Pros And Cons Of Slate Roofing

Some types of roofing materials may accommodate residential roofing better than others. Factors such as the strength of the framing, and the slope of the roof could limit your options. In areas prone to hurricanes or wildfires, search for a product with sufficient wind resistance or a high fire rating. Additionally, there are steps that you can take during installation to renew their resistance to wind or fire. Slate roofing tile has several upsides including downsides that separate one from another. In our informative guide, we want to provide you some insight before you invest in a new roof.

Advantages Of Slate Roofing

Longevity

One of the most persuasive reasons for installing a slate roof is its longevity. Older homes that date back to the late 1800's usually have their original slate roofs intact, while remaining watertight. Long ago, families constructed homes with the perception that the home will continue to be passed down from generation to generation. Slate roofs then had a purpose due to their longevity. Although tiles from roofs sometimes crack, an entire roof composed of slate may not need a replacement for 100 to 150 years, which is in stark contrast to other roofing options available.

Eco-friendly

Roofing material on average reports for more than 5% of the total waste transferred to landfills across the United States every year. The majority of that is waste that's associated with asphalt shingle roofing. Asphalt roofs need a replacement every 20 to 30 years at a time, which means that they will get tossed away much more frequently. On the contrary, slate roofing tile has some amazing qualities that especially help the earth's environment. Slate is naturally transpiring, contributes no toxic substances to the environment and is quite often capable of outlasting the life of your home.

Overall maintenance

In addition to its longevity, and eco-friendliness, a slate roof regularly gets picked over another roofing solutions because it requires low maintenance. Slate is very resistant to mildew, mold, and other sources of contamination; keeping the maintenance costs at a minimum.

Fire Resistant

Another selling point is that slate roofs are fireproof, and will ultimately protect your home from any fire embers or stray sparks from fireworks that hit the roof in the event of a fire. Wood roofs are obviously the most flammable, while slate, metal, and asphalt will withstand a blaze the longest.

Disadvantages Of Slate Roofing

Weight

While slate has many positives, there are several negative attributes that anyone should take into consideration including heaviness before making a final decision. Although natural slate roofing can be aesthetically pleasing, many builders are unable to install slate roofing due to its weight. The weight of slate roofing tile varies between 800 and 1,500 pounds per square feet. Slate is well worth the investment, but you never want to jump into a project blindly without being extra precautious. Before purchasing slate, you'll have to find out what the building can withstand from a structural standpoint.

Cost

Installing a slate roof implies spending substantial front-end costs, and it is not always the best bet for your buck. Installing slate on a rooftop requires specially trained workers to install that carry roofer safety equipment, which can ultimately become quite expensive–running anywhere from $10.00 up to $50.00 per square feet. Consider other alternatives such as metal roofing or asphalt shingles if the price doesn't fit.

Deciding What Roofing Is Best For Your Home

As with any construction or renovation decision, it is imperative that you take into consideration the pros, and cons carefully before determining if a slate roof will ultimately be the final solution. All of these points need to be taken into account when deciding what is best for a home. All in all, the overall benefits greatly outweigh the negatives as it’s truly an investment.

Pros And Cons Of Slate Roofing

Some types of roofing materials may accommodate residential roofing better than others. Factors such as the strength of the framing, and the slope of the roof could limit your options. In areas prone to hurricanes or wildfires, search for a product with sufficient wind resistance or a high fire rating. Additionally, there are steps that you can take during installation to renew their resistance to wind or fire. Slate roofing tile has several upsides including downsides that separate one from another. In our informative guide, we want to provide you some insight before you invest in a new roof.

Advantages Of Slate Roofing

Longevity

One of the most persuasive reasons for installing a slate roof is its longevity. Older homes that date back to the late 1800's usually have their original slate roofs intact, while remaining watertight. Long ago, families constructed homes with the perception that the home will continue to be passed down from generation to generation. Slate roofs then had a purpose due to their longevity. Although tiles from roofs sometimes crack, an entire roof composed of slate may not need a replacement for 100 to 150 years, which is in stark contrast to other roofing options available.

Eco-friendly

Roofing material on average reports for more than 5% of the total waste transferred to landfills across the United States every year. The majority of that is waste that's associated with asphalt shingle roofing. Asphalt roofs need a replacement every 20 to 30 years at a time, which means that they will get tossed away much more frequently. On the contrary, slate roofing tile has some amazing qualities that especially help the earth's environment. Slate is naturally transpiring, contributes no toxic substances to the environment and is quite often capable of outlasting the life of your home.

Overall maintenance

In addition to its longevity, and eco-friendliness, a slate roof regularly gets picked over another roofing solutions because it requires low maintenance. Slate is very resistant to mildew, mold, and other sources of contamination; keeping the maintenance costs at a minimum.

Fire Resistant

Another selling point is that slate roofs are fireproof, and will ultimately protect your home from any fire embers or stray sparks from fireworks that hit the roof in the event of a fire. Wood roofs are obviously the most flammable, while slate, metal, and asphalt will withstand a blaze the longest.

Disadvantages Of Slate Roofing

Weight

While slate has many positives, there are several negative attributes that anyone should take into consideration including heaviness before making a final decision. Although natural slate roofing can be aesthetically pleasing, many builders are unable to install slate roofing due to its weight. The weight of slate roofing tile varies between 800 and 1,500 pounds per square feet. Slate is well worth the investment, but you never want to jump into a project blindly without being extra precautious. Before purchasing slate, you'll have to find out what the building can withstand from a structural standpoint.

Cost

Installing a slate roof implies spending substantial front-end costs, and it is not always the best bet for your buck. Installing slate on a rooftop requires specially trained workers to install that carry roofer safety equipment, which can ultimately become quite expensive–running anywhere from $10.00 up to $50.00 per square feet. Consider other alternatives such as metal roofing or asphalt shingles if the price doesn't fit.

Deciding What Roofing Is Best For Your Home

As with any construction or renovation decision, it is imperative that you take into consideration the pros, and cons carefully before determining if a slate roof will ultimately be the final solution. All of these points need to be taken into account when deciding what is best for a home. All in all, the overall benefits greatly outweigh the negatives as it’s truly an investment.