The look of cedar or slate, engineered to last.
Synthetic and composite shake gives you the character of real wood or slate with almost none of the upkeep. Buckshot installs premium composite shake and synthetic slate roofs across Wisconsin and Iowa with our own crews, the right underlayment and ventilation, and an honest read on whether it's the best fit for your home.
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Real-shake looks, modern materials.
Synthetic and composite shakes are engineered polymer roofing tiles molded from real cedar shakes or natural slate, then color blended all the way through so chips and scratches don't show a different color underneath. Manufacturers like DaVinci, Brava, and Enviroshake build the category.
From the street, most people cannot tell it from real wood or stone. The difference is what it shrugs off: no rot, no insects, no moss, and far less maintenance than the natural materials it imitates.
Engineered for Wisconsin and Iowa weather.
The reason composite has taken off in storm country is performance. Most products carry a Class A fire rating, a Class 4 impact rating (the top tier for hail), and high wind ratings, often 110 to 130 mph, while staying light enough that your home needs no structural reinforcement.
We install the full system to manufacturer spec: ice and water shield, a quality underlayment, correct fastener and exposure pattern, and proper flashing and ventilation at every valley, wall, and penetration. The profile and color are chosen to fit your home, not a default.
The honest case for, and against, composite.
Composite is one of the best-performing roofs you can buy. It isn't the cheapest, and it isn't the right call for every home. Here's the straight version.
Why homeowners choose it
- Cedar or slate looks without the rot, insects, moss, or constant upkeep.
- Top-tier durability. Most products are Class A fire and Class 4 impact rated for hail.
- Long warranties, often up to 50 years from the manufacturer.
- Lightweight, so unlike real slate it usually needs no structural reinforcement.
- Color-through material that resists fading and hides minor scuffs.
What to plan for
- Higher upfront cost than asphalt, in the range of natural cedar or slate.
- It's an imitation. Excellent from the street, but a purist may still prefer real wood or stone up close.
- Profile and brand matter. Quality and warranty vary, so the product choice is part of the job.
- Installer experience matters. Composite is detailed differently than asphalt; the crew has to know it.
From inspection to final walkthrough.
One Buckshot project manager owns your job start to finish. No handoffs, no call center, no surprises.
Free inspection
We assess the roof, decking, and ventilation, then give you a written report, no sales pressure.
Itemized estimate
A clear, line-by-line estimate with the profile, color, and system spec laid out before you commit.
Product & permits
We help you choose the composite shake or slate profile that fits, then pull the permits your project needs.
Installation
Our own crew installs to manufacturer spec with tarps, magnetic nail sweeps, and a tidy job site.
Walkthrough
We walk the finished roof with you and don't leave until it meets the family's standard.
Warranty in writing
You get the manufacturer warranty plus our workmanship warranty in writing, with care guidance.
Composite, real cedar, or asphalt?
Three honest paths to the roof you want. Here's how composite stacks up against the alternatives.
| Synthetic / composite | Real cedar | GAF asphalt | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lifespan | 30 to 50 yrs | 30 to 50 yrs with upkeep | 25 to 50 yrs |
| Look | Cedar or slate, color-through | Natural real wood | Wide range incl. designer |
| Maintenance | Minimal | Periodic cleaning, moss control | Minimal |
| Fire & impact | Often Class A fire, Class 4 impact | Class C (treated B or A) | Varies, impact-rated options |
| Cost | Premium | Premium | Lower, strong value |
| Best for | Cedar or slate look, low upkeep | Purists, historic homes | Most homes, best warranty value |
Not sure which way to go? If you want the real thing, we install natural cedar. If value matters most, a GAF asphalt replacement typically runs $8,500 to $18,000, with a typical 1,800 sq ft home on GAF Timberline HDZ around $12,000 to $15,000. We'll give you a straight recommendation for your roof.
A premium roof deserves a crew that details it right.
Composite is only as good as its installation. That's exactly the kind of careful, accountable work a family company built since 1979 is set up to do.
Rated 4.9 stars across 80 reviews.
A few words from Wisconsin homeowners. Read the rest on our reviews page.
"Roof done less than a day, great work."
"Very good workmanship in my opinion."
"I paid my deductible and Buckshot worked with the insurance."
Q.01What is synthetic or composite shake roofing?+
Q.02How long does a composite roof last?+
Q.03Is it more durable than real cedar?+
Q.04Does it really look like real wood or slate?+
Q.05How does the cost compare?+
Q.06Can it handle Wisconsin hail and wind?+
Explore residential roofing.
See if composite is right for your home.
Whether you want composite shake, synthetic slate, real cedar, or a wood-look asphalt, start with a free, no-pressure inspection and a written report from a family crew that's been roofing since 1979. We respond within 2 hours.
Buckshot General Contracting, family-owned since 1979. Headquartered at 621 N Sherman Ave, Suite B5, Madison, WI 53704, with a field office in Centerville, IA. Licensed in 24 states. WI Lic. DC-080900045. GAF Master Elite and BBB A+ accredited. Synthetic and composite product ratings, warranties, and performance vary by manufacturer and profile; figures are general guidance, not a guarantee. Pricing examples are typical ranges, not quotes. Brand names are referenced for category context only. Credentials and licensing current as of publication.