What is the most durable roofing material in history? Some would say Slate. Many homes with slate roofs are known to last for over a hundred years without much damage or degradation. This is because the fine-grained natural stone not only combines both classic and modern elegance but is also one of the most durable materials available. Slate has been a reliable material for centuries. If you are considering a roof renovation or buying a new home, see why this durable, visually pleasing roofing material is a great option to consider.
HARD AND SOFT SLATE
Hard Slate: Hard slate is extremely resilient. It can stand strong in the roughest weather conditions, as well as withstand exposure to fire and water. Hard slate does not absorb water, lose shape or rot in heavy rains, unlike wood or cedar. Shingles made of hard slate can last for 200 years without ever changing their composition.
Soft Slate: Although not quite as durable as their Hard counterparts, with good care, soft-slate roofing shingles can still last you from 50 to 125 years. Even though it’s softer, the composition of the stone is similar to hard slate providing the same weather, water and fire resistance. Check out the age and quality of the slate shingles before you choose them to crown your roof. Very old slate that’s near the end of its lifespan may wear out fast. Check with the manufacturer about their effectiveness and shelf life before you invest in them.
Before you decide on purchasing a home with a slate roof, learn about the age and quality of the slate. If the shingles are approaching the end of their natural lifespan, you might have to replace them soon.
POPULAR CHOICE FOR ROOFING
Slate is available in many shades of grey. There are varieties with other colours too such as green red, brown, black and purple. Another reason behind its popularity is its composition that makes it easy to cut into thin sheets to create perfect roofing shingles.
The beauty of slate is hard to beat. They come in varying thickness, which makes them a versatile option to increase curb appeal. Many homes with slate roofs outlive commercial structures thanks to slates high performance even in adverse conditions. Best of all, slate is eco-friendly. Slate shingles need not be replaced every few years, unlike other materials, your roof won’t be filling up landfills.
One drawback is that slate roofing prices are considerably higher than other roofing materials. The natural stone is not easy to manufacture, hence it is not as readily available. The starting price of slate can be high, but if you weigh the price against the long-term benefits, it is well worth your consideration. Make sure you leave the slate shingle installation in professional hands. It requires trained and experienced hands to install properly to last over 100 years.
If you are looking to purchase a new home with an existing slate roof, or looking to invest in a new slate roof for your current home, give AllPro Roofing a call. We have 3 generations of roofing experience and are dedicated to serving you better than our competitor, the first time, everytime.
