Staff Answer
Aug 31, 2025 - 03:27 AM
Aug 31, 2025 - 03:27 AM
View all Roofing Questions & Answers
We’ve provided several answers to questions related to Roofing , see some other helpful Q&A related to this product.
Question: What's the wind rating ?
Answer: All of the Ecostar roof tiles regardless of type, style or fire rating have been approved for Miami Dade county which is the best rating in the USA. Wind resistance to 110 mph (ASTM D3161)
Question: How many square feet to a bundle?
Answer: Majestic Slate can be installed with a 7" exposure for steep roofs >6:12 or 6" exposure for 4:12.There are 6.88 bundles/square (100SF) for 7" exposure and 8 bundles/square for 6" exposure.
Question: How do i get the multi-color look as shown in a couple pictures on your site?
Answer: Multi-colored looks can be achieved by mixing 1 or more tiles together. These are usually mixed on the job site.
Question: I would like to dye this product black. Is it possible to do so and what would you recommend?
Answer: It cannot be dyed/tinted.
Question: For larger orders, can we customize the color?
Answer: Yes, custom colors can be made. They will only make them in a class A fire rated.
Question: Do you ship this product to ireland?
Answer: We only ship our roofing in the United States. For overseas customers, please reach out to the manufacturer directly to see about distribution channels local to your area. https://ecostarllc.com/rep-finder/
Question: We bought a brand new travel trailer. The off gassing is horrible and I can not tolerate it. What can I use to keep the vocs from escaping on the walls and cabinets?? Possibly the flooring as well??
Answer: Please give us a call to discuss your situation. We would not recommend roofguard for this project. We will have multiple sealer options based on the material it'll be applied on to stop off-gassing.
Question: I have a porch roof that is a radius on the corners ( think a quarter of a turret). Are the panels solid material or webbed on the back as we would need to cut the panes to taper towards the top?
Answer: Majestic slate is a solid tile, so no problem cutting it in a radius. If you need a quote, please email joel@greenbuildingsupply.com with #square feet, linear feet of starter row, linear feet of hip/ridge and shipping address. Thanks.
Question: Is there special certification for who has the knowledge to install these? How do I found out who is near me who can work with this product? Thanks!
Answer: Yes, certified installers who are trained by EcoStar are required, if and only if you wish to purchase their Gold Star warranty. See our website for more details on that warranty. Otherwise, any roofing installer who has installed natural slate or other synthetic tiles should be able to handle this.
Question: can you tell me how many square ft does 1 bundle cover?
Answer: One bundle depends on how it is installed. There are 20 tiles per bundle for the 10" or 12" wide tile.However, when installed with 6" exposure the coverage is 10 bundles per Square (100SF). For 7" exposure the coverage is 8.57 bundles per square. For 8" exposure, there are 9 bundles per square.
Question: It has a Class C fire rating. Some asphalt shingles have a Class A rating. What gives?
Answer: EcoStar Majestic Slate is Class C. The also make a Class A fire rated product called Empire Slate.
Question: what is the minimum pitch required for use of this roofing?
Answer: Minimum roof pitch shall be 3/12 for 6" exposure and 4/12 for 7" exposure. Please refer to installation guidelines for complete instructions. Also, note that these requirements are for the Empire series and is different for other products.
Question: We just had a rubber membrane installed on our low pitched roof to fix a leakage problem caused by the previous shingled roof. It does the job but looks awful. Are there any kinds of shingles that can be installed on top of the rubber membrane to improve the looks without diminishing its ability to prevent leaks?
Answer: Our Brava and EcoStar recycled roofing usually requires a 4/12 pitch roof. Putting nails through a rubber roof is very risky. You may have to build a complete roof on top of this one in order to make it look pleasing, which is commonly done. Then you could use any of our roofing products.
Question: What do you do when the edges curl from the heat?
Answer: Brava's edges don't curl because they have no rubber in them. They are thick and very stiff so wind cannot get underneath them.
Question: I'm interested in carpet, but is carpet and roofing included in free shipping for 1000 sq.ft., plus?
Answer: Sorry, only the product that offers the free shipping will receive it when the minimum order is met.
Question: Can you paint over AFM SafeCoat, RoofGuard with a Benjamin Moore paint color?
Answer: Yes, AFM RoofGuard is paintable with any high quality exterior water-based paint.
Question: Is it recommended for use under standing seam metal roofs?
Answer: Please consult your roofing manufacturer for what is warranted beneath their roofing.
Question: /how does insurance feel about this product ?
Answer: They love it which is why some insurance companies (we have heard e.g. State Farm) offers nice discounts on homeowners insurance. Clearly every insurance company may have their own standards but it makes sense that they would reduce their risk of problems by incentivizing you use a long lasting roof that can handle hail, wind, etc and won't degrade as easily as most wood shake or asphalt roofs.
Question: I am trying to find out many boxes of tile I need but your web will not let me enter the 6 "or 7" spacing? Thank you. Dan
Answer: Hi Jesse, All our roofing is for phone-in orders, we want to make sure we get you everything you need. To get an estimate please give our roofing expert Joel a call on his direct line at 1-641-323-6108
Question: Are Seneca shakes installed in an overlap fashion similar to real cedar shakes?
Answer: Similar, yes. We recommend you check out the installation guide for specific installation instructions for this product, included in the downloads section of the product detail page. (Direct link below for your convenience). The degree of exposure/overlap is dependent on the slope of your roof and your premeditated installation style, which can vary with real cedar shake as well.https://www.greenbuildingsupply.com/c...
Question: Can dynoflex roof guard be used to seal self leveling underlayment on a concrete floor?
Answer: Unlike other AFM Products, Dynoflex Roof Guard does not seal from toxic chemical off-gassing. We would not recommend this on your subfloor. Typically, the vast majority of self-leveling compounds we are familiar with don't off-gas. If you are concerned, you can use AFM primer & paint on top of the concrete.
Question: Cost per square?
Answer: Please call 641-323-6108 9-5PM CST for more information and to set up an estimate for your roofing project.
Question: Can this be used as porch flooring? The porch is covered, however porch faces South so when it's raining, water is constant. Also, floor pitch is low so runoff isn't immediate.
Answer: This is a roofing product, so it would not be warranted or supported as a flooring surface you can walk on.
Question: I have read a lot about similar products and was wondering if this one is prone to fading?
Answer: Almost all synthetic roofing tiles will fade over time. However, our Brava tile seems to have the best resistance to UV as it is made differently and was the only product that passed Disney's Epcot center's long-term testing for color retention. You can check out Brava here: https://www.greenbuildingsupply.com/All-Products/Building-Materials-Roofing?&am
p;search_query=all%20products%20%3E%20building%20materials%20%3E%20roofing&
filter=Brand_fq:%22Brava%22&rows=44&view=grid&start=0
Question: Are these shingles available in Arizona, and if so can they bear the high temperatures of 120 degrees in Phoenix?
Answer: yes, both our Brava and EcoStar roofing shingles are approved for high temperatures, wind, hail etc.
Question: How is this product sold, by the square, by the pcs, what is the cost per sq., what is the time frame for ordering?
Answer: Roofing is complex, which is why we ask you call us for a quote so we can make sure you get everything you/your contractor needs for your job. Call for Quote 888-727-2101
Question: Could I use this in New Hampshire? Or is it too cold here?
Answer: Temperature is not an issue for this product. It can be used on roofs or below grade in any climate.
Question: How can a petroleum product be green? And how does it differ? Lastly is it LEED certified?
Answer: This product is the green alternative to petroleum-saturated felt paper. It is stronger, lighter, easier to install and longer lasting in extreme conditions of heat or wind. For LEED certification, see the document in our downloads section to the right of the product description (direct link below for your convenience) the LEED points are speaking of the EcoStar on a big picture level for the entire installation, with points directly attributed to nail board, vent board, foam insulation, and roof tiles. The Aqua Guard is an important component of the whole (it is required by EcoStar for their Goldstar Warranty) but admittedly there are no LEED points directly connected to the Aqua Guard component itself. EcoStar LEED certifications: https://www.greenbuildingsupply.com/c...
Question: i would like to use the slates on some walls of a historic building. do you have an application?
Answer: No problem using either our Brava or EcoStar recycled roofing on vertical surfaces.
Question: How many ounces (or liters) is the sample size?
Answer: The sample size for this product is approximately 3 ounces.
Question: Can this be used over previous rv roof coating. It has coatings for an aluminum roof.?
Answer: Yes.
Question: The product that is used around the edges of roof is an ice dam protection - This product allows a nail to be pounded through the product and into the plywood - the product them condenses around the nail forming a seal Does roofing felt product do the same?
Answer: If I understand your question correctly, yes, the EcoStar Aqua Guard Roofing Underlayment in meant to be nailed in place. Check out the application guidelines on the downloads section of the product detail page with what fasteners should be used (this is based on how long the projected span of time before the actual roof is installed over the underlayment). Direct link included below for your convenience.https://www.greenbuildingsupply.com/c...
Question: Can a do-it-yourselfer install EcoStar roof tiles?
Answer: If you've never installed a roof before, please find a professional to install this product. It's a risky job and one that involves lots of expertise so it looks right and performs correctly. Plus, most manufacturers will not warrant their products if they are not installed by a pro.
Question: Cuanto es el precio por escuadra...?
Answer: All of our roofing tiles you will need to call in for an estimate/quote. Please call 888-727-2101 for assistance.
Question: Hi, My back porch has an old Flat rusting metal roof on it that was tarred over many years ago. The tar is crumbling and needs to be removed. The roof has 2 parts- 1 flat and one sloped. Could this roof guard Safecoat product be "painted" over the old metal roof to create a waterproof barrier? Thank you! Genevieve
Answer: For best results, you will want to go over this with multiple coats of multiple products. First, you will need to remove all the rust and as much of the loose crumbling material as possible. Once that surface is completely clean, you will want to coat over that with AFM Safecoat MetalCoat Primer. Then over that with Dynoseal. Then over that with the Roofguard.
Question: An older metal roof on a small cabin is getting rust on it. If I can remove the rust, is there a Safecoat product I could use to protect the roof from rusting?
Answer: First, remove all the rust. Then, double prime it with AFM SafeCoat, MetalCoat Metal Primer waiting 24 hours or more between coats. If you want a colored roof, paint next with AFM SafeCoat, All Purpose Exterior Satin, Custom Color Paint. Or, if your satisfied with a white roof, use the Roofguard.
Question: Are these vulcanized rubber?
Answer: No, they are mainly recycled polyethylene plastic with some recycled rubber from auto seats, dashboards and baby diapers. Our Brava Roofing tiles are 100% recycled polyethylene.
Question: Does it work on asphalt roofing?
Answer: Yes.
Question: Do I need to prime our roof, other than cleaning, before using RoofGuard?
Answer: According to the installation instructions: Clean surfaces of dirt, grease, mildew and oil.Existing coatings must be tight and water resistant before applying Safecoat RoofGuard over the top. Existing coatings may let go from surface when topcoated with elastomeric coatings if they have weak bond and/or have a tendency to rewet. Check before application. Patch surface defects with appropriate material and prime before topcoating. One or more coats of Safecoat DynoSeal makes an excellent primer before application of RoofGuard. Use Safecoat DynoFlex Textured Natural on cracks and allow patch to dry before applying topcoat
Question: What is the difference in thickness between the Niagara and regular Majestic?--I can't find the spec for the original Majestic.
Answer: Majestic Niagara is 5/8" thick. Normal Majestic is 1/4" thick.
Question: Can I use this to make my chicken coop floor waterproof? I'm trying to find a safer alternative to Blackjack57... thanks!
Answer: Yes, AFM Roofguard creates a waterproofing membrane. Two coats will be needed. Apply with a normal 3/8" nap roller. No primer is needed assuming you are applying over plywood or Oriented Strand Board (OSB).
Question: How many pounds per square foot are the tiles? I need to know if my roof can handle the weight.
Answer: For the EcoStar Majestic Slate Tiles 7" Exposure runs approx. 2.9 lbs per square foot. 6" exposure runs approx. 3.3 lbs per square foot.
Question: Other colors available?
Answer: No, this is only available in white.
Question: is this similar to ice and water shield?
Answer: Similar, yes.
Question: I'm looking at buying a house with a slate roof. The roof has been repaired but I'm worried that it may leak, can I apply this product as a safety that may stop any leaks?
Answer: Correct order of operations would involve coating the subroof (the plywood surface beneath your roofing) with a primer, then roofguard, then your actual roofing. As your roof is already covered with slate, there is no way to apply the roofguard over that.
Question: Hi, we are planning to install solar panels. We need to know whether we can mount the panels or need special mounting material? Thanks
Answer: That is a question for the Solar panel manufacturer. We do not offer any special mounting materials for that purpose.
Question: Does the Recycled Synthetic Slate roofing tile have a UL rating? How resistant is it to hail damage?
Answer: The Product Technical Data sheet for Empire Niagara lists the UL rating as UL 2218 Impact Class 4, which is the highest impact rating possible. To receive a Class 4 rating, a roofing shingle must withstand having a 2-inch steel ball dropped multiple times from a height of 20 feet (for perspective, if this same test is repeated on a 4-inch concrete paver, the force of that same steel ball would crack the paver in half). This roofing is also listed/approved for Miami-Dade Florida.https://www.greenbuildingsupply.com/c...
Question: I purchased dynoseal safecoat to use for interior sides of pressure treated (pt) raised garden beds. But says should be covered with elastomeric coating. Can I use roofguard for this? Also, can I use both dynoseal and roofguard for the bottoms and side of new pt lumber? Pt lumber is supposed to dry before being treated, but I won't be able to access the sides of the boards in contact with the ground or covered in dirt inside after they are built. Will dynoseal safeguard and roofguard adhere well to new pt lumber?
Answer: Hold on. Dynoseal in the context of planters and raised garden beds is absolutely fine on it's own. You do not need to apply other products (like RoofGuard) if the garden bed wood is going underground.With regard to the pressure treatedness. We confirmed with AFM that you should go ahead and apply the DynoSeal to the pressure treated lumber now. It makes sense that you would not want to dig it up later to apply the product.
Question: How many bundles of Seneca Shake would I need for 200 square feet. Can I use this product for gable ends?
Answer: Seneca Shake can be installed with a 7" or 8" exposure rate. There are 36 tiles per bundle and 5.56 bundles per square for the 8" exposure and 6.35 bundles for the 7" exposure rate. Each bundle weighs 47 lbs.
Question: Any problem with fading on the Majestic Niagara?
Answer: Almost all synthetic roofing tiles will fade over time. However, our Brava tile seems to have the best resistance to UV as it is made differently and was the only product that passed Epcot center's long term testing for color retention.
Question: How many sf are in a bundle of the EcoStar, Seneca Cedar Shake Tiles?
Answer: Figuring Square Feet is dependent on the exposure, Seneca Shake Tiles run 27 lineal feet per Bundle and Seneca Shake Hip & Ridge Tile run 5 lineal feet per Bundle. As calculating roofing can be complicated (exposure, slopes, bundles and squares, accessories, etc.) please call us at 888-302-6051 for a quote.
Question: This produced is listed on this site as compatible with EPDM but I contacted the manufacturer and they said that is a "no go." Is there a product you would recommend that would help turn our black EPDM roof white or reflective so it absorbs less heat?
Answer: This product will not work for your specific application. Sorry, we have no other alternatives to suggest.
Question: The demo roof looks dark blue. This is what I'm looking for but don't see it as a color option. ?
Answer: On the product detail page, under the style option are 10 color options to choose from. https://www.greenbuildingsupply.com/A...
Question: How do I find an installer.? we live in San Diego
Answer: Any roofing company can apply this type of roof. Try homeadvisors.com.
Question: How many pieces in a sq ?
Answer: Pieces in a square is dependent on what size/style of tile you order and what level of exposure you are using, for example 12" traditional with a 7" exposure is 172 tiles per square, whereas 12" traditional with a 6" exposure is 200 tiles per square. Roofing is best handled over the phone. We can create an estimate for you once we know all your specifics. Please give us a call at 888-302-6051 and one of our eco-advisors will be happy to help you.
Question: What is the composition of EcoStar, Majestic Niagara Slate?
Answer: EcoStar Majestic Niagara Slate is a sustainable material made of 25% post industrial recycled content. This includes rubber from automobile dashboards and seats (not tires) as well as plastic from pre-consumer baby diapers. Other plastics may be utilized from time to time which makes it difficult to give exact information about the content. There is a very slight rubber smell when brand new, but this dissipates quickly after exposure to the natural elements outdoors.
Question: Is this product nontoxic in manufacture and use?
Answer: EcoStar is a sustainable material made with recycled rubber and thermoplastic olefin. They reuse products that would otherwise end up in a landfill and produce toxic emissions. The manufacturer does not provide a safety data sheet as the sources of the recycled materials change. There is a slight odor of rubber when brand new which dissipates over a short time. To our knowledge, there is nothing added to these materials that is toxic, however, there may be some trace amounts of ingredients that could be potentially hazardous. This is always the case with recycled content. For the most part, the rubber comes from recycled automobile dashboards and seats and the plastic comes from pre-consumer baby diapers.
Question: Good morning, do you have style, terracotta?
Answer: EcoStar Majestic Slate roof tile comes in a Stone Red color that is similar to terra-cotta. Another option is our Brava Old World Slate roofing tile available in a Vintage color that resembles Terra-cotta. Brava also makes a Spanish Barrel tile with many terra-cotta color options. Samples are available.
Question: can I calculate accurately using the roofing standard measure for "squares"?
Answer: One square = 100 square feet.Don't forget the starter rows all along the perimeter above the eaves.Please call for quotes.
Question: how is this available +and cost?
Answer: We offer two different brands of long lasting recycled composite roofing shingles: BRAVA and ECOSTAR. Both come with a 50 year warranty and are available in a slate, shake or Spanish Barrel tile. Complete information is available on our website. Just type in the name of either brand in the search bar. For pricing we will need to know the following: total square foot, slope of roof, brand, style and color, lineal feet of starter row, lineal feet of hip and ridge, class A or Class C fire rating and, of course, your shipping address. We will then prepare an estimate and return to you within 48 hours. You can also call 800-405-0222 and speak with an eco-advisor too.
Question: We are considering purchasing a home that was newly constructed (9 months ago), however the VOCs are still pungent. The house is tile except for the bedrooms, which are carpet. I have used safe coat for carpet with great success, however I am wondering if there are other products we could use in the house to further decrease the VOCs What would you suggest?
Answer: AFM Safecoat offers a number of products that block VOC emissions. For odorous water-based finishes use 3 coats of the following products: on floors AFM Safecoat Polyureseal BP, on furniture use Acrylacq, on the inside of cabinetry use HardSeal or Acrylacq, on porous surfaces like MDF, plywood, chipboard use SafeSeal. Transitional Primer and two coats of Safecoat Zero Voc paint will also work on all of the above surfaces as well a on walls and ceilings. For foundations, use Dynoseal, for ductwork use DynoFlex, for roofing use Roofguard. For carpeting use the 3 in 1 Carpet seal system. For grout, use Safecoat Grout Seal. NOTE: None of the above topical sealers will block organic odors like smoke, essential oils, pet odors or wood terpenes. For those, and any oil based solvent type finishes, we recommend two coats of Zinsser Bin Shellac. While this product has VOCs, it can be blocked by most AFM Safecoat clear sealers or their Transitional primer and Zero VOC paint. For more info consult with our Eco-Advisors at 800-405-0222.
Question: I was reading about your AFM Safecoat DynoFlex and loved all it's properties, but I would need something transparent. I'll use it on metal surfaces, heavily exposed to water/rain. What would you suggest?
Answer: DynoSeal would be the best product, but it is not available in a clear form. We have clear sealants in a tube that might work, depending on how much is needed. Our Chem Link Clear or Chem Link Durasil in translucent color will both hold up to water and rain, snow, ice, heat and anything you can throw at it. They are not toxic and have virtually no odor. They come in 10-oz. tubes. If you are looking for something to cover a large surface area that needs to be troweled on, sorry, this is the best we can do.
Question: I have had roofer tell me that composite-type roofs warp in the hot southern sun and he is trying to push asphalt. He advised against using composite/plastic roofs. Is this true? Need a new roof in North Georgia near Chattanooga, TN.
Answer: When composite roofing was first created several decades ago, there were warping issues. However, those problems have been resolved long ago and that does not occur any longer. All roofing expands and contracts and our Brava and EcoStar are no exception. There are installation techniques to counter this as well.
We sell both products across the US, in all climates, and have not had any issues of warpage. Compared to asphalt roofing, this is a completely different product. Most people buy it as a preventative measure after they had hail or wind damage to their home. They never want to go through that experience again. Insurance companies favor this product and some offer 20% discounts on your homeowners insurance policy every year, which is a big help. Clearly this is a long term investment. If you have nice home and want to protect it, this is one of the best ways to do so.
Let us know if you would like samples and an estimate.
Question: Does your ECOStar slate-look tiles meet Miami-Dade code requirements for wind?
Answer: Yes, they do. This method from EcoStar is Dade-county approved for 110 mph wind.
1) Use 4 nails instead of 2
2) Use Dow 790 caulk underneath the leading edge (not in the gaps between tiles)
3) Use 6-in exposure to minimize windage
4) Be sure to bend tile according to instructions prior to installation.
5) Another option is to use Empire Slate, as its somewhat stiffer than Majestic Slate. There are also 3 colors that are designed to reflect radiant heat which creates a cooler roof.
When calculating prices for Majestic slate, use 8 bundles per square for the gray colors. For Empire slate use 10 bundles per square for gray colors. Once we know the total # of bundles, we can come up with a shipping cost for you.
Let us know if you need samples or further assistance.