A Look at Slate Roofing

2/1/2021

Ready for a new roof? If so, why not take a look at different roofing options like slate? Not only are slate roofs extremely durable, but they can also elevate the look of your home. In addition, natural slate roofs come in many different colors and can be customized in a variety of other ways as well, so they can complement all architectural styles.

To help you decide if a slate roof is an ideal choice for your home, take a look at our list of pros and cons. While slate roofs can be an excellent option for most homeowners, there are a few important things to consider.

The pros of slate roofing

They’re stunning. If you’re looking to add curb appeal to your home, a slate roof will certainly do the trick. As we mentioned above, you can choose from a variety of colors and slate shingles also come in different widths, thickness, and designs.
Durability. Slate is one of the most durable, long-lasting materials you can choose for your roof. There’s little chance they’ll sustain damage during storms or from years of hot and cold temps. And since it’s a natural stone, slate is noncombustible, so slate roofs are fireproof as well.
They’re easy to maintain. Because slate can withstand the elements, you won’t have to worry about lose or broken shingles in the event of bad weather. And because slate is dense and porous, it’s waterproof, so you won’t have to worry about leaking roofs, either.
Long lasting. Slate roofs are often called “forever roofs.” In fact, they can last for about 150 years as long as they’re installed correctly and with regular maintenance.

The cons of slate roofing

Cost. One of the biggest reasons homeowners steer clear of slate roofing is due to its big price tag. In fact, slate is more much more expensive than other popular roofing materials like asphalt and even wood.
Installation. Then there’s installation costs to consider. It takes more time to install a slate roof than it does other types and must be done by a professional with experience fitting homes with slate roofing.
It’s heavy. Consider this: 100 square feet of slate weighs nearly 900 pounds. That’s downright heavy – especially when you consider the same amount of asphalt weighs in at a light 250 pounds. So, before you choose a slate roof, you’ll first need to make sure your roof can handle so much weight.

As you can see, the benefits of a slate roof outnumber the cons. If you love where you live and aren’t planning on moving anytime in the near future, you may want to look closely at slate roofing.

Of course, even if you are going to move, a slate roof is a great investment, as it can only add to your home’s resale value.

Ready to learn more about slate roofing? Contact a CertainTeed roofing professional. We can help you decide if a slate roof is an ideal choice for your home. Already know you want a new slate roof? We can install it properly to ensure it lasts a lifetime.