Did you know Tamko started out making roofing in a chicken coop?

Not sure I totally agree that installation is always the bigger factor. Sure, a bad install can doom even the best materials, but I’ve seen some products just not hold up no matter how careful the crew is. Especially with the lighter synthetics—like you mentioned, fading is a real issue, and in my experience, it’s not just about UV exposure. Some of those colors just don’t have the pigment stability, and after a couple summers, you can spot the difference from the street.

Warranties are great, but I always tell folks to read the fine print—sometimes “lifetime” doesn’t mean what you think.

Couldn’t agree more with this part. I’ve had owners get burned thinking “lifetime” meant 40+ years, but then you dig into the paperwork and it’s pro-rated after 10 or 15, or only covers certain types of damage. And sometimes, if the roof wasn’t installed by one of their “certified” contractors, the warranty’s basically void anyway. It’s a headache.

On the natural slate front, I get what you’re saying about freeze-thaw cycles. Up here in the Midwest, I’ve seen slate roofs that look amazing after 50 years, but also some that start flaking apart after just a decade. Seems like there’s a lot of variation in quality, even within the same material.

I do think regular checks help, but honestly, most people don’t get up there until there’s already a problem. And with some of these newer synthetic options, it’s tough to know how they’ll age long-term since they just haven’t been around that long. I’m still a fan of metal for low-maintenance, but it’s not cheap and the noise during storms isn’t for everyone.

At the end of the day, there’s no perfect solution. It’s a mix of material, install, climate, and how much maintenance folks are willing to do. But yeah, reading the warranty fine print is non-negotiable... learned that one the hard way.

Warranties are great, but I always tell folks to read the fine print—sometimes “lifetime” doesn’t mean what you think.

That’s the truth. I’ve seen “lifetime” mean 15 years in some cases, which is wild. I’m curious—has anyone here actually had a synthetic roof last more than 20 years without major fading or cracking? I keep seeing mixed results, especially in spots with harsh sun or big temp swings.

“Lifetime” warranties always crack me up—whose lifetime are we talking about, the roof or the company’s marketing manager? I’ve been on roofs where “lifetime” shingles were curling and fading after 12 years, especially in places like Texas or Arizona. Synthetic roofs are a mixed bag in my book. I’ve seen some hold up decently for 20+ years in milder climates, but anywhere with big temp swings or brutal sun, you start seeing weird discoloration and brittle spots way sooner than advertised.

Had a client out in Colorado who thought their synthetic shake would be “set it and forget it.” Five hailstorms later, it looked like someone took a weed whacker to half the tiles. Not saying they’re all bad—some brands do better than others—but I wouldn’t bet my house on any synthetic lasting two decades without at least some fading or cracking. Maintenance helps, but Mother Nature usually wins that fight eventually...

- “Lifetime” always makes me laugh too—seen plenty of “lifetime” shingles curling up after a decade, especially in the southern sun.
- Synthetic shakes are a mixed bag. I had a neighbor with those in Oklahoma—looked great for about 8 years, then hail season hit and it was game over.
- Maintenance definitely helps, but like you said, extreme weather will always find the weak spots.
- For anyone banking on 20+ years with no issues, I’d budget for repairs or touch-ups along the way. Even the best brands can’t outlast Mother Nature forever...

- Seen the same thing with “lifetime” shingles—especially on south-facing slopes. They just don’t hold up to Texas heat.
- Had a job last year where the synthetic shakes looked perfect, but after one bad hailstorm, half were cracked or missing.
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“Maintenance definitely helps, but like you said, extreme weather will always find the weak spots.”