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Sick of dealing with roofing that either looks bad, falls apart, or costs a fortune? You’re not the only one. As experienced Chicagoland composite roof installers, we’ve spent decades helping homeowners move past those trade-offs. Composite roof tiles have become a favorite for a reason. They check all the boxes — sharp appearance, tough performance, and long-term value that actually holds up.
This guide covers everything you need to know about these modern roofing tiles so you can decide if they’re the right fit for your home, budget, and peace of mind.
What Are Composite Roof Tiles?
Composite roof tiles are innovative materials engineered from a blend of fiberglass, recycled plastics, and polymers, designed to mimic high-end materials like slate or wood shakes. These composite roofing materials deliver exceptional performance while eliminating the drawbacks of natural alternatives. Through advanced manufacturing processes, composite shingles maintain a uniform look while providing superior protection against harsh elements.
Each tile is built with reinforced fiberglass for strength, UV-stable coatings to keep the color from fading, and recycled components that help cut down on waste. The end result is a roof that lasts, protects, and looks sharp for the long haul — all without the high-maintenance headache.
5 Compelling Reasons to Choose Composite Roof Tiles
Not sure if composite roof tiles are worth it? After more than 30 years working on rooftops around Chicagoland, we’ve seen what works (and this stuff works).
1. Double the Lifespan, Half the Hassle
With a 40-50 year lifespan, composite tiles outlast asphalt shingles by decades. Their Class A fire rating and minimal maintenance requirements mean more protection with less work — just occasional cleaning and basic inspections keep them performing beautifully.
2. Lightweight Protection for Any Home
Since they weigh a fraction of what concrete or clay tiles do, they’re a solid option for homes that can’t handle the weight of traditional materials. You don’t need to reinforce your whole roof just to get quality protection.
3. Weather-Tough Durability That Pays You Back
These tiles are built to take a beating. From hail and wind to heavy snow, they hold strong with Class 4 impact resistance and can handle winds up to 150 mph. Many insurance companies reward that kind of durability with lower premiums.
4. Premium Looks That Add Real Value
Whether you’re into a slate, shake, or clay-style roof, composite tiles offer the look without the downsides. Homes with this kind of roofing tend to see a 3–5% bump in property value — not a bad return on something you barely have to think about once it’s installed.
5. Earth-Friendly & Energy-Smart
With up to 95% recycled content, composite tiles are a greener choice. They also add insulation, helping you keep your home cooler in the summer. Many options even qualify for energy rebates, which is a nice bonus.
Types of Composite Roof Tiles
Composite roof tiles aren’t one-size-fits-all. They come in a variety of styles, each tailored to different design goals and performance needs. At Greater Midwest Exteriors, we offer several standout options so you can choose a roof that fits your home’s look — and stands up to Midwest weather.
Synthetic Slate Tiles
These high-end tiles are made to look like real slate, but without the heavy weight or fragility. You get the clean lines, textured surface, and sharp shadows of traditional slate while cutting the weight by nearly 80%. It’s all the charm of slate without the stress of supporting it.
Best for: Upscale homes or historic properties where you want the luxury look of slate but need a lighter, more practical material.
Composite Cedar Shake
Designed to capture the rustic character of cedar shakes, these tiles bring out the deep woodgrain texture and layered thickness of natural hand-split shingles. Unlike real wood, though, they won’t attract pests, rot, or go up in flames.
Best for: Homes with a rustic or craftsman vibe — where the beauty of cedar is a must, but the headaches of real wood are not.
Polymer-Based Tiles
Made with advanced polymers, these tiles can pull off the look of everything from traditional asphalt to bold Spanish clay. They offer a wide range of color choices and are flexible enough to fit nearly any design or architecture.
Best for: Contemporary homes or projects with specific color requirements and a need for customization.
Spanish Composite Tiles
These tiles bring the bold curves and warm tones of Mediterranean clay to homes that might not be able to handle the real thing. They keep the iconic barrel-tile look but weigh up to 70% less and hold up well in hot climates.
Best for: Spanish and Mediterranean-style homes that need to stay true to their roots without the load or upkeep of real clay.
What's the Real Cost? Understanding Value Beyond Price.
How much do composite roof tiles cost? Looking beyond the price tag reveals their true value:
Initial Investment
On average, composite roof tiles cost between $9 and $14 per square foot, installed. For a 2,000-square-foot roof, here’s what that looks like:
- Basic composite tiles: $18,000-$22,000
- Premium synthetic slate: $22,000-$28,000
- Composite cedar shake: $20,000-$26,000
That’s higher than asphalt shingles ($5–$8 per square foot), but competitive with natural slate ($15–$30) and clay tiles ($10–$18). You’re paying more upfront but getting a roof that performs better and lasts longer.
Long-Term Value Analysis
On top of all that, composite tiles may help lower your cooling bills by 15–25%, qualify for insurance discounts of up to 15%, and increase your home’s value by 3–5%. So even if they cost more upfront, they often end up being the smartest investment overall.
Composite vs. Traditional Roofing Materials
What are the disadvantages of composite roofing? Here's an honest comparison with traditional alternatives:
Composite vs. Asphalt Shingles
Performance comparison:
- Lifespan: Composite tiles hold up for 40–50 years, doubling or even tripling the life of asphalt shingles.
- Weather resistance: Built to handle strong impacts, high winds, and UV exposure without breaking down.
- Appearance: Offers a more realistic, high-end look with better texture and depth.
- Environmental impact: Uses recycled materials and lasts longer, cutting down on landfill waste.
- Value: Costs more upfront but saves money in the long run by avoiding early replacements.
Ideal choice for: Homeowners ready to move on from basic shingles and invest in something longer-lasting and better looking.
Composite vs. Natural Slate
Performance comparison:
- Weight: Composite is 70-80% lighter, eliminating the need for structural reinforcement.
- Fragility: Much more resistant to cracks and chips than real slate.
- Installation: Goes on faster and doesn’t require a specialized installer.
- Cost: A more budget-friendly option with a lower price per square foot.
- Appearance: Designed to closely match the look of genuine slate.
Ideal choice for: Homeowners who want the timeless style of slate without the cost, weight, or risk of damage.
Composite vs. Clay/Concrete Tiles
Performance comparison:
- Breakage resistance: Strong enough to hold up against impact and foot traffic.
- Weight: About 60–70% lighter, making it a better fit for more homes.
- Freeze/thaw performance: Less likely to crack in colder temperatures.
- Color permanence: Pigments are built into the tile, so the color lasts.
- Maintenance: Fewer broken tiles to replace and less ongoing upkeep.
Ideal choice for: Homeowners who like the Spanish or Mediterranean tile look but want something easier to maintain in tough climates.
Composite vs. Cedar Shakes
Performance comparison:
- Fire resistance: Class A rating (vs. Class C or unrated for natural wood).
- Insect/rot resistance: Impervious to termites, woodpeckers, and decay.
- Color stability: Minimal fading vs. significant weathering.
- Maintenance: Virtually none vs. regular treatments and replacements.
- Environmental impact: No deforestation; many contain recycled materials.
Ideal choice for: Homeowners who want that natural, rustic look without dealing with the constant care wood roofing requires.
Composite vs. Metal Roofing
Performance comparison:
- Noise: Much quieter during storms and heavy rain.
- Aesthetics: Offers more traditional and natural-looking design options.
- Installation complexity: Typically easier to install and modify.
- Dent resistance: Holds up better against hail and physical impact.
- Heat conductivity: Provides stronger insulation to keep indoor temps comfortable.
Ideal choice for: Homeowners who want the strength of metal without the noise, and a more traditional look that blends well with any style.
Top Composite Roofing Brands
At Greater Midwest Exteriors, we've evaluated numerous composite roofing manufacturers and chosen to partner with those that consistently deliver superior quality, reliability, and warranty protection. Here are the leading brands we recommend:
DaVinci Roofscapes
Backed by 50-year warranties, these tiles come with a Class 4 impact rating and advanced color-blending that gives their slate and shake styles a true-to-life look.
Ideal for: High-end homes or historic properties where appearance matters just as much as performance.
Brava Roof Tile
Made entirely from recycled materials, Brava offers some of the most flexible color options on the market. Their tiles also have rich textures that work well with specialty designs.
Ideal for: Custom builds that need specific color matching or eco-conscious materials.
CertainTeed Symphony
These tiles stand out with deep shadow lines, solid color retention, and a strong warranty program supported by certified contractors across the country.
Ideal for: Homeowners who want dependable quality, balanced performance, and peace of mind.
Enviroshake
With a patented weathering process and tiles made from 95% recycled content, Enviroshake nails the look of aged cedar without the typical wear. Their 50-year non-prorated warranty is one of the best in the business.
Ideal for: Traditional or rustic homes that call for a natural wood look without the usual downsides.
Euroshield Roofing
Crafted from recycled tire rubber with exceptional hail resistance and superior performance in extreme temperature variations.
Ideal for: Homes in regions where harsh weather is the norm and extra protection is a must.
Bring Out the Best in Your Home with Greater Midwest Exteriors
Your roof protects everything inside your home, shapes curb appeal, and affects long-term value. Picking the right material is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make for your home. Composite roof tiles combine classic style with modern strength. They offer the look of natural materials like slate or wood, but with far better durability, less maintenance, and real long-term savings.
If you’re ready for a roof that looks great, holds up through tough weather, and adds value to your property, we’re here to help. With over 30 years of experience in Chicagoland roofing, Greater Midwest Exteriors can walk you through your options and handle every step of the project with care and expertise. Reach out today to see what composite roofing can do for your home.
