Replies

1. 
   DanH | Oct 08, 2014 08:13am | #1

   If the budget permits, use "architectural" shingles.  They have (the appearance, at least) of more "texture", and, from a distance, at least, approximate wood or slate.  If you're in a remote place they might have to be special ordered, but would not be a particularly "odd" order for most supply houses.  (If you can avoid it, don't buy Certainteed shingles.)

   Another option is steel shingles, but I'm not sure of the price of those, and their appearance leans most heavily in the slate direction.

2. 
   MarkH | Oct 08, 2014 11:36am | #2

   I recommend CertainTeed myself.

   Look at their Presidentional and Landmark series.  http://www.certainteed.com/products/roofing/residential?show=all

1. 
   boatstuff | Oct 08, 2014 03:19pm | #3

   shingle style

   My objection to any of the "designer" shingles are the staggered edges, the distinct color differences between tabs and the silly shadow lines. I'm after the look of a cedar shingled vs cedar shakes. The shingles retain a more consistant color overall and are much thinner giving a smaller shadowline as well. From what I've been able to find it seems the low end three tabs would be closer to the look I want but the ones I've found are only rated for 60mph winds which I doubt is enough anywhere and certainly not here on the northern Great Lakes when "the gales of November" set in.

1. 
   DanH | Oct 08, 2014 07:56pm | #4

   Well, then you might like the steel shingle look.

2. 
   MarkH | Oct 09, 2014 06:27am | #5

   No asphalt shingle (or any man made product) is going to look like real cedar shingles.  There are 60mph rated heavy weight three tabs approved for Miami Dade counties in Florida, which were tested over 110 mph. (Tamko Elite Glass-Seal® 3-Tab Shingles).  Maybe there are similar shingles available in your area.

3. 
   user-3279501 | Oct 09, 2014 01:54pm | #6

   Here's a pic of semi-tansparent stained shingles next to Certainteed "Hatteras" in a charcoal gray, looks great

   
1. 
   boatstuff | Oct 09, 2014 03:56pm | #7

   Thanks for the photo - looks great!  That simple three tab non-dimensional works :-)

2. 
   boatstuff | Oct 09, 2014 03:56pm | #8

   Thanks for the photo - looks great!  That simple three tab non-dimensional works :-)

4. 
   DanH | Oct 09, 2014 06:49pm | #9

   Keep in mind that your "natural cedar" will go from "natural" to gray to black before it eventually weathers back to gray.  It's very common for folks to decide to paint/stain it as it approaches the black stage, and in any event you want to consider that stage when choosing your roof color.

5. 
   gfretwell | Oct 09, 2014 10:05pm | #10

   I have a friend who lives in an HOA community with real cedar shake roofs. The only option the condo nazis will let them use as a substituite is a cedar look metal roof. It is hard to tell them apart without really looking closely.