines Roofer? Check Out Shamrock Roofing!

If you love the look of slate — but not the price — there are many options available.  It can be overwhelming to identify the pros and cons of each. That’s where the team at Shamrock Roofing and Construction comes in. We’ll help you with every step of the process, from selecting the right product to completing the details of the final installation. We have over 40 years of roofing experience, so you can trust us to do the job right. 

Contact us today to get started on your new “slate” roof. And get ready for all the compliments when it’s done!