Essay On Slate Roofing

Slate roofing is one of the oldest roofing materials known to man and has proven itself to be a long-lived and useful material. Like all roofing options, however, slate roofing tiles come with both pros and cons that you should be aware of. Synthetic slate roofing eliminates many of slate’s negatives but is made of a rubber material that may not offer all of slate’s benefits. Talk with your contractor before opting for faux slate. If you’re considering the real thing, here is what you need to know.

The Good

People are attracted to slate largely because of its good looks. Slate looks nice and is available in a wide variety of colors and patterns. The material is available in grays, reds, greens and purples but must be purchased in lots so that the color remains somewhat consistent from one tile to the next. Slate not only looks good but also performs well. A slate roof will easily last 100 to 150 years and is rivaled in longevity only by metal roofing. This is a much longer lifespan than the 20 or 30 years offered by most other roofing materials. Because it is a natural stone, slate is environmentally friendly and resistant to fire without any chemical treatments or alterations.

The Bad
Nothing in life is perfect, and slate roofs are no exception.
Slate has many benefits, but it is a difficult material to work with. You’ll need to choose from your local slate roofing contractors when installing slate tiles. Be aware that not just any roofing contractor will be qualified for the job. Your roofer won’t be the only one who needs to know what he is doing. There is one right way and many wrong ways to walk on a slate roof. Your air conditioner guy, plumber and other home repair experts who get on your roof will need to know how to tread properly or risk damaging your roof. At up to 1,500 pounds per 100 square feet, slate is also extremely heavy. Your contractor will need to make sure your home or office is able to support the weight of slate
tile.

The Ugly?

Slate roof cost is the number one reason why people sometimes shy away from this type of roofing. Your slate roofing costs could easily run $6,000 to $8,000 per square (100 square feet) installed. The initial investment of installing a slate roof is hefty. It is of note, however, that a slate roof requires next to no maintenance and lasts longer than most people live. Although the cost is high, you’ll need not worry about or invest in your roof again. When the cost of installation is divided over the roof’s useful life, slate can actually be less expensive than other options, so don’t make your decisions on installation costs alone.