Today, a slate roof is not the most common roof type you will find on a new home or used in home renovations. Slate is one of the oldest types of roofing materials still in use today, and it’s been sought after for over a millennium.
So, why would someone want to own a slate roof today if we have more modern and cost-effective roofing materials available? In this blog, we will cover some of the most alluring reasons for homeowners to choose slate tiles, instead of shingles or metal roofing. We will also discuss some of the reasons slate may not be the best roofing choice for your home.
What Are Slate Roof Tiles?
Slate tiles have many distinct characteristics that set them apart from shingles or other roofing materials.
The biggest difference is that slate tiles are made from natural stone, and collected from rock quarries. Slate roofs are made naturally occurring stone, and because of this, they come in a variety of beautiful earth tones and colors.
Slate roofs are renowned for their longevity. A properly installed and serviced slate roof is expected to have a life-span anywhere from 75-150 years! Yes, the nickname “forever roof” has been applied to slate roofs because of their ability to last a lifetime or multiple lifetimes.
What’s important with slate roofs is keeping them properly maintained. Since the slate tiles can (and do!) crack from time to time, you’ll want to have a professional give your roof a look at least once a year. This does mean you’ll likely be replacing a few tiles per year, but it beats the cost of paying for a new roof!
The Beauty of Slate Roof Tiles
There is an unquestionable beauty to slate roofing. Without a doubt, slate is considered one of the most historic and beautiful roofing materials anyone could use.
Slate has a long and storied history in the Americas and European countries. Slate is often associated with wealth, heritage, and history.
As naturally occurring stone, slate tiles come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and most importantly, unique colors.
Depending on where the stone for the slate roof tile is collected, it will have a different color and quality unique to the region. Colors that a slate roof may come in include gray, green, purple, black, red, and some tiles have a blend of colors within them, these are called mottled tiles.
Environmentally Friendly Roofing Solution
Sadly, roofing materials can account for quite a bit of the waste that enters landfills every year.
Asphalt shingles and other composite materials used in roofing cannot be recycled, and have a shorter lifespan than some of the longer-lasting, naturally occurring materials, like slate.
As slate roofs last anywhere from 75-150 years, there’s much less non-recyclable waste produced from them than a traditional shingled roof. Slate roofs will last about five times as long as asphalt shingles, which in the long-run, are not as hard on the environment.
Curious About The Benefits To Owning a Metal Roof?
See Our Blog: The Benefits of Metal Roofing
Slate Roofing Does Not Burn
It doesn’t get any better than slate roofing tile for fireproof roofing material. Yes, the tiles themselves cannot burn, they are stone and will not combust unless your home is located inside an active volcano.
With that said, the supporting structure under a slate roof is most likely made out of flammable materials, so a slate roof cannot aid against fires that start within the home. But, fire threats from external sources cannot burn through a slate roof. Fireworks, adjacent house fires, and even lightning strikes will not ignite a slate roof.
Why Slate Roofing May Not Be Your Best Solution
There are many aspects of slate roofs to appreciate and desire, but there are also some considerations to keep in mind that may deter a homeowner from choosing to install a slate roof on their home.
- Cost – Yes, slate roofing materials and installation costs are much higher than shingled, rubber, or metal roofs. The cost is roughly five times the expected cost of an asphalt shingle installation. But, even though the upfront costs are high, the longevity of the slate roof is more substantial than other roofing solutions.
- Difficult Installation – Slate is one of the most difficult and demanding roof installations a property can receive. It takes extreme precision and expertise to install them correctly. When the slate roofing tiles are installed incorrectly, there can be costly problems down the road. It’s important to consult experts when installing a slate roof.
- Durability and Servicing – Although slate is tough against the external elements, it’s not as durable as other roofing materials when it comes to having your roof serviced. You cannot walk on slate unless you are trained and understand how to not jeopardize the material. If some tiles get knocked out by accident, it’s not exactly easy to source replacements, as the color and tone of the tiles are unique to where they were originally sourced.
Slate Roofing Solutions
Slate roofs are some of the most beautiful and long-lasting roofs in the world, and we are available to answer any questions you may have regarding the timeless roofing solution.