We've used both synthetic shingles and slate tiles on different projects, and honestly, each has its strengths:
- Synthetic shingles are surprisingly resilient to weather extremes—hail, heavy rain, even intense sun—but they're not totally foolproof against heavy impacts. Dropping tools or tiles could still cause dents or scratches.
- Slate, like you mentioned, is incredibly tough in impact scenarios, but if something does manage to crack one, replacement can be a hassle (and expensive!).
So durability-wise, it's kind of a trade-off between impact resistance and ease of maintenance.
Good points on both materials. I've dealt with slate roofs on a few older properties, and while they look amazing and hold up incredibly well, repairs can definitely turn into a headache. Had one property where a tree limb cracked a couple of tiles during a storm—finding matching slate and getting someone who knew how to install it properly was a real pain (and not cheap either).
Synthetic shingles, on the other hand, have come a long way. They're lightweight, easier to install, and generally simpler to repair if something does happen. Plus, the newer ones look surprisingly realistic. Sure, they're not bulletproof—I've seen dents from careless contractors—but overall they're pretty forgiving.
If you're replacing an old leaky roof and you're looking for something durable but manageable long-term, synthetic shingles might be the smarter bet. Slate is beautiful, but unless you're committed to the maintenance and potential extra costs down the road, it might not be worth the hassle...
Great insights here. I went through a similar dilemma a few years back when replacing our old cedar shake roof. Slate was tempting because, honestly, nothing beats that classic look. But after talking to neighbors who had slate roofs—and hearing stories about repair nightmares—I decided against it.
Ended up going with synthetic shingles too, and haven't regretted it yet. They're holding up nicely, even through some pretty rough storms. Plus, like you said, repairs are way simpler. Last summer, we had some work done on the chimney and the crew accidentally dropped a tool onto the roof—left a noticeable dent and cracked a shingle. But replacing that one piece was quick and didn't break the bank. If that had been slate...I don't even wanna think about it.
Slate roofs definitely have their place—historic homes or if you're really dedicated to maintaining that authentic look—but for most of us, practicality wins out in the end. Sounds like you're leaning toward synthetic shingles anyway, and from my experience, that's probably the smarter choice for long-term peace of mind. Good luck with whatever you decide!
