Considering a slate roof for your home? Here are the top six features of a slate roof that will help you decide if slate is right for your roof! Many homeowners have questions when it comes to picking a material to put on their roof. Slate is a unique roofing material that is often overlooked because customers are unfamiliar with its value and capabilities. Before choosing a slate roof, make sure you have all your questions and concerns answered by a professional roofing contractor. Below are a few of the most frequently asked questions regarding slate roofing. You can watch the full interview here.
1. What are the style and color options of slate roofing?
There are numerous slate roofing styles that range from textural and graduated installations to mixed colors and patterns. Two of the most common styles found in the US are the standard pattern style and the random width style. If you want to view all styles and examples visit Slate Roof Central. Not only can slate vary in style, but also in texture, which can range from very smooth and uniform to very rough and rustic. The color of Slate ranges from muted to vibrant colors, greys, and blacks are the most common colors but there are also greens, purples, and reds.
2. What is the lifespan of slate roofing?
Slate is essentially a rock, a homogeneous metamorphic rock that is derived from an original shale-type sedimentary rock composed of clay or volcanic ash through low-grade regional metamorphism. Therefore, this roofing material is millions of years old. Slate is incredibly durable and can last several hundred years, often with little to no maintenance. It is safe to say that you will get at least 75 to 100 years or more out of your slate roof. However, it’s important that you do not put anything on your slate roof, such as sealant or paint, because this can cause the roof to age prematurely.
“Slate is something we like to call a ‘forever roof’ since homeowners will only need to put only one on in their lifetime, but a shingle roof may need to be replaced two or three times.”
3. What are the benefits of slate versus shingle roofing?
Slate is something we like to call a ‘forever roof’ since homeowners will only need to put only one on in their lifetime, but a shingle roof may need to be replaced two or three times. Another benefit of slate roofing is its ability to increase the resale value of your home due to its natural beauty and durability. Slate is recognized as an elegant roofing material and will enhance the architectural style of your home and maintain the same appearance over the years. Other benefits of slate roofing include its natural ability to be fire-resistant and mold resistant and the slate’s low water absorption makes it very resistant to frost damage and breakage due to freezing.
4. What should you do to prepare your roof for slate?
Slate is an extremely heavy product and can add an additional 500 pounds to your roof. If your home is not engineered for slate you will need to have a structural engineer inspect your roof. This will ensure that your roof is prepared to hold the weight of the slate roofing.
5. What is the price difference between slate and shingle roofing?
Slate is an expensive product and you can count on it being two or three times more expensive than a standard architectural shingle roof. The price can range from 15 to 16 dollars a square foot installed. The price of a slate roof will also vary depending on the size of the home and the roof pitch.
6. Can you repair a slate roof?
You can repair your slate roof at any time. It is important to have a licensed roofing contractor examine your slate roof to find the damaged pieces, and the repair is as simple as sliding out the damaged slate and replacing it with a new piece. Having a professional inspect your roof once a year will also help you keep your slate in the best condition possible.
