I’ve put in a lot of synthetic slate over the years, and your experience matches what I hear from folks after a few storms. The color fading to matte is pretty normal—most brands mention it in the specs, but it’s rarely a dealbreaker. If you’re ever thinking about switching the main house, I’d suggest checking if your rafters can handle the weight, though most synthetics are lighter than real slate. One thing I’ve noticed: installation makes a big difference in how well it holds up, especially with wind-driven rain. If you do go for it, ask your installer about their flashing details and how they handle valleys—those spots can be trouble if not done right.
I went with synthetic slate on my garage last year—mainly for the weight savings and cost. The color faded a bit faster than I hoped, but honestly, it’s held up better than the old asphalt after two big storms. I do wish I’d paid more attention to the flashing details, though. Had a minor leak in one valley that took some tracking down... installer fixed it, but it was a hassle. If you’re picky about looks, the matte finish might bug you, but functionally it’s been solid.
The color faded a bit faster than I hoped, but honestly, it’s held up better than the old asphalt after two big storms.
Can relate to that—synthetic slate's been a decent choice on a few properties I manage, especially where weight is a concern. The fading seems pretty common, though, and I’ve had a couple tenants mention the color looking “chalky” after just a year or two. Not a dealbreaker for me, but worth knowing if curb appeal matters.
Flashing issues are the part that always gets overlooked. No matter what material, if the valleys or edges aren’t done right, leaks find their way in. I had one install where the crew missed a tiny gap near the chimney... took ages to pinpoint since it only showed up after wind-driven rain.
Functionally, though, synthetic has survived hail and high winds better than cheap asphalt in my experience. It’s quieter during storms too, which surprised me. Just wish the finish options were a bit more varied—some brands look kind of flat up close, but from the street they’re fine. Maintenance has been minimal so far, which is a relief compared to wood shake or even metal in some cases.
