Is Slate Roofing Worth It?

Slate roofing is an incredibly attractive roofing material for homeowners. It has unmatched durability, comes in various colors and hues and provides every home with an outstanding curb appeal. However, many homeowners shy away from the roofing material as it is really heavy and not suitable for every home, and it also costs a pretty penny.

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”.

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

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 there is enough overlap occurring 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. 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 boils 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. While still a highly durable roofing material, soft slate has a slightly weaker composition than its harder counterpart.

 

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 when it comes to home value.

As mentioned before, slate is one of the most robust 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 sort of mold and fungal growth. Your roof is thus able to maintain it’s beautiful aesthetic. And due to it being a natural material, its appearance is timeless and suited to almost every architectural style.

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.

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 needs 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 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 is capable of supporting a slate roofing system.

 

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.

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 Helsley Roofing Company, 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!