Sunday, July 8, 2012

Slate Roofing: Pros and Cons


 

Slate is once again a sought after roofing material, although the introduction of man-made asphalt shingles in the early 20th century caused the stone to go out of vogue for some time. However, the many virtues of slate roofing are being recognized anew, and it is enjoying a Renaissance. Because of its natural durability and strength, slate was a popular choice. Its upfront cost was high, though, and the tiles themselves could be somewhat prone to breakage. Below is a discussion of slate’s pros and cons, which should help you decide if a slate roof is right for your home.

 
Using slate tiles on your roof will make your home stand out from the others in your neighborhood, as the stone has an attractive appearance and can be found in many colors and styles. Some slate has a naturally occurring sheen, thanks to a high concentration of minerals like quartz and mica. Tiles of any thickness can be had, and you can opt for a customized look by arranging the tiles in a pattern of colors, thicknesses, or textures. Slate roofing lasts much, much longer than asphalt or wooden shingles, making the high initial cost worthwhile. The average lifespan of a slate roof is 100 years, with some varieties lasting upwards of 150 years.

A slate roof is also resistant to fire, a huge consideration in light of the fact that many home fires start from airborne sparks landing on the roof. Slate is also a “green” building material, as the production of the tiles creates far less pollution than its asphalt counterpart. Unlike other shingles, slate chips can be reused, and make an attractive addition to borders and beds in your landscaping scheme. Slate chips act like mulch, helping retain water, deterring weeds, and keeping plants from freezing. If you have a lot of cats in your neighborhood, the hard surface of the slate chips will also deter them from digging in your beds.

Unfortunately, the upfront expense of installing a slate roof is usually enough to drive away many homeowners. It is a big investment, but when you consider how often you’ll be replacing your shingled roof, it might be worth it to spend a few thousand dollars now, rather than later. Don’t forget, you’ll be paying for the cost of labor every time you replace your shingle roof, as well. Which calls up another point: incorrect installation of a slate roof can end up costing you a bundle and doing structural damage to your home. Seek out a roofing company that specializes in slate roofing and make sure they are using copper nails and plugging the nail holes as they go. Check sites like Angie’s List before you hire a contractor, or if your neighbors have slate roofing, use their company.

A slate roof also puts much more weight on the structure of your home than does a shingle or tin roof. 100 square feet of slate can weigh as much as 1,500 lbs, so be sure your home’s structure is able to bear the load, or you may regret it.