While asphalt shingles accounting the significant majority of all roofs, many people aren't acquainted with varied alternative roofing options available, such as cedar shakes, wood shingles, slate roofing, clay or cement tiles, or even metal roofs. All these roofing materials have distinct advantages and disadvantages, depending on aesthetics, price, and longevity.
Apart from all roofing materials, slate roofing is one of the most incredibly durable metamorphic stones available today, providing roofs with long-lasting protection. Due to their aesthetics and extreme longevity, slate tiles have become alarmingly prominent, particularly in the custom home market. Every roofing company in Malibu suggests slate roofing to those looking for long-lasting roofing material with less maintenance.
Although durability is one widespread reason for choosing slate, it has numerous additional advantages too. Before committing to a slate roof, like any other roofing material, there are a few things to consider. Continue reading to learn more about the pros and cons of a slate roof.
Slate roof pros
1 Energy-efficient:
Slate tiles are incredibly energy-efficient, and their density helps keep your home cooler in the summer by preventing hot air from entering the attic and home. The heavy, thick slate material keeps warm air inside during winters, helping you save money on cooling and heating bills.
2 Fire-resistant:
Unlike asphalt shingles and other similar roofing materials, slate is fire-resistant since it's a natural stone product. It may endure extreme heat, temperature, and fire. Therefore, if your area is prone to wildfires and bushfires, installing slate roofing from a professional roofing company in Santa Barbara will be an ideal decision.
3 Environment-conscious:
Slate, unlike asphalt shingles and metal roofing, is a naturally occurring material that requires very little processing, making it more ecologically friendly.
4 Longest life-span:
Slate may last for over 100 years if maintained properly. With correct installation, some roofs can survive for 150 years. On the contrary, most asphalt shingle roofs necessitate replacement every 15-30 years. Wood shingles may last just 20-30 years, while most metal roofs last over 50 years.
5 Durable and low-maintenance:
Slate roofs require less maintenance due to their exceptional durability and endurance. You won't have to replace loose or broken shingles or worry about roof repair in San Fernando since slate is often resistant to the destructive factors that cause conventional shingles to deteriorate.
6 Enhance home value:
Even though you aren't planning to live in your existing house forever, installing slate roofing may dramatically increase the resale value of your home since it's made of premium material that's durable, long-lasting, and aesthetically appealing.
7 Eye appealing:
Slate roofs are popular among homeowners due to their elegance. It's a beautiful roofing material admired by architects for ages due to its classic, clean lines. Moreover, slate offers multiple style options in a range of hues, like gray, green, and red, and thickness and widths.
Slate roof Cons
1 Extremely hefty; may require reinforcing:
Apart from all its benefits, slate weighs around 360-700 kilos per square of roofing material. In comparison, lighter-weight asphalt shingles typically weigh approx 90 kilos per square meter. Due to the hefty weight of slate, certain homes may require strengthening before installing slate tiles, resulting in a higher total project cost.
2 Expensive:
Slate is likely the most costly roofing material available. However, it won't be right to say it's a bad investment. While slate is extremely expensive than terracotta tile or metal roofing, it will easily last a century. Considering this fact, it may be less pricey throughout its whole lifespan.
3 Foot pressure may break tiles:
Although slate is quite resilient, it doesn't withstand direct foot activity well. If you hire someone for gutter cleaning and they walk all over the roof, they may damage multiple tiles that substantiate replacement.
4 Require professional installers:
You may need to hire a professional roofer specializing in slate roofing installation. Engaging a skilled roofing contractor means you'll receive better results while spending more for your roof.
Is installing slate roofing worthwhile?
Regardless of its overall expensive cost and other peculiarities, slate roofing is the most durable roofing material on the market. If you plan on keeping your home for a long time, it delivers a good return on investment.
