Slate roofing is an excellent choice for many home and business owners, but the material is not without its pitfalls. Though attractive and durable, roofing slate is also heavy and difficult to transport and install. Here is what you need to know about slate before choosing it for your roof.
Slate Pros
Slate lasts a long time and
• Lifespan - One of the most compelling reasons to choose slate roofing tiles is longevity. Slate roofs last 100 to 150 years, easily surpassing the typical 30-year life expectancy of other roofing materials.
• Customization – Slate is very attractive and highly customizable. Both the thickness and size of slate roof tiles vary as does the color. This natural stone comes in hues that include gray, red, purple, black and green. With so many choices, you can choose a natural look or use this traditional material to …show more content…
Not all roofers can handle the job.
• Weight – Slate is heavy and can weigh in at 1,500 pounds per 100 square feet. A structural engineer may need to verify that slate is an option for you.
• Accessibility – Although it is very resistant to hail and other natural damage, slate tile breaks easily if not walked on properly. If you’re home needs plumbing vent or other rooftop repairs, you’ll need a contractor who can walk on slate properly. If a tile is broken, it is very difficult to find a replacement that matches the rest of the roof.
Slate Roof Prices
Not really a positive or negative, slate roofing cost is simply a fact. With a price tag of anywhere from $1,000 to $8,000 per 100 square feet, slate roofing is more expensive to purchase and install than other roofing materials. This is due in part to the difficulty involved with mining and transporting this heavy building material. When slate’s 150 year lifespan is taken into account, however, slate is as economical as other roofing
Slate Pros
Slate lasts a long time and
• Lifespan - One of the most compelling reasons to choose slate roofing tiles is longevity. Slate roofs last 100 to 150 years, easily surpassing the typical 30-year life expectancy of other roofing materials.
• Customization – Slate is very attractive and highly customizable. Both the thickness and size of slate roof tiles vary as does the color. This natural stone comes in hues that include gray, red, purple, black and green. With so many choices, you can choose a natural look or use this traditional material to …show more content…
Not all roofers can handle the job.
• Weight – Slate is heavy and can weigh in at 1,500 pounds per 100 square feet. A structural engineer may need to verify that slate is an option for you.
• Accessibility – Although it is very resistant to hail and other natural damage, slate tile breaks easily if not walked on properly. If you’re home needs plumbing vent or other rooftop repairs, you’ll need a contractor who can walk on slate properly. If a tile is broken, it is very difficult to find a replacement that matches the rest of the roof.
Slate Roof Prices
Not really a positive or negative, slate roofing cost is simply a fact. With a price tag of anywhere from $1,000 to $8,000 per 100 square feet, slate roofing is more expensive to purchase and install than other roofing materials. This is due in part to the difficulty involved with mining and transporting this heavy building material. When slate’s 150 year lifespan is taken into account, however, slate is as economical as other roofing