June 19, 2025
When it comes to roofing materials, homeowners and builders have a plethora of options. Two popular choices are corrugated plastic roof shingles and composite roof shingles. Each type has its unique advantages, applications, and considerations.
In this article, we’ll explore the differences between these alternative roofing materials, their benefits, best applications, and how Techmer PM can provide materials for manufacturers of these roof shingles. We’ll also compare these two options to help you make an informed decision.
What Are Corrugated Plastic Roof Shingles?
Corrugated plastic roof shingles are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polycarbonate, designed with a wavy or ridged pattern known as corrugation. This design provides strength and rigidity while allowing for efficient water drainage and resistance to UV radiation. These shingles are lightweight, easy to install, and offer excellent weather resistance, making them suitable for various climates.
Benefits of Corrugated Plastic Roof Shingles
What are the benefits of corrugated plastic roof shingles?
- Durability: They are highly durable and withstand harsh weather conditions, including heavy rain, snow, and high winds.
- Lightweight: Their lightweight nature makes them easy to handle and install, reducing labor costs and installation time.
- UV Protection: These shingles have excellent UV resistance, preventing them from becoming brittle and ensuring long-lasting clarity.
- Impact Resistance: Despite being lighter than many other roofing materials, corrugated plastic shingles are surprisingly impact resistant.
- Fire Resistance: Most corrugated plastic roofs have a Class A fire resistance rating, making them a safe choice for residential and commercial buildings.
Best Applications for Corrugated Plastic Roof Shingles
Corrugated plastic roof shingles are versatile and can be used in a variety of applications, making them an ideal choice for homeowners and builders.
- Pergolas and Gazebos: Their lightweight and UV-resistant properties make them good for outdoor structures.
- Greenhouses: The high light transmission and impact resistance are beneficial for greenhouse applications.
- Carports and Sheds: Their durability and ease of installation make them suitable for smaller structures.
What Are Composite Roof Shingles?
Composite roof shingles, also known as synthetic or engineered shingles, are made from a blend of materials designed to mimic the appearance of traditional roofing materials like wood, slate, or asphalt. These materials often include recycled plastics, rubber, fiberglass, and other sustainable components. Composite shingles offer a highly durable and energy-efficient roofing option that combines the aesthetic appeal of natural materials with the practical benefits of modern technology.
Benefits of Composite Roof Shingles
How do composite roof shingles compare to traditional roofing materials?
- Aesthetic Versatility: Available in a wide range of styles, colors, and textures, composite shingles can achieve the look of cedar shake or slate without compromising performance.
- Energy Efficiency: Many composite shingles have reflective coatings that reduce heat absorption, keeping homes cooler in the summer and reducing energy bills.
- Eco-Friendly: Can be made from recycled materials, composite shingles are an environmentally conscious choice.
Best Applications for Composite Roof Shingles
Composite roof shingles are ideal for:
- Residential Homes: Their durability, aesthetic appeal, and energy efficiency make them a popular choice for homeowners.
- Commercial Buildings: The versatility and long lifespan of composite shingles are beneficial for commercial applications.
- High-End Residential Projects: Synthetic composite tiles are increasingly prevalent in high-end residential projects due to their longevity and design flexibility.
Techmer PM’s Role in Providing Materials for Roof Shingles
Techmer PM is a major producer of value-added color and additive masterbatch for the plastics industries. We focus on high-performance applications where quality, technical support, and problem-solving are critical. Techmer PM offers:
- Color and Additive Masterbatch: Their colorant formulas ensure matching precision, color durability, and color fastness, protecting materials from fades and runs.
- Performance Testing: Techmer PM conducts rigorous testing to ensure the highest quality and performance of their products. Some of the key test methods include:
- Thermal Aging Tests: These tests assess how materials perform under prolonged exposure to high temperatures, simulating real-world conditions.
- Mechanical Property Evaluations: These tests measure the strength, flexibility, and impact resistance of materials to ensure they meet specific performance criteria.
- Flame Retardancy Tests: These tests determine the material’s ability to resist ignition and tendency to emit flaming droplets.
- Accelerated Weathering Tests: These tests simulate environmental conditions such as sunlight, rain, and temperature fluctuations to predict how materials will age over time.
- Color Measurement: These tests ensure precise color matching and consistency across different batches.
- Transparency, Haze, and Clarity Tests: These tests evaluate the optical properties of materials, ensuring they meet specific visual standards.
- Heat Management Tests: These tests assess the material’s ability to manage and dissipate heat effectively.
- Technical Support: Techmer PM provides end-to-end support throughout the materials design process, giving manufacturers confidence and peace of mind.
- Custom Compounding: Techmer PM can design, and compound specialty engineering plastics tailored to specific roofing applications.
Customized Design Sessions
Techmer PM also provides tailored design sessions to help manufacturers optimize their products. These sessions focus on integrating advanced materials and technologies to create roofing solutions that are both innovative and sustainable.
Learn how Techmer PM’s materials and technologies can help solve your product challenges.
Choosing the right roofing material is crucial for your roof’s longevity and performance. Corrugated plastic roof shingles and composite roof shingles each offer unique benefits and applications. Whether you prioritize durability, aesthetic appeal, energy efficiency, or eco-friendliness, understanding the differences between these materials can help you make an informed decision. With Techmer PM’s expertise in materials design and compounding, manufacturers can produce high-quality roof shingles that meet the demands of modern construction and renovation projects.