Over the past several hundred years, wooden roofing materials have reigned supreme as the top choice. Cedar shakes and shingles are natural and attractive, and offer some degree of durability. However, one major problem with cedar shingles or other types of wooden roofing is that they are prone to wear and tear, especially if you live in a damp or cold climate that's prone to extreme conditions. Natural quarried slate is a good alternative to this, but can be extremely heavy and expensive. With modern advances in technology, more and more people are turning to polymer slate roofing tiles to get the look and feel of slate, without the cost and weight.

Polymer blends simply consist of more than one type of material. If you want to choose polymer slate roofing tiles that fit into a particularly decorative scheme, you will be able to do so because the polymers can be changed to accommodate any requests in terms of color, size, and shape. It's a good idea to first sit down with a roofing expert to discuss your options, or take a look at a roofing materials website for some inspiration. Although natural slate is extremely attractive and traditional, many homes simply cannot withstand the weight.

You will need to have your home assessed by a professional eye before you can make decisions regarding whether or not this is a good option for you. Some other benefits to using polymer slate roofing tiles include their resistance to mold, algae, moss, and the heat of the sun, all of which can cause damage or cracking in natural materials. They are thus far more durable, and can last for 50 years or longer, in comparison to regular roofs which will need to be repaired or completely replaced ever couple of decades, according to manufacturer instructions.

As a sound investment, you can also be sure that your polymer slate roofing tiles adhere to the latest environmental codes. Many are crafted from naturally recycled materials, and are recyclable in the future should you choose to replace them down the road. Because environmental sustainability is one of the most important factors that modern homeowners look for in their building materials, this is a major benefit of polymer products. Be sure to ask about any of these qualifications or any other information that you might have ahead of time, to choose the best roofing products for your needs.