With roofing options including asphalt shingles, metal, wood shingles, and clay, it may be difficult to decide which material to go with when it is time to install a new roof.
All of these options offer significant advantages, but another one that is extremely popular due to what it has to offer a homeowner is slate. Manufactured from natural stone and split into thin sheets or tiles, here are some advantages of having a slate roof installed.
1. Long-lasting
Asphalt shingles have historically been the go-to material used for roofs. This is due in part to the fact that they last anywhere from 12 to 20 years before replacement is necessary. While this has been considered a long time in the past, slate is a better option in terms of longevity.
Slate roofs have proven to last over a century and as a result have become very popular among homeowners. As a result, instead of replacing roofs in as little as every 12 years, a homeowner can install a slate roof and not have to worry about it in his/her lifetime.
2. Cost-effective
As a homeowner you have a lot to pay for in maintenance costs alone. Throw in other financial obligations such as taxes, bills, and groceries, expenses can easily become overwhelming. As a result it is understandable to want to save money wherever you can. One way you can do this is by installing a slate roof when your current roof needs replacement.
Granted, slate roofs will cost you a noticeable amount more than other options such as asphalt shingles. However, because of the slate’s durability, you will only need to install one roof as long as you own the home. Therefore, while the up-front cost of slate may be a lot, you will save a significant amount in the long run by not having to install 3 to 4 roofs.
3. Little maintenance
Elements such as weather, high winds, and tree branches can wreak havoc on your roof, warranting periodic maintenance on your roof. However, with a slate roof, this is not necessary.
Slate roofs are extremely durable and resistant to things that usually cause damage to other roofing materials. These include snow, rain, wind, and trees. The natural stone that slate is made of is also fire resistant and not susceptible to the extreme heat of the sun. The slate will not blow off your house during storms which would cause a homeowner to repair or replace materials such as asphalt shingles. Therefore, you can set the slate and forget about them. All you may need in terms of maintenance for your slate roof is an inspection every few years to ensure it is in acceptable shape.
4. Elegance
When some people think of slate, they think of a dull-looking stone. While slate is made of natural stone, they are anything but dull.
Slate is manufactured with many different patterns and feature elegant designs and colours. As a result, you will be able to choose one that matches the rest of your home perfectly. Colours that slate are available in include grey, black, blue, red, green, and even purple. The designs and colours of the slate stand out dramatically and add a lot of class and elegant to a home, making you the envy of the neighbourhood. Not only do you have a choice regarding the look of the slate, but the size as well. The pieces themselves are available in squares and rectangles and a variety of thicknesses. This greatly affects the pattern of the roof, making your home’s appearance even more unique.
