If you’ve been thinking about re-roofing your home you know your biggest decision is choosing a roofing material. If you know anything about slate roofing, you know it’s one of the best for making your home stand out. But there’s much more to slate roofing than meets the eye. Here’s the good, the bad, and the beautiful to help you decide if a slate roof is right for you.
Slate roofs have a premium price
Natural slate tiles are made from slate mined in Europe, the US and other locations worldwide. The fragile, individual tiles must be installed one at a time by a highly skilled roofer or someone specially trained to handle and install them. In the United States, slate roofs are most common in regions near slate mines. This includes Pennsylvania, Vermont and New York.
Slate roofs are very durable
Slate is one of the longest-lasting roofs available. Slate can withstand the strongest winds, hail, heavy snow, and even fire. You can expect your slate roof to last up to 100 years, so the odds are that you will never have to replace your roof. Repairs will be minimal. Slate does not typically grow moss, so it can be a lower maintenance option than some other roof types.
Slate roofs are heavy
Slate weighs significantly more than other roofing materials. This weight increases even more if your area gets significant annual snow load. Before choosing slate, ask your roofing contractor about how weight will impact your home. It may have to be retrofitted with the approval of a structural engineer before installation even begins.
Slate roofs give your home great curb appeal
Slate roofs are beautiful and make your home stand out as the dream home of the neighborhood. They represent a classic, traditional look that has existed for centuries. Manufacturers often try to mimic slate by making ordinary asphalt shingles look like them. If you like the look of slate but don’t think you can afford it, this can be a good option.
You won’t get a manufacturer’s warranty
A new roof system comes with two warranties: a workmanship warranty from the contractor and a warranty from the materials manufacturer. Because slate tiles are essentially made by nature, they don’t come with a materials warranty. If you incur a problem with your slate roof, you’ll have to rely on the workmanship warranty. Therefore, you must choose a local contractor that will guarantee their work.
To delve further into whether or not a slate roof is right for you, schedule a consultation with a roofing contractor from our list of local pros. And check out TheHomeMag on Facebook and Instagram for other great tips for homeowners.
