So it’s time for a new roof and you’ve been doing some research and different roofing materials and you stumbled on the idea of slate roofing. Before you call up a roofer and schedule the project, there are some things you should know about slate roofing first.
Beautiful appearance
Slate is a natural roofing material and as such it has a beautiful, organic, and unusual look to it. Slate roofs are darker in color and they tend to be somewhat irregular from tile to tile which gives it that natural look. While metal or composite roofing materials can simulate the look, it’s impossible to capture the appearance of a slate roof 100%.
Durable
If you never want to mess with roof replacement again, slate is the way to go since it’s sure to outlive you by several decades. It’s the longest lasting roofing material you can buy. Because it is made of stone, it holds up very well in all temperatures and is completely unfazed by strong winds. It’s also 100% impervious to fire, rot, and pests.
Weight
Slate is the heaviest roof material you can get. Not all homes have a roof deck that can support it. Because of their weight, only steeper sloped roofs can handle them and even then your home’s structure may need an upgrade before a slate roof can be installed. For all their weight and durability, slate roofs have one weakness which is impact damage. Fallen branches, large hail, or footsteps on the roof such as when retrieving an item or hanging Christmas lights can crack the tiles which are brittle.
Cost
A roof material as premium as slate comes at a cost. At $11 to $16 per square foot, you can’t find a more expensive roofing material. That said, its longevity and energy efficiency will help it to pay for itself over time.
If you’re interested in having a slate roof installed, you can’t hire just any roofer. It’s a premium material that requires special expertise so make sure you contact a Spokane roofing company with experience in slate roofs.
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