Your roof is the only thing standing between your home and the power of Mother Nature, so it's important to choose the best roofing material for your climate to keep your home comfortable and dry. For most homeowners, durability is the most desirable characteristic. But just because something is durable doesn't mean it can't look good too. Slate tile is a beautiful natural stone that looks elegant and is also one of the most durable roofing materials available. If you're considering slate for your roof, here are a few of the pros and cons.
PROS
Durability
There are few materials more durable than slate. It can withstand extremes of both heat and cold while keeping your home a comfortable temperature by absorbing radiant heat in the winter and reflecting sunlight in the summer. It can also withstand extreme weather events like high winds, hail, heavy snow, and ice. It's so durable in fact that it can last up to 200 years on a home. That's some incredible longevity.
Elegance
There are few materials more beautiful than slate. Because it's a naturally occurring stone, it gives the home an aesthetic that few other materials can match. There's a reason it's been used by builders and architects for hundreds of years. It's also available in several colors in shades of gray, red, green, and even purple. A slate roof massively adds to a home's curb appeal.
Low Maintenance
Another reason to choose slate is that it requires virtually no maintenance. Once it's installed, you may not have to think about it again. It's resistant to mold, mildew, and moisture.
CONS
Weight
Unlike other popular materials like asphalt and wood shingles, slate is heavy, meaning it has more physical weight than other materials. For that reason, it can only be installed on a roof with the proper support structure. For an existing home, slate may not even be an option for roof replacement material if your existing roof framing can't handle the added weight.
Price
Slate is also in a higher price range than other materials like asphalt or composite shingles. The ideal roofing material would be durable, elegant, and budget-friendly — but it can be difficult to get all three qualities in the same material. With slate, you'll be paying a bit more. On average, a slate roof costs between $6.50 and $15.00 per square foot — and that's the cost for materials only and not installation. But for many, the unmatched durability is worth the extra one-time cost.
For more information, contact a local roofing service today.
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