What is Slate Roofing?
Slate roofing comes from natural metaphoric rock that has been cut and shaped into thin pieces. It makes for an elegant looking roof that is durable and long-lasting.
Slate has been around in the U.S. since the early 1600’s so it has passed the test of time and still remains a popular roof system today.
If you are thinking about getting a new roof, Slate is one that I would definitely take into consideration. I am partially biased towards slate because I really like the look of it. However, there are some disadvantages that go along with the advantages that you must consider before deciding on a slate roof.
Pros:
1.Durable:
Slate roofs are very durable, this is something they are known for. Due to the fact that they are made from stone, they will not break down as easily as some of the other roofing options and they will maintain their natural stone color throughout its lifespan.
2.Looks Good:
Slate roofs have a unique look that can fit a more rustic look or the more modern or contemporary styles of homes. It gives your roof a great curb appeal.
3.Eco-friendly:
Slate roofs are made out of 100% natural rocks. This means that there are no waste products and the material can easily be recycled back into the earth where it came from.
4.Life Expectancy:
The life expectancy of a slate roof is estimated to be anywhere from 75 years to 150+ years. Stone lasts a long time and your roof will last a long time as long as it was properly installed and repaired when needed.
5.Versatile:
From my experience, Slate roofs are most commonly used on residential roofs but that doesn’t mean they can’t be used on commercial roofs. I believe companies prefer to use other roof systems because they are less expensive than slate.
6.Style:
Slate roofs come in a variety of styles. The color of the slate can be determined by what quarries the slate comes from in different parts of the world. Some of the common color options are varying shades of blacks, grays, reds, greens, and grayish-purples. You can also choose how the slate is cut, you can choose to have the natural rock look with chiseled edges or a contemporary cut which is smooth and straight pieces. You can also decide what thickness level you want each slate piece to be cut to. Some common thicknesses include 1/4-inch thick and 3/8-inch thick cuts.
7.Unique:
Every slate roof is unique. The hand-cut slate will not look exactly the same as every other slate roof. Also, the unique mineral properties of the slate will vary from roof to roof giving it slight differences in color. This makes the slate roof your own personal roof with its own character and quality.
8.Fire Resistance:
Slate is naturally fire-resistant because its made of stone. It is rated for a Class A fire rating which is the highest rating possible for a roof. I would trust a slate roof to protect my home from falling ash and embers in the event of a nearby home fire, forest fire, or a stray firework.
9.Impact Resistance:
Slate can be rated for a Class 4 impact rating which means it can withstand an impact from a 2-inch sized piece of hail. This rating depends on how thick the pieces are. The Class 4 applies to the 3/8″ thick piece while the 1/4″ thick piece is rated as a Class 3 which is less than the Class 4.
10.Weather Resistance:
Slate roofs are resistant to temperature fluctuations. Meaning they are great for climates that experience heavy rain or snow. They are also resistant to high wind speeds. The heavyweight of the slate roof and the layering keeps wind from getting underneath the slate tiles.
11.Mold/Insect:
Slate roofs are also resistant to mold, fungus, and insects. Slate has a high density so it does not absorb very much water and it does not provide any food for a fungus to grow. It also is resistant to insects that would build nests or chew threw other roof materials like wood shake.
12.Home Value:
A slate roof will increase the value of your home. It also makes your home more appealing to potential buyers if you ever decided to sell your home.
13.Little Maintenance:
Slate roofs do not need any maintenance work. The only thing that could be considered maintenance would be if you had to have any repairs done to replace broken slate tiles. (I told you not to walk on them.)
Cons:
1.Expensive:
This is one of the biggest downsides to slate. It is more expansive than most of the other roof materials. The cost for the slate materials can be anywhere from $500 to $1200 that is not counting labor costs required for the crew to and cut and shape the slate to fit on the roof. To see how slate compares to 16 other types of roofing materials you can click this link to view a chart and comparison graph.
2.Weight:
This is another disadvantage of the Slate roof and other similar tiled roofs. The weight for Slate tiles is 800 to 1500 lbs per square (100 square feet in 1 square). This is a heavyweight roof system so if you want to get this type of roof system you will need to ensure that the structure of your roof can hold up that amount of weight. If you are switching from an asphalt shingle roof, you will likely have to have your roof reinforced. Asphalt shingles only weight about 250 lbs per square which are only a fraction of the weight of a slate roof.
3.Technical to Install:
Slate roofs are technical to install. Each piece of the slate roof needs to be carefully cut and shaped to fit exactly. This is more time-consuming than installing regular shingles.
4.Fragile:
Slate can be fragile. Although it is rated against impact damages from hail, that doesn’t mean it can’t break. The same qualities of slate that allow professional roofers to hand-cut and shape the slate to fit on a roof. Also, make it fragile to walk on. I would not suggest anyone walk on their own slate roof unless they know what they are doing. One misstep and that could be a broken piece of slate and a costly repair.
5.Technical Repairs:
Slate is more technical to repair because it can require the roofer to cut and shape the piece of slate to fit the empty space created by removing the damaged piece of slate. I would always recommend that you have a professional make any repairs needed on your slate roof.
Is a Slate Roof right for you?
Slate roofs are perfect for anyone that wants a good looking roof that will last a lifetime. If you have the budget for a slate roof and are willing to make sure your roof can support the weight of the heavy slate, then I would recommend a slate roof.
Alternative Options:
If you like the look of a slate roof but do not have the budget for it. There are some other options that can give you the appearance of a slate roof without the cost of a typical slate roof. These other options have their own advantages and disadvantages.
Some of the alternative options related to slate are listed below:
If you are interested in other roofing materials you can see my complete guide of roofing materials. I spent several months doing research and writing about 17 different types of roofing materials used today. It gives a general overview of all the different types of roofing materials. You can check out that article by clicking this link.
Related Questions:
Is a slate roof good? Slate roofs are a good roof for those who are looking for a nice looking roof that is going to last a long time. Slate roofs are known for their durability and aesthetic appeal. The main downsides to the slate roof are the cost and the heavyweight.
How many years does a slate roof last? A slate roof can last anywhere from 75 years to 150+ years. It is a roof system the is sure to last a long time with little to no maintenance required.
Are slate roofs durable? Slate roofs are known for being very durable. Slate is made out of natural metaphoric rock which does not weather or break down as man-made roof materials do. Throughout the lifespan of a Slate roof, it maintains its color and elegant look.