A slate roof is one of the most popular choices when it comes to roofing a home. Slate roof tiles offer numerous benefits besides their elegant appearance. Some of these include resistance to fire, weather, noise, vandalism, adverse weather, and termites. They can be installed in any climate zone. And that’s just the beginning!
Slate Roof Composition
So, to begin with, what is a slate roof? A slate roof is made up of numerous individual stones that are fitted and arranged to form a sturdy roofing system. Slate is a fine-grained, homogenous, foliate metamorphic stone derived from an originally slate-like sedimentary rock consisting of volcanic ash or clay through late prehistoric times.
So, today, it is the finest grained, multi-colored metamorphic stone. Comprised of quartz, feldspar, and mica, slate roof tiles offer excellent thermal insulation properties.
Installing a Slate Roof
Installing a slate roof on your home requires a certain level of skill because the installation of natural stone is a time-consuming process requiring professional expertise. Therefore, most homeowners prefer to have slate roofs professionally installed on their homes.
Stone roofing systems come in many different shapes and colors that include grey, black, brown, red, and white. There is a nice variety of different looks ranging from wavy to textured. A pro will take into account your home’s style and its siding, facias, and soffits in order to help you decide what look will best complement its features.
How Much Does a Slate Roof Cost?
Cost is usually one of the top considerations when choosing what roofing material to install on a house. And one of the key factors that determine the cost of a natural slate roof is the thickness of the slate to be used in your roof’s construction. Broadly speaking, one can expect to pay $12 to $40 per square foot. The price will also depend on the manufacturer and the grade of the roofing tiles. And of course, the roofing contractor’s rates will impact the price, as well.
Choosing the Roof Pitch When Building a Home
When building a new home, one aspect of the construction that many new homeowners don’t give much thought is the pitch of the roof. Common types of slate roofing tiles include straight, pitched, polygonal, or fiberglass.
The thickness and weight of the slates will help determine the best pitch of the roofing tile. Another important factor to consider is that the pitch of the roof determines the amount of direct sunlight that will shine on your slate roof shingles. Thus, if you want to maximize the solar heat gain then choose a wider roof pitch in your construction.
Slate Roofing Tiles are Low Maintenance
The main reason why homeowners install slate roofing tiles is for their durability and for their low maintenance.
Slate tiles are made of one single piece, so they are not subject to rot. This natural stone also has excellent resistance against fire. Thus, slate tiles are the ideal choice for homes in areas with a high rate of fire occurrence. Add to this their resistance to termites and other bugs and pests, it’s easy to see why slate roofing tile is a popular choice for those looking for a low maintenance roofing option.
The best way to maintain the longevity of your tiles is to regularly check for corrosion. You should occasionally clean slate tiles to keep them free from corrosion and grime.
Slate Tiles Offer Maximum Durability
Apart from being low maintenance, as stated above, another advantage of installing slate tiles is their longevity. This stone roofing system is extremely durable and as a result, homeowners can enjoy a long life span of their roof.
One of the longest-lasting shingles available on the market today, slate is well known for its toughness. And because of this, it can not be damaged easily. Even if it does eventually get damaged, since it is installed in individual pieces, slate roof repair can be done easily.
How Long Will a Slate Roof Last?
These amazing roofing tiles can easily last for 75 years and have been known to remain durable for as long as 150 years when properly maintained. Most homeowners love this kind of long-lasting protection. So, as a long-term investment, these features make it a preferred choice for those who want to save money on roofing over the life of their home.
Slate is Energy-efficient & Climate-resistant
In terms of energy efficiency, people are used to thinking of insulation as being the determining factor in protecting our house against extreme temperature conditions. And while this is true, it isn’t the only factor. The material composition and color of a roof are also part of this equation, as well.
Although there are many different types of materials that can be used for roofing, slate roofs are unique in the sense that they can withstand any climatic condition. In addition to being durable, these roofs are also strong and are not prone to be damaged by wind and water. These factors make slate roofs extremely suitable for all types of climates and weather conditions.
In addition to all this, slate roofing is also fireproof and it’s environmentally friendly. Constructed of natural stone, there is no pollution produced during manufacturing. So, if you are interested in finding an eco-friendly solution to your energy and cooling requirements at a low cost then you should consider using slate roofing tiles.
Colors and Types of Slate Roof Tiles
Slate is available in a wide range of colors so you are sure to find a design that suits your home. If you are looking for durability in addition to beauty then there are many different types of slate that you can consider. You can choose standard slate tiles, prefabricated slate, or a random width slab.
Even though a standard slate roof will last a very long time if it is properly maintained, there are some designs that are available that are designed to extend the life of your home. For this reason, you are advised to speak to a slate roofer to find out which type of slate is right for you.
Choose a Professional Slate Roofer
Using the right slate roofer will help ensure that you get the best options for your new roof. If you want to use the best material for your home then it is important that you contact a professional slate roofer. By doing this you can avoid serious problems and you’ll probably save some money. The installation process can be intimidating for some homeowners. Finding and hiring the right slate roofer will ensure that you get a better end product.
Whether you need a new installation or you’re searching for “slate roof repair near me”, Roof Lux is here for you. We’re a local slate roof installation company at Lake of the Ozarks in central Missouri. Contact us today for a free consultation and estimate so you can get the best roof for your money.
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