Many people tend to choose their roofing materials based on how it will make their homes look to people passing by
. While this is not a bad thing to do, it's important to take into consideration how long the roof is going to last. What good is a beautifully accented roof if you need to replace it every few years because the material is inferior? The key factor is to choose a material that is not only attractive but durable as well.
One advantage of slate is that it is a natural material and that comes in many different colors. This allows the homeowner to design a roof that looks attractive while using natural material that is highly durable. Although it is not maintenance free, you will be able to replace shingles that manage to break or become distant from the roof. If you have ever had an asphalt roof you know how difficult it is to match shades exactly but since slate occurs naturally it is much easier to accomplish this.
While some of the man-made materials have come and gone leaving their guarantees behind, slate will always be available. While it has been used for many years it is more popular in areas where there is a tendency for rain and wind to wear away traditional roofing materials. This doesn't mean it is only designed for low-lying areas. Anyone who wants a natural material that will last for many years can certainly benefit from using slate on their roof. In addition to being highly durable and attractive it is also one of the most fire resistant roofing materials available on the market.