Synthetic shake roofing is a man-made alternative designed to mimic the look of traditional wooden shakes while offering improved durability and resistance to weather conditions. It is often made from recycled plastics or rubber, making it lighter and less prone to cracking or splitting compared to natural wood. Because synthetic shakes can be engineered with reflective pigments or coatings, many such products qualify as cool roofs. Cool roofs help reduce heat absorption, effectively lowering indoor temperatures and potentially reducing energy costs during hot seasons. If you’re considering synthetic shake roofing for its cool roof benefits, it’s important to check the specific product’s reflectivity and emissivity ratings. Many manufacturers provide these details, which you can compare against ENERGY STAR or Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) standards to verify eligibility for cool roof rebates or incentives.
To assess whether your current synthetic shake roof qualifies as a cool roof, you can start by checking the manufacturer’s documentation for solar reflectance index (SRI) or emissivity values. If you don’t have paperwork, a safe DIY check would be to observe your roof surface temperature on a sunny day with an infrared thermometer — a cooler roof will typically measure significantly less heat than conventional materials. However, variations may arise due to dirt, weathering, or installation quality. If you notice your synthetic shake roof is getting unusually hot or shows signs of damage, this could indicate reduced cool roof performance or other issues. At that point, it’s wise to consult a licensed roofer experienced in both synthetic materials and energy-efficient roofing systems. When speaking with your contractor, ask specifically about their experience with cool roof certifications and if the synthetic shakes they install have verified SRI ratings that will maintain over time under warranty. You might also inquire about recommended maintenance to preserve the reflective properties for the long term.