BENEFITS OF SLATE ROOFS – FAMILY ROOFING

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At Family Roofing, we take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality and customer service. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. Our reputation is based on service, safety and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.

 

BENEFITS OF SLATE ROOFS

Whether you are building a custom home or in the process of replacing your current roof, choosing a material for your roof is a big decision.  While many homeowners opt for shingles, slate roofs not only take the aesthetics of your home to the next level but they have many advantages over other types of roofing.  An increasingly popular option for roofs, slate will set your home apart and increase your home’s resale value.

Slate roofing comes from natural metaphoric rock that has been cut and shaped into thin pieces.  It makes for an elegant looking roof that is durable and long-lasting.  Slate has been around in the U.S. since the early 1600’s so it has passed the test of time and still remains a popular roof system today.  If you are thinking about getting a new roof, slate is one that should definitely be take into consideration.

Long-Lasting/Life Expectancy:

 Slate is one of the longest-lasting roofing materials on the market.  While many roofing materials are manufactured from artificial materials, slate is a solid natural rock composed of volcanic ash or clay that undergoes a metamorphosis.  Slate roofs can easily withstand the forces of nature lasting anywhere from 75 to 100 years.  Due to the fact that they are made from stone, they will not break down as easily as some of the other roofing options and they will maintain their natural stone color throughout its lifespan.  Stone lasts a long time and your roof will last a long time as long as it was properly installed and repaired when needed.

Low-Maintenance

Routine inspections and regular maintenance extend the life of your roof significantly.  Yet, unlike most other roof types, slate roofs require little maintenance.  Because slate roofs are made from natural rocks, warping, rusting, and mold are not a problem.  The only issue you may have with your slate roof is a loose or broken tile.  Routine inspections by a roofing professional can detect if you do have a lost or broken tile and thereby prevent leaks or other damage from occurring.  Aside from removing debris (always wear soft-soled shoes when on your slate roof), cleaning your roof, and checking gutters, slate roofs are very low maintenance.

Eco-Friendly

With homes becoming more sustainable and eco-friendly, homeowners are choosing environmentally friendly roofs.  Slate roofs are made out of 100% natural rocks. This means that there are no waste products and the material can easily be recycled back into the earth where it came from.  Slate is 100% natural – sourced from quarries and so it has very little impact on the environment.  Not only do slate roofs reduce your carbon footprint, but they can be recycled or reused when they are no longer needed.  Your eco-friendly slate roof is highly energy efficient as well.  Due to their dense composition, slate roofs do not let heat and cold infiltrate the home. Warmer homes in the winter and cooler homes in the summer help reduce energy costs in your home.

Increase Your Home’s Property Value & Visual Aesthetics 

Slate roofs are absolutely stunning and add to your property’s curb appeal.  They come in various sizes, colors, textures, and patterns to enhance the style of your home.  Slate roofs also increase your home’s resale value – adding distinct character and charm.  Because slate roofs are so energy efficient, low energy costs attract potential home buyers looking to save money on their electricity bills.

Safety 

Slate tile is fire resistant, which keeps your home safe from sparks or ash from wildfires or nearby house fires that may land on your roof.  When properly installed, slate roofs receive a Class A fire rating – the highest a material can have because it is the least flammable.  Slate also repels water more than other roofing materials so you don’t have to worry about frozen or cracked tiles from winter.   A slate roof is a great investment for your home. Not only does a slate roof increase your home’s value, but it will last a lifetime.  If you have a question or would like a free estimate, call our experts at Universal Roofing. They are always standing by, ready to help!

Style

Slate roofs come in a variety of styles.  The color of the slate can be determined by what quarries the slate comes from in different parts of the world.  Some of the common color options are varying shades of blacks, grays, reds, greens, and grayish-purples.  You can also choose how the slate is cut, you can choose to have the natural rock look with chiseled edges or a contemporary cut which is smooth and straight pieces.  You can also decide what thickness level you want each slate piece to be cut to. Some common thicknesses include 1/4-inch thick and 3/8-inch thick cuts.

Unique

Every slate roof is unique.  The hand-cut slate will not look exactly the same as every other slate roof.  Also, the unique mineral properties of the slate will vary from roof to roof giving it slight differences in color.  This makes the slate roof your own personal roof with its own character and quality.

Impact Resistance

Slate can be rated for a Class 4 impact rating which means it can withstand an impact from a 2-inch sized piece of hail.  This rating depends on how thick the pieces are.  The Class 4 applies to the 3/8″ thick piece while the 1/4″ thick piece is rated as a Class 3 which is less than the Class 4.

Weather Resistance

Slate roofs are resistant to temperature fluctuations.  Meaning they are great for climates that experience heavy rain or snow.  They are also resistant to high wind speeds.  The heavyweight of the slate roof and the layering keeps wind from getting underneath the slate tiles.

Mold/Insect

Slate roofs are also resistant to mold, fungus, and insects.  Slate has a high density so it does not absorb very much water and it does not provide any food for a fungus to grow.

Home Value

A slate roof will increase the value of your home. It also makes your home more appealing to potential buyers if you ever decided to sell your home.

What is the lifespan of slate roofing?

Slate is essentially a rock, a homogeneous metamorphic rock that is derived from an original shale-type sedimentary rock composed of clay or volcanic ash through low-grade regional metamorphism. Therefore, this roofing material is millions of years old.  Slate is incredibly durable and can last several hundred years, often with little to no maintenance.  It is safe to say that you will get at least 75 to 100 years or more out of your slate roof.  However, it’s important that you do not put anything on your slate roof such as sealant or paint because this can cause the roof to age prematurely.

“Slate is something we like to call a ‘forever roof’ since homeowners will only need to put only one on in their lifetime, but a shingle roof may need to be replaced two or three times.”

What are the benefits of slate versus shingle roofing?

Slate is something we like to call a ‘forever roof’ since homeowners will only need to put only one on in their lifetime, but a shingle roof may need to be replaced two or three times.  Another benefit of slate roofing is its ability to increase the resale value of your home due to its natural beauty and durability.  Slate is recognized as an elegant roofing material and will enhance the architectural style of your home and maintain the same appearance over the years.  Other benefits of slate roofing include its natural ability to be fire resistant and mold resistant and slate’s low water absorption makes it very resistant to frost damage and breakage due to freezing.

What should you do to prepare your roof for slate?

Slate is an extremely heavy product and can add an additional 500 pounds to your roof.  If your home is not engineered for slate you will need to have a structural engineer inspect your roof.  This will ensure that your roof prepared to hold the weight of the slate roofing.

What is the price difference of slate versus shingle roofing?

Slate is an expensive product and you can count on it being two or three times more expensive than a standard architectural shingle roof.  The price can range from 15 to 16 dollars a square foot installed.  The price of a slate roof will also vary depending on the size of the home and the roof pitch.

Can you repair a slate roof?

You can repair your slate roof at any time.  It is important to have a licensed roofing contractor examine your slate roof to find the damaged pieces, and the repair is as simple as sliding out the damaged slate and replacing it with a new piece.  Having a professional inspect your roof once a year will also help you keep your slate in the best condition possible.