Are Slate Roofing Systems Worth It?

Slate roofing is an incredibly attractive material. It has unmatched durability, comes in various colors and hues, and provides every home with outstanding curb appeal. However, many homeowners shy away from the product as it’s really heavy, not suitable for every home, or able to fit into any budget.

When deciding on a roofing material, it’s always good to know its advantages and disadvantages so that you know what you’re getting yourself into and that you’re able to secure the best option for your home and your family.

Slate roofing was a popular roofing material in the 19th and 20th centuries. That’s why today, you’ll find that many historical homes have slate roofing systems, and it is most likely the same roof that was installed when the home was built. That’s right; when slate roofing is installed correctly and maintained, it can last up to 200 years. When installing a slate roof, you would never have to worry about replacing it again. It’s no wonder it has the nickname “The Forever Roof.”

However, before taking the plunge, we recommend that you read on to learn about whether this roofing system is worth all the trouble and the right roofing system for you.

 

Professional Installation

To get the most out of your slate roof, it needs to be installed correctly. Without proper installation, your roof will deteriorate at a much faster rate and cause unnecessary damage to your roofing structure and your home.

Not many roofing materials require specialists to install them, but slate does. Master slaters will ensure that your home is suitable and capable of supporting the weight of a slate roof, that enough overlaps are occurring between individual slates as this prevents water from seeping through, and ensures that your personal stone-made masterpiece lasts for years to come.

 

Types of Slate Roofing

Slate is a naturally occurring material. The stone is excavated from quarries and manufactured to produce the roofing material. The many quarries and manufacturers across the country produce many variations of the slate roofing material. However, the slate roofing types available for your roof essentially boil down to hard slate and soft slate.

Hard slate is by far the leading roofing material for weather, water, and fire resistance. This material can pretty much withstand anything that comes its way- from hail to flames. Soft Slate has a slightly weaker composition than its hard counterpart and thus does not offer you the same benefits.

 

The Features of Slate Roofing

A slate roof is a fantastic investment for any homeowner. Throughout Texas, you’ll notice that homes with slate roofing are often the leading properties on the market regarding home value.

As mentioned before, slate is one of the most robust roofing materials. It can withstand almost anything and everything because it won’t rot or warp like other materials in harsh weather conditions. One great thing about natural materials is that they are timeless, so you don’t need to worry about choosing something with an outdated aesthetic when selecting this type of installation for your house.

Slate has a unique, naturally occurring texture and color. Depending on which part of the country your slate comes from, it is available in vibrant and subtle hues, including red, green, purple, gray, and black.

Slate is a beautiful and durable material that lasts for more than one lifetime. You’ll also be happy to learn it’s eco-friendly, lasting up to 3 times longer than asphalt shingles while still being recyclable! It helps you save money on your energy bills by regulating the temperature inside your home.

Slate is a metamorphic rock; it is thus quite a heavy and dense material. Therefore, it is not suited for every home and architectural style. If you’re considering this material, it is advisable to find out whether your home can support a slate roofing system.

 

Slate Roofing Costs

Slate roofs are pricey, but they’re worth the investment in the long run. When comparing prices to other roofing materials like asphalt shingles and flat roofing, it’s clear that slate is more expensive upfront – costing anywhere from $5-$15 per square foot for just material costs alone. But when you consider the quality of workmanship and durability, investing in this type of installation can actually save homeowners time & money down the line.

Using specialists like a master slater will naturally cost you a lot more than a regular roofing contractor. If you opt for a roofing contractor, we recommend inquiring about said roofing contractor’s slate roof installation history. If you don’t plan on staying in your home for long, it does not make financial sense to replace your slate roofing.

Think slate roofing is worth it? At Beck Roofing & Restoration, our expert roofers will help you figure out if a slate roof is suitable for your home and your budget. Give us a call today!