Photo by Micah Carlson on Unsplash

The roof that covers your home is your main protection from various elements. Next to that, it is also an extremely important factor in terms of not letting the heat out when the cold winter days come. This is why it is crucial to choose the best possible roofing material. It needs to be effective and durable. Furthermore, you need to maintain it regularly so that you don’t end up facing bigger problems along the way. 

When it comes to roofing materials, one of the best choices is certainly slate. It comes with a lot of benefits that you can really make use of. However, it also has its downsides, so you should consider both when deciding whether you want to cover your roof with it.

Amazing looks

Let’s begin with the more superficial side. There is no denying that slate roofs are beautiful. After all, it is a natural stone that we are talking about, and you can opt for different shape, size, thickness, and color. In other words, what you’ve got is a wide variety of options for a roof with a classic charm that significantly boosts your home’s curb appeal.

Energy efficiency

Due to being quite thick, slate is a very energy-efficient material that can help you preserve heat during winter and keep it cool during the hot summer days. In both of these situations, it is a material that can help you save a lot on your cooling and heating bills. 

Eco-friendliness

Today it is very popular to consider eco-friendliness when thinking about what kind of materials to use for your home. When it comes to roofing in general, the waste that it creates is more than 5% of what ends up in a landfill on a yearly basis. Still, it is important to note that most of this waste comes from asphalt shingles which need to be replaced every 20 to 30 years. This is why choosing slate is a much better choice because it lasts for more than a hundred years.

Longevity

So, as we have previously stated, a slate roof lasts for a long time. This is because slate is a kind of rock that is very strong and durable. This is why it can last for such a long time. However, a slate roof still needs to be properly maintained. Generally, it isn’t the tile that is the issue, but the nail that holds it where it’s supposed to be. Basically, the nails rust as time passes by and need to be replaced. 

Still, there are, as we have previously ascertained, certain downsides when it comes to slate that you should consider.

Installation and maintenance

You must consider the fact that installing a slate roof tends to be quite a precarious task. The person doing it needs to be well-experienced and skillful. Otherwise, it is quite possible that they are going to make mistakes, and those can end up costing you a lot more than you have intended to invest in roofing. 

The best solution is not to DIY the process, but to look for professional help instead. Find a reputable contractor to install the roof, and then look for a reliable company, such as First Class Slate, for maintenance and repairs.

Heaviness

Due to a slate roof being made out of thick and strong rock, one must also consider the fact that it weighs a lot. In fact, what we are looking at here is 360kg to 700kg per square of material. Asphalt shingles may last a lot shorter, but it is important to note that, in comparison to slate, their weight is merely 90kg per square. 

The fact that slate is very heavy means that your home may need proper reinforcement before you can use it. This means spending a significantly greater amount of money.

Price

When it comes to price, there is even more to it than just the aforementioned need to reinforce your home. The production of slate is quite costly, which means that slate roofing tends to be pretty expensive. You can find it someplace for about $1,000 per square, but the price can go up to about $8,000. 

Of course, due to their longevity, they can be a great investment in the long run, but not everyone can afford the initial costs, to begin with.

In summation

So, the big question is – is slate roofing worth it? According to experts, it most certainly is, even though it has its downsides. Still, nothing can beat the fact that it’s a long-lasting roofing material that will protect your home for a long period of time. 

You will need to invest a significant amount of money into installing and maintaining it, but it can prove to be a great return on investment in the long run. This goes from all its benefits such as keeping your home safe, energy-efficient, and “green”, down to boosting its curb appeal and making it easier to sell if you decide to move somewhere else.

Written by Ron Wolf

 

About the Author

Ronald Wolf is a freelance writer and hobby designer with a passion for DIY projects.

 

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