When it comes time to install a new roof on your home, you’ll undoubtedly have numerous options to choose from. Deciding on one type of roofing material can feel overwhelming for many homeowners. It can be tough to simply weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each, much less compare the different types of materials to one another. This can make it feel impossible to make a final choice. But in today’s post, we’ll be discussing one particular type: slate roofs. We’ll talk about some of the pros — and some of the cons — that might help make that decision a bit easier.
The Advantages of Slate Roofing
- Visual Appeal: One of the main reasons homeowners will contact a roofing services company to install slate tile on the roof of their home is because of the beauty this material provides. Without a doubt, it’s one of the most attractive options on the market, adding instant charm and variety to any home. When you want something that will complement your home’s character and add to its overall appearance, slate is often a great way to go.
- Longevity: You might not realize how long-lasting this type of material actually is. Assuming it’s properly cared for, slate roof tiles can last for 100 or 150 years (and sometimes longer!). In fact, many manufacturers will actually offer century-long warranties because of this. These roofs were absolutely built to stand the test of time. That actually makes them quite eco-friendly compared to other materials, since you won’t have to replace your roof every 20 or 30 years.
- Home Value: Because slate roofs have such a long lifespan and are so visually appealing, they add considerable value to your home. Not only will a new homeowner not have to replace this roof for decades, but they’ll also be thrilled to know that this material doesn’t contribute to pollution during manufacturing and can help insulate the home. That means energy costs could be lower than they might be otherwise. In addition, because slate is fire resistant, anyone who calls this home their own will have peace of mind in knowing that their choice of roof material will keep them safe.
The Disadvantages of Slate Roofing
- Costs: In general, the costs for slate tiles are going to be higher than what you might pay for asphalt shingles. The cost of labor during installation can also vary, which is something to keep in mind when creating a budget. It’s important to note that slate roof installation can cost several thousand dollars to complete. Although that cost may pay off in the long run, some homeowners can experience sticker shock at first.
- Durability: While a slate roof is built to last, these tiles can be rather fragile. If a non-professional climbs on your roof and walks around, you may end up needing to replace some tiles. Although the average homeowner can expect to spend anywhere from 1-4% on their home’s value every year on maintenance and repairs, it can be tough to find cost-efficient replacement tiles during roof repairs. You may not even be able to locate a perfect match for any broken tiles due to their natural color variation; you may have to accept that a slate roof in need of repair may not look totally perfect after it’s been fixed.. If you’re really into uniformity, this may not be the roof for you.
- Installation Concerns: Not every contractor will be an expert in slate tile installation. Those who have had little to no experience in this area could easily ruin the tiles (or even cause your roof to cave in under the excess weight). That’s why it’s so important to work with reputable professionals who know what they’re doing. Make sure your contractors are qualified and come highly recommended for slate roof installation, in particular.
Whether or not you ultimately decide that a slate roof will fit your needs, we hope that this handy guide will help you arrive at your final choice. To learn more about our work and how we can make your home look its best, please contact us today.
