Slate roofing has been around for centuries. This material isn’t as popular as it used to be due to the availability of more affordable products. Nevertheless, slate still deserves consideration when installing a new roof. Here’s why.
Longevity
Slate literally stands the test of time. This material is impervious to insects and fire, and absorbs very little moisture.
If you leave slate alone and just let a qualified roofer handle routine maintenance duties, it can last up to 200 years.
The bad news is that slate isn’t exactly durable. This material is brittle enough to break when someone walks on it. Anyone who doesn’t know how to safely traverse a slate roof would almost certainly break a piece after every step. Due to its fragility, slate doesn’t lend itself to DIY repairs.
Appearance
One of the selling points of slate roofing is its stately charm. It may not belong to every architectural style, but it will increase curb appeal when installed on the right property.
Unfortunately, it can be difficult to find replacement tiles that match the look of the original ones. Slate products from the same quarry could look distinct from one another if they come from different layers of the deposit.
Weight
Slate roofing tiles can be four times as heavy as asphalt shingles. If you’re switching from a lighter roof to a heavier one, your roofing contractor will likely have to reengineer the underlying deck to accommodate the additional heft. Such extra work costs money.
Cost
Slate can be price prohibitive. The material itself fetches a high price. The installation requires specialized skills, so you shouldn’t hire any roofer just to reduce the cost of labor.
Slate is one of the best roofs money could buy, but it’s not for everyone and every situation. Consult A1 Roofing & Construction to get the lowdown on other roofing materials you should consider. Call at (401) 265-1019 to schedule your no-obligation estimate in Providence, Newport or Tiverton, RI.
