Lifespan
30-50 years
Cost
$$$
Durability
Energy Efficiency
Fire Rating
Class A
Maintenance
Natural slate and cedar shake are gorgeous roofing materials — but they come with significant drawbacks. Slate is extremely heavy and expensive. Cedar shake requires constant maintenance, is a fire hazard, and deteriorates in UV-heavy environments. Composite shingles solve every one of these problems.
Composite shingles are made from a blend of recycled polymers, rubber, and natural minerals that are compression-molded under extreme heat and pressure. The result is a material that’s stronger and more durable than what it imitates — resistant to impact, UV, moisture, and fire.
For homeowners who want something more distinctive than standard asphalt shingles but don’t want the cost and weight of natural materials, composites fill that gap perfectly. They install just like asphalt, weigh about the same, and look like materials that cost two to three times more.
Composite shingles actually outperform many natural materials in the desert. Unlike cedar shake, they don’t dry out and split. Unlike natural slate, they flex under thermal expansion instead of cracking. And unlike standard asphalt, their polymer construction resists the UV degradation that’s the #1 enemy of shingle roofs in the High Desert.
Installation Process
At a Glance
Advantages
Looks like slate or shake — costs much less
Lightweight — no structural reinforcement needed
Class A fire rated and Class 4 impact resistant
Made from recycled materials — eco-friendly
Virtually maintenance-free — no splitting, rotting, or cracking
Considerations
More expensive than standard asphalt shingles
Relatively newer product — less long-term track record
Color options more limited than asphalt
Key Features
Slate Profile
Hand-crafted molds replicate the irregular edges, texture, and depth of quarried slate at a fraction of the weight and cost.
Shake Profile
Authentic wood grain texture mimics natural cedar shake without the fire risk, insect damage, or ongoing maintenance.
Impact Resistance
Class 4 impact rating means these shingles withstand hail and debris that crack natural materials — and may qualify for insurance discounts.
Sustainable Manufacturing
Made from recycled post-industrial plastics and rubber, composite shingles divert waste from landfills and are themselves recyclable at end of life.
Project Gallery
Synthetic slate-profile shingles being installed on a residential home
Composite shingles replicating the look of natural cedar shake
Finished composite roof with authentic natural stone appearance
Years in Business
Owens Corning Nationwide
Google Rating
Licensed & Insured
FAQs
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Get Started
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(760) 240-0088
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