Has the time come for you to redo the roof of your house? This is a pivotal moment, as you do not necessarily have to go with the same type of roofing material that you previously used. Rather, you have the opportunity to do some research into alternative options and choose a material that makes more sense due to its high quality and various benefits.
When it comes to roofing materials, there are many options to choose from, including asphalt, wood, rubber, and metal. However, there is only one material that truly comes out on top as the optimal option: slate shingles.
Slate roof shingles are made from natural stone that comes directly from the earth. In fact, this premium roofing material has been used by builders for centuries to roof everything from historic buildings to residential homes and businesses.
If you would like a roof that is durable, fire and insect-resistant, eco-friendly, and naturally sourced, consider going with slate shingles the next time that you need to roof a building.
Timeless Beauty: The Durability of Slate Shingles
Of course, when you are deciding on a material to build your new roof, one of the top considerations will likely be its durability. Fortunately, one of the best features of slate shingles is their longevity, as slate outperforms all other materials in this regard, lasting anywhere from 50 to 200 years.
The only other roofing material that even comes close to the longevity of slate shingles is clay or cement. Still, slate even outlasts roofs made by these materials by up to a century.
Since slate is naturally strong and it absorbs little water, roofs made from this material are less susceptible to leaking and frost damage. In fact, natural slate shingles have such a high wind and rain tolerance that they are even durable enough to withstand hurricanes.
So, no matter how extreme the weather gets in the region where you live, with slate shingles, you can rest assured that your roof will last through it.
Superior Performance: The Advantages of Slate Shingles
Because slate shingles are a superior material, there are a wide variety of benefits that you can gain when you install them on your roof. First and foremost, the curb appeal of slate shingle roofs is unmatched, as the slate’s natural texture, clean-cut lines, and matte finish give off an aura of style that few other materials can even come close to.
Although grey comes to mind when most people think of slate shingles, such tiles are also available in a variety of colours ranging from red to brown to green. Thus, you can match the aesthetic and style of your roof to your own tastes.
Another big plus is that slate shingles are environmentally friendly, as they are recyclable, long-lasting, and natural. Slate is also an incredibly safe material due to the fact that it is fire resistant and can withstand higher temperatures than most other roofing materials. On top of that, slate shingles are easier to maintain, as they are resistant to mildew and will not leak or rot.
Comparing Slate Shingles With Other Roofing Materials
In some modern builds, people have started opting for a synthetic version of slate shingles rather than going with the original stone ones as a way to cut down on costs. However, this synthetic copy does not compare to the original, especially when it comes to durability and longevity.
As mentioned earlier, a slate shingle roof typically lasts anywhere from 50 to 200 years, meaning it is almost certain to be the last roof that you ever have to personally put on your home. On the other hand, synthetic slate roofs only tend to last between 40 to 50 years.
That being said, your budget has to be a little bit larger if you are planning to opt for authentic slate shingles. In most cases, a slate roof will cost you anywhere from $15.00 to $30.00 per square foot, whereas a synthetic slate roof only costs about $10.00 to $20.00 per square foot on average.
It is important to keep in mind that even though a slate shingle roof may cost more upfront, it will end up saving you money in the long run, as you will not have to replace your roof as often as you would with other materials.
Considerations Beyond Durability and Performance
If you decide on slate shingles for your roof, you can reap their advantages for many years to come. However, there are also a few important matters worth taking into consideration early on in this process.
The first significant factor to consider is the weight of slate shingles. Since they are considerably heavier than other roofing materials, it is crucial that you confirm with an industry professional ahead of time that your house’s structural framing is strong enough to handle that additional weight. Otherwise, you could end up finding compression cracks in your drywall after your new roof has been installed.
It is also very important that you carefully select a reputable roofing company to help install your slate shingles, as their installation requires more advanced skills than most roofing materials would require. Before choosing a company, be sure to vet them and find out if they have experience with handling slate shingles.
Conclusion
It is impossible to deny that slate roofs are both beautiful and timeless. This is important because once you decide on slate, that is probably the roof you are going to be looking at for the rest of your life. With slate shingles, not only will
your home have a natural and classically gorgeous aesthetic, but it will also be protected from the elements for many years to come.
Slate roofs are built to last, and although they may cost slightly more than other roofing options, this is certainly a prime example of “you get what you pay for,” as slate roofing is truly the best of the best. Give your home the roof it deserves, and go with slate!
