EcoStar

EcoStar LLC is a US manufacturer of synthetic roofing tiles that imitate slate, shake, flat concrete tile and clay tile. Its products are made from blends of recycled rubber and plastics. The company is based in Holland, New York, and describes itself as a family business associated with the Staroba family.

History

EcoStar's origins lie in a recycled rubber and plastic compound called StarLoy (from "Staroba Alloy"), developed in the 1970s. Roofing tiles made from this compound were first produced and brought to market in 1993, which the company describes as the first synthetic roofing on the market. In 2010 the business moved to Holland, New York, under the EcoStar LLC name, consolidating manufacturing, sales and marketing there.

Products

• Slate-style tiles, offered with standard, enhanced or varied shadow lines.
• Shake-style tiles.
• Flat tiles imitating concrete tile.
• A clay-tile-style product (Island Groove).
• Accessories such as hip and ridge pieces.

The company states its slate and shake tiles contain up to 80 percent recycled plastics and rubbers.

Material context

Recycled-content synthetic tiles are one route to diverting waste rubber and plastic from landfill, and their flexibility allows them to be nailed and cut with standard tools. As with other synthetic roofing, buyers and code officials generally look for third-party testing for fire classification, wind uplift and hail impact before approval in a given jurisdiction.

Market

EcoStar competes in the North American composite roofing segment with producers such as DaVinci Roofscapes. These products are typically used on steep-slope residential and light commercial roofs where the appearance of slate or shake is wanted with lower weight.