If you need to replace your home’s roof, the first option that typically comes to mind is the tried-and-true classic of roofing materials, asphalt shingles. However, asphalt shingles aren’t the only roofing option that you can use on your home. There are other, less conventional options that may be even better for your home than asphalt shingles. One material you may want to consider installing is slate. Slate roofing can be a wonderful option for homeowners, but it offers its own set of benefits and drawbacks. Lets take a look at the pros and cons of slate roofing below:
Pros
- Longevity: While your asphalt shingle roof should feasibly last between twenty and thirty years, a properly installed slate roof could last for a century. If you take good care of your roof and live in a relatively mild climate, it is not out of the question for your slate roof to last 150 years. If you want to replace your home’s roof once and never have to think about it again, slate is your best bet.
- Aesthetics: Slate roofing has a beautiful, rustic look. It comes in a variety of colors and sizes, meaning even if you have a particular vision for your home’s roof, you can likely fulfill it with slate roofing.
- Environmentally Friendly: Another advantage of slate roofing is that is an environmentally friendly roofing option. While the construction of asphalt shingles requires the use of fossil fuels to construct, slate is mined and is recyclable, which mitigates its environmental impact. It also lasts far longer than asphalt shingles, cutting down on transportation and manufacturing emissions.
Cons
- Cost: Slate roofing is one of the more expensive roofing materials on the market. A fully installed slate roof will cost at least two or three times more than an asphalt shingle roof, if not more. While slate roofing generally closes the gap with its advantage in longevity, the initial investment of installing a slate roof is far higher than an asphalt shingle roof.
- Durability: While Slate Roofing is strong, it is also brittle, and that can make maintenance on your home an issue. If you need to have someone walking along your roof to fix your flashing or install a satellite, there is a chance they could crack your shingles, and it is quite hard to find slate that is a perfect match because it comes in lots.
Overall, slate is a wonderful option for any residential roof. Not only does it look fantastic, but it also possesses incredible longevity. While you will certainly need to make a major investment to install a slate roof on your home, it will outlast just about any other roofing material you can install and has the potential to be a cheaper long-term investment.
Interested in installing a slate roof on your home? Reach out to our team at (877) 289-6596 or fill out our online contact form. We look forward to hearing from you!
