Composite slate roofing is a category, not a single product. It covers polymer tiles molded to mimic three different natural looks: slate, barrel (Spanish) tile, and cedar shake. Most installed jobs land in the range of about $900 to $1,600 per square (100 square feet), though some premium profiles push higher, per contractor pricing surveys from Roof Insider and Modernize. The right choice depends on the profile you want and how the named brands rate on impact, fire, warranty, and weight.
This page ranks the composite slate, tile, and shake category by look first, then by specs. For the broader synthetic material picture including flat synthetic shingles, see our composite roofing hub. For slate-look products that are not polymer composite (rubber and stamped metal faux slate), see our faux slate roof guide.
What counts as composite slate and tile roofing?
Composite slate and tile roofing means engineered polymer tiles cast from molds of real slate, clay barrel tile, or cedar shake, then colored throughout the tile body. Manufacturers use virgin resins (DaVinci, Inspire) or recycled rubber and plastic blends (EcoStar), and the finished tile weighs roughly a quarter of natural slate, per Westlake Royal and EcoStar.
The category is defined by look, not chemistry. A composite roof can imitate a Vermont slate, a Mediterranean barrel tile, or a hand-split shake using the same polymer technology. That is why buyers should pick the profile they want first, then compare brands inside that profile.
The three composite profiles: slate, barrel tile, and shake
Composite tiles come in three main profiles, and not every brand makes all three. Slate profiles are the most common, barrel tile is the specialty niche, and shake profiles compete with real cedar. Choosing the profile narrows your brand list before any spec comparison.
Composite slate profile
The slate profile reproduces the flat, layered look of quarried slate with textured surfaces and slightly irregular edges. This is the deepest field of brands: DaVinci Roofscapes, Inspire by Westlake (formerly Inspire by Boral), EcoStar Majestic Slate, F-Wave REVIA, and Brava Slate all compete here. Widths and thicknesses vary by brand, which lets installers stagger tiles for a more natural roof.
Composite barrel (Spanish) tile profile
The barrel profile mimics the rounded, S-curved clay tiles common on Mediterranean and Spanish-style homes at a fraction of the weight. Brava is the notable name making a dedicated composite barrel tile, which is why it appears in both this category and our synthetic Spanish tile cost guide. Composite barrel avoids the heavy structural loads that real clay demands.
Composite shake profile
The shake profile copies the thick, split-grain texture of cedar without the rot, insect, and fire concerns of real wood. DaVinci Shake, Brava Cedar Shake, and EcoStar shake tiles lead here. For a wood-versus-polymer breakdown, see our synthetic cedar shake roofing guide.
Composite slate and tile brands compared
The table below ranks the main composite slate, tile, and shake brands on the specs that matter for a roof this expensive: impact rating, fire rating, wind rating, warranty structure, and material base. Figures come from each manufacturer and third-party roofing sources cited on this page. These are published specs, not results from our own lab testing.
| Brand | Profiles | Impact | Fire | Wind | Warranty | Material base |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DaVinci Roofscapes | Slate, shake | Class 4 | Class A (assembly) | Up to 110 mph | Limited lifetime, 10 yr non-prorated | Virgin engineered polymer |
| Inspire by Westlake | Slate | Class 4 | Class A (assembly) | Up to 110 mph | Limited (see dealer) | Virgin polypropylene resin |
| Brava | Slate, barrel tile, shake | Class 4 | Class A | Up to 110 mph | 50 yr, non-prorated first 10 yr, transferable | Recycled and virgin polymer blend |
| EcoStar Majestic Slate | Slate, shake | Class 4 | Class A (assembly) | Up to 110 mph | 50 yr; Gold Star covers materials and labor | ~80% recycled rubber and plastic |
| F-Wave REVIA | Slate | Class 4 | Class A | Up to 130 mph | 50 yr, 15 yr non-prorated, 5 yr hail | Engineered polymer (single-ply) |
A few practical reads on this table. F-Wave posts the highest published wind rating and the longest non-prorated warranty window at 15 years, per F-Wave. EcoStar is the recycled-content choice at roughly 80% post-industrial material, and its Gold Star option can cover labor as well as materials when a certified contractor installs it, per EcoStar. Brava is the only brand here spanning all three profiles, which is covered in depth in our Brava roof tile review. DaVinci carries the strongest brand recognition and a curated color palette, detailed in our DaVinci Roofscapes review.
How much does composite slate and tile roofing cost?
Composite slate and tile roofing typically costs about $9 to $16 per square foot installed, which works out to roughly $900 to $1,600 per square, with premium profiles and complex roofs running higher. Material alone for name brands generally runs $300 to $1,000 or more per square, per HomeGuide and This Old House. Costs vary widely by region, roof pitch, tear-off, and profile.
| Cost component | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Installed, per square foot | $9 to $16 | Higher for steep or cut-up roofs |
| Installed, per square (100 sq ft) | $900 to $1,600+ | Barrel and premium slate at top end |
| Material only, per square | $300 to $1,000+ | Brand and profile dependent |
| 2,000 sq ft roof, installed | ~$18,000 to $32,000+ | Roofing Brief calculation from the per-square range above |
Composite generally lands below natural slate, which commonly runs $15 to $30 per square foot or more, while sitting well above architectural asphalt. The material cost of composite is often about half that of quarried slate, and it avoids the reinforced framing heavy slate can require, per Modernize.
Impact and fire ratings: what the classes actually mean
Most composite slate and tile brands carry a Class 4 impact rating and can reach a Class A fire rating, but the classes describe different tests and Class A often depends on the full roof assembly. Knowing what each rating measures helps you compare brands honestly rather than by marketing.
- Class 4 impact (UL 2218): the top tier of the steel-ball drop test for hail resistance. All five brands in the table above claim Class 4, which can qualify for insurance discounts in some hail-prone states, depending on the carrier.
- Class A fire (ASTM E108 / UL 790): the highest fire-resistance class. For polymer tiles this rating is usually earned as part of a tested assembly with a specific underlayment, so the wording often reads “Class A when installed per the listed system.”
- Wind rating: published resistance ranges from about 110 mph for most brands up to 130 mph for F-Wave REVIA. Actual field performance depends on fastening and installer method.
How to choose a composite slate or tile roof
Work from look to specs to warranty, in that order, because the profile you want eliminates brands before any spec matters. This sequence keeps you from paying for features you will not use.
- Pick the profile. Decide whether you want slate, barrel tile, or shake. Barrel narrows you toward Brava; shake and slate open the full field.
- Match your climate. In hail country, confirm the Class 4 rating and ask your insurer about a wind-and-hail discount. On the coast or in high wind, weigh F-Wave’s higher published wind rating.
- Compare warranty structure, not just years. A 50-year warranty that prorates after year one differs sharply from one with 10 to 15 non-prorated years. Check transferability if you may sell.
- Weigh recycled content if it matters to you. EcoStar Majestic Slate uses roughly 80% recycled material; DaVinci and Inspire use virgin resin for color consistency.
- Get an installed quote, not a material price. Labor, tear-off, pitch, and region move the number more than the brand does. Confirm the installer is certified so labor coverage stays valid.
Frequently asked questions
Is composite slate roofing worth it?
Composite slate roofing is often worth it for owners who want the slate, tile, or shake look without the weight, fragility, or cost of the natural material. It typically runs about half the material cost of quarried slate, carries Class 4 impact and Class A fire ratings, and weighs around a quarter as much, which can avoid structural reinforcement. Value depends on how long you keep the home and local pricing.
How long does a composite slate roof last?
Most composite slate and tile brands are backed by 50-year to lifetime limited warranties, and manufacturers position the tiles for a comparable service life under normal conditions. Real-world longevity depends on installation quality, climate, and ventilation. Because the polymer is colored throughout, surface fading tends to be gradual rather than a sudden failure, though warranty proration terms vary by brand.
What is the difference between composite and faux slate?
Composite slate is one type of faux slate. Faux slate is the umbrella term and also includes rubber slate and stamped metal slate, which are not polymer composite. Composite specifically means engineered polymer tiles molded from slate, tile, or shake. If you are weighing rubber or metal look-alikes too, our faux slate roof guide compares all three material families side by side.
Which composite slate brand is best for hail?
All five brands compared here (DaVinci, Inspire, Brava, EcoStar, and F-Wave) carry a Class 4 impact rating, the top hail tier under UL 2218. F-Wave REVIA additionally publishes a dedicated hail warranty and a higher wind rating, which can matter in storm-prone regions. Confirm current terms with the manufacturer and ask your insurer whether Class 4 qualifies for a premium discount in your state.
Does composite slate need special roof framing?
Usually not. Composite slate and tile weighs roughly a quarter of natural slate, so it generally installs over standard residential framing that already carries asphalt shingles, unlike quarried slate or clay tile that can require reinforced structure. A qualified installer should still verify your deck and framing before any tile roof, since conditions vary by home and jurisdiction.
Reviewed by The Roofing Brief Team. Last reviewed July 2026.