Slate Roofing

There are a variety of benefits of slate roofing, including its appearance, longevity, and environmental friendliness. Slate roofing is made of 100% natural stone with a cleft surface and beautiful color variation. It is most notable for its durability and longevity, with properly-installed slate roofs lasting up to 150 years. Slate roofing is waterproof in addition to being highly resistant against inclement weather conditions and temperature fluctuations. It is not affected by mold or fungus and is fireproof and environmentally-friendly, not giving off harmful pollution during manufacturing. The longevity of this material prevents regular roofing waste, which accounts for 5% of all construction waste, reducing the number of shingles that end up in landfills. It can also help insulate the home, lowering energy costs. Slate roofing is an excellent choice for all types of homeowners - the aesthetic beauty and durability of slate roofing can increase home resale value for those looking to sell their home, and its longevity makes it a great investment for those who plan on residing in their home for many generations.

Many roofing contractors know very little about slate roofs, so it's important to find a qualified roofing contractor to install them, as proper installation can mean the difference between a roof that lasts a century and a roof that needs consistent repairs. Our company has licensed and qualified professionals who are experienced in installing and repairing slate roofs, so your roof will always be in good hands with us.

The most popular choice of slate tiles is natural slate, but some man-made options exist for roofs that require complex designs, steep pitches, or a lightweight solution. These options include concrete slate and fiber-cement slate. Unlike natural slate, weathering may expose the base color of concrete and fiber-cement slates over time. Natural slate remains the preferred choice for those who seek an authentic, earthy appearance and a roof that lasts.

Slate roofing is the most expensive roofing material, but it is easily the most high-quality. Slagenerally costs between $5 and $8 per square foot for materials alone, depending on the grade, thickness, and quality of the specific slate tiles selected. Labor and installation add additional costs, amounting from anywhere between $10 and $20 per square foot, depending on the specific situation. While the cost of slate roofing is around five times that of more conventional materials, it can last up to five times as long when installed correctly, making it a worthy investment for many homeowners.

There are two types of slate roof repairs: replacing individual slates and replacing the lashings and fastenings. Replacing individual slates is the less expensive and more common option, but slate roofing can be difficult to repair. Slate tiles are very fragile, so breaks can happen on occasion, and slate is manufactured in lots, making it difficult to find replacement tiles that are a perfect match. However, replacing individual slates that are cracked or broken is an important maintenance point that should not be neglected, and repairs on broken slates should be initiated as soon as possible. Slate roofs rarely need to be completely replaced due to their durability, but if more than 20%-30% of the roof needs to be repaired, it is usually advised to replace the entire roof rather than to perform annual repairs, which can be expensive. Replacing or repairing the flashings and fastenings surrounding the slate roof is a more detailed and expensive type of repair. Flashings are made of a malleable metal and are used to seal penetrations around the roof, and may need replacement anywhere between every 15 to 70 years. Fastenings, which are usually nails or hooks, are the components that are used to secure slate tiles onto a roof and rarely need replacement if well-installed.

While slate roofing is one of the most expensive roofing options, it is easily the most durable, making it a great investment for homeowners. Homeowners who choose slate roofing marvel at its natural beauty and its ability to withstand a variety of natural conditions. Feel free to reach out to us if you have any further questions about slate roofing or if you are interested in a free quote on our slate roof installation or repairs.