A roof is not something to underestimate when you are building or renovating a house. Its purpose may be to protect you from weather elements, but it also carries an aesthetic appeal. Slate roofing satisfies both of these features, as well as many others, from high quality to be expensive. That said, there are advantages and disadvantages of installing slate roofing, so let’s see what you can expect if you choose this material for your home.
Advantages of slate roofing:
Slate will make your roof classy.
When it comes to appearance, slate is one of the classiest and most beautiful choices you have. It gives a house elegance and form that can increase its value on the market and make it the belle of the neighborhood. Since it’s made from stone, a natural material, it’s more appealing to homeowners, as well as viewers. However, the ability to create different patterns with slate may be one of the top reasons to have it guarding your interior while looking gorgeous at the same time.
It’s an eco-friendly solution.
As mentioned, slate is made from stone. Since it’s a natural material, it doesn’t take a lot of resources to turn it into slates. This makes it a more eco-friendly option whose manufacturing contributes little to the greenhouse effect, unlike the process needed for creating asphalt shingles. Moreover, if one day you decide to remove the slate roofing for whatever reason, it can be repurposed for something else.
Slate roofing is energy efficient.
Energy efficiency is among the most looked-for features in a home. You can indeed do a lot with proper electronic devices, but slate roofing can give you an advantage here as well. In the summer, slate roofing will keep your home cooler, while in the winter it will help it retain heat. This ability comes from slate’s high density that doesn’t allow the temperature to escape from the house, or outside conditions to affect it. Seeing that this will make some bills lower, no wonder most homeowners want slate roofing on their houses.
It’s durable.
Besides being beautiful, eco-friendly, and energy-efficient, slate roofing is popular for its functionality. Its tiles are tough and that helps it withstand harsh weather, sometimes even without a scratch. One of the most prominent characteristics is its low absorption of water. Thanks to this, the slate roofing won’t freeze when it’s cold, which would cause tiles to crack and endanger the roof’s stability. Additionally, it’s fire-resistant giving it durability desired by those who leave in areas prone to wildfires.
A slate roof can last for a century.
While you may see hiring a contractor to install it as a disadvantage due to costs, it’s actually a good thing that you do turn to professionals. One of the crucial steps of having a slate roof is its proper installation and low maintenance. Companies like MLR Slate Roofing, bring years of expertise and experience with their hire, which can have your roof last for over a century. For example, wood and asphalt shingles can last up to 30 years, while metal roofs can reach 50 years.
Disadvantages of slate roofing:
Walking on it can damage it.
If you or a repair man need to step on the slate roofing, there’s a good chance it will break a few tiles. Even cleaning the gutters can cause damage to tiles if you put your weight on them to get a better bearing or you’re trying to remove debris from the roof with a pressure hose. While durability is one of its strong suits, direct impact from something heavy can cause serious damage. For this reason, you need to trim the branches of trees near the roof, as well as take a look at it every time after a big storm to mend the cracks, if necessary.
Slate roofing is heavy.
Being made of stone gives slate roofing heaviness that requires additional fortification for the building. It can be as much as four times heavier than asphalt shingles. Due to the need for reinforcement, the cost of installing slate roofing may be higher than anticipated. To avoid surprises, hire a professional to inspect the structure and see whether it will be able to withstand the slate roof without remodeling.
It’s more expensive than other types of roofing.
Slate roofing is expensive. Its high cost is why homeowners don’t use this roofing material enough, especially if they intend to sell the house in the future. Investing in such a costly venture is not seen as affordable when you plan to move after 10 years. The fact you can choose from different colors and types is not a determining factor, since other cheaper roofing systems allow the same, albeit the quality.
All in all
It’s obvious what these advantages and disadvantages of slate roofing are trying to say. With so many positive sides, slate tiles can give you little to worry about for at least 100 years. If you intend to sell one day, rest assured that slate roofing will get you a higher price and even a bidding war between potential buyers.
