Is Slate Roofing Worth It?

Slate is one of the strongest roofing materials for homeowners in the US today. Its unmatched durability, versatility, and curb appeal improving features make it a trendy roofing option on the market today. However, homeowners shy away from the roofing material because its weight is not suitable for every home, and it also has quite a large price point.

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 found on just about every rooftop during the 19th and 20th centuries. That’s why you’ll likely find a slate roofing system on historic homes around the country. Their centuries-old slate rooftops still protect historical homes because the material can last up to 200 years when correctly installed and maintained. It’s no wonder the roofing has the nickname “The Forever Roof.”

So if you’re considering installing a slate roof for your home and would like to know a little bit more about the roofing system, we would recommend that you read further as we detail whether a slate roof is, in fact, worth it.

Professional Installation

When installing a slate roof, it’s important that you hire a roofing company qualified to install slate rooftops. This is because if your slate roofing system is not installed correctly, your roof will likely begin to deteriorate at a much faster rate than normal. A weak rooftop can lead to your home suffering structural and interior damages.

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 there is enough overlap between individual slates as this prevents water from seeping through, and ensures that your roof lasts as long as possible.

Types of Slate Roofing

Slate is a naturally occurring material that comes in varying tones and strengths; however, the material is primarily divided into hard and soft slate. It’s mined from quarries and manufactured into roofing materials across the country.

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. While still a highly durable roofing material, soft slate has a slightly weaker composition than its harder counterpart.

The Features of Slate Roofing

Having a slate roof is a highly valuable asset. You’ll notice that homes in New Jersey with slate rooftops are often the ones with the highest market value; this is partly due to their slate roofing systems.

As mentioned before, slate is one of the strongest roofing materials. It is capable of surviving in some of the most severe weather conditions and being able to withstand the deteriorating and warping effects of water and moisture. Therefore, there’s no need to worry about your roof attracting any mold and fungal growth. Your roof is thus able to maintain its beautiful aesthetic. And due to it being a natural material, its appearance is timeless and suited to almost every architectural style.

Slate is a naturally occurring rock with vibrant and subtle hues, including red, green, purple, and gray. Slate comes from different parts of the country, so it varies in color depending on which region your slate comes from.

Another standout feature of slate is that it is an excellent eco-friendly material. Because it lasts more than a lifetime, it is less likely to end up in a landfill when compared to materials like asphalt shingles, which need replacing every 15-20 years. You’ll also be pleased to know that slate roof tiles are recyclable as well, and it helps homeowners save on energy bills as it regulates the temperature inside the home.

Slate roofs are heavy, and if your home isn’t capable of supporting it, they won’t be a good fit. If you want to use slate as roofing material for your house, ensure that the structure can support its weight before making any decisions.

Slate Roofing Costs

Installing a slate roof can be a costly project; however, it is a fantastic investment. The price of slate tiles can range from $5 per square foot to $15 per square foot for materials only. When compared to roofing materials like asphalt shingles and flat roofing, slate roofing is significantly more expensive. Still, slate roofing’s quality and longevity make sense in the long run.

It’s advised to use a specialist when installing a slate roof; it is, therefore, likely that they’d cost a bit more than your average roofer. If you don’t plan on staying in your home for long, it doesn’t make financial sense to replace your slate roofing.

 

Think slate roofing is worth it? At Above & Beyond Exterior Remodelers, 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!