In a climate as harsh as the Caribbean, choosing the right roofing material often means making a compromise: opt for the charm and character of natural wood and accept constant maintenance and a frustratingly short lifespan, or choose an alternative product like asphalt or metal and sacrifice aesthetics. Enviroshake, however, offers a third way – one that delivers the beauty of traditional cedar combined with the strength and performance of engineered composites.

Founded in 1998, the North American manufacturer has spent nearly three decades formulating composite roofing products that replicate the appearance of traditional cedar and slate while dramatically outperforming them in extreme climates. Its products have been used across the Caribbean on luxury resorts, private residences,
schools and government buildings, including Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas, Sandy Lane in Barbados, and Sugar Beach in St. Lucia.

PRINCIPAL PRODUCTS  

The company’s flagship product, and the one most widely used in this region, is Enviroshake – designed to emulate the texture and appearance of taper sawn cedar shakes, without any of their weaknesses.

Enviroshake moulds are made from 3D scans of real cedar shakes, ensuring that grain, size and width are virtually indistinguishable from the original. Unlike purely synthetic products, Enviroshake materials are made from recycled plastic polymers blended with natural fibres and elastomers, a proprietary formulation that closely mimics the texture of natural wood while delivering greater strength and durability than plastics alone.

Other products include Enviroshingle, which replicates the look of natural cedar shingles, and Enviroslate, which captures the elegance of natural slate without the weight.

ENGINEERED FOR THE CARIBBEAN  

Natural cedar may be beautiful, but it deteriorates quickly in hot, humid, coastal environments. Moisture causes cracking, warping and rot; mould and mildew thrive in damp conditions, and intense UV exposure and salt spray accelerate the ageing process further. Without ongoing maintenance, a cedar roof in the Caribbean

may last as little as five to ten years – and that’s before considering potential hurricane damage.

Enviroshake is engineered to overcome all these vulnerabilities. With a moisture absorption rate of less than 2%, it does not crack or warp. The material is embedded with fungicides that inhibit mould, mildew and insect infestation and UV inhibitors that prevent degradation and discolouration, and third-party testing has confirmed the products are unaffected by salt spray. Critically, Enviroshake has been tested to withstand winds of up to 180 mph and holds both Miami-Dade and Florida High Velocity Hurricane Zone approvals.

SUPERIOR SUSTAINABILITY  

The environmental credentials are equally strong. Enviroshake products are manufactured using 95% recycled materials and are 100% recyclable. Runoff water from Enviroshake roofs is non-toxic and safe for reuse in grey water systems.

Additionally, the company’s optional Envirocool formulation (available on any product) turns a standard roof into a cool roof by reflecting rather than absorbing solar radiation, substantially reducing air-conditioning needs.

LONGEVITY AND WARRANTY  

For homeowners and developers, Enviroshake’s durability may be its greatest appeal. Enviroshake roofs are virtually maintenance-free and backed by a fully transferable 25-year warranty.

In the Cayman Islands, homeowners, developers and contractors can purchase Enviroshake direct from the manufacturer. The company also works closely with architects and builders on-island, with factory-trained roofing contractors already operating in Grand Cayman.