The Pros and Cons of Slate Roofing
Slate roofing is a beautiful and durable option for a lot of homes. It can add gravitas to an existing roof, while also giving you a long-lasting material that likely won’t need replacement as often as other roofing materials.
No one material is perfect, but slate offers a compelling set of advantages that offset the few key disadvantages for most homeowners.
If you’re looking for quality materials and superior installation, Rapid Roofing can help. Let’s talk about the advantages and disadvantages of slate, how it works here in Michigan, and everything you need to know to decide if slate is the right material for your roof.
Key Advantages of Slate Roofing
Choosing the right roofing material for your home can be a tricky process. Balancing the cost of a new roof with the advantages and disadvantages of any material can be difficult.
To help make your job easier, here are some of the most important advantages of slate.
- High Weather Resistance: One of the biggest reasons that many people in Michigan choose slate roofs is that slate is highly resistant to most weather conditions.
- Helps Prevent Pests: Another big advantage is that it’s typically harder for pests to get through slate roofs into your attic or the framing of the roof. That can offer big savings on pest removal and repairing the damage left by pests.
- Natural Insulation: Having a slate roof can significantly reduce your utility bills because the added insulation makes it easier to keep your home a consistent temperature.
- High Fire Resistance: When homes are rated for their resistance to fire, the roof is one of the most important considerations. A lot of house fires can start when a spark from a nearby fire lands on the roof. Fortunately, slate tiles are basically fireproof, and the natural insulation also helps protect the wooden framing underneath.
- Natural Lightening Protection: If you’ve ever seen the damage caused by lightning after a thunderstorm, you know how important it is to protect your home from lightning strikes. Since slate is non-conductive, it naturally helps protect your home from lightning damage.
Key Disadvantages of Slate Roofing
Of course, no material is perfect, so there are some downsides to slate roofs as well. Here are the main disadvantages of getting a slate roof for your home.
- Slate is Brittle: One of the biggest downsides to slate is that it is brittle to impact. Large hail and flying debris can both cause a significant amount of damage to the slate, so you may end up needing repairs after significant hail events.
- Slate is Difficult To Install: Another disadvantage is that slate should only be installed by professionals. It’s a tricky material to work with, and your roof may need reinforcement if you’ve never had a slate or ceramic tile roof before.
- Slate Can Be Expensive: Compared to other roofing materials, slate can be a little more expensive for an initial install. The investment will pay off during the lifetime of your roof, but you should be prepared for higher upfront costs.
Not sure if slate is the right roof material for you? Here are some of the key Factors to Consider When Choosing A Roof Material.
Common Misconceptions About Slate Roofs
One of the most common misconceptions about slate as a roofing material is that many homeowners think that this roof style needs less maintenance. The truth is that slate roofs need regular maintenance by professionals but will last significantly longer than most alternatives as long as that maintenance is done.
Another common misconception is that slate roofs are too heavy for standard foundations. Fortunately, slate is no heavier than ceramic tile, and ceramic tiles are some of the most common roofing materials.
Lastly, a lot of homeowners think that slate roofs can’t be repaired after installation. While it makes sense given that slate tile doesn’t hold up well to being walked on, professional roofers who know how to work with tile roofs can make necessary repairs whenever you need them.
Why Choose Rapid Roofing For All Your Roof Installation and Maintenance Needs
Choosing the right roofing company is key to getting the results you’re looking for. From the design of your roof to choosing the right materials for any job, Rapid Roofing can help. Contact us to get your free estimate on slate roofing from Rapid Roofing.
