Pros And Cons Of Using Slate Versus Asphalt Shingle Roofing
The Good
The Good
Slate is not made in a factory, as other roofing materials are. Its a natural product that is trimmed to different shapes, sizes and thicknesses for roofing purposes. A slate roof looks timeless and adds class to the outside appearance of any home.
Traditional slate tile roofs last for 100 years or more. This means that when a homeowner chooses to install a slate roof, he or she will not have to install another roof during his or her lifetime. Some companies claim that a slate tile roof will last upwards of 150 years, as long as it is installed correctly.
Slate roof tiles are fire resistant. In fact, Durable Slate Roofing Company has reported that slate roofing is one of the most fire resistant roofs that exist.
Because slate roofing tiles are natural stone, they are considered to be environmentally friendly. In addition, slate roofs last so long that they wont take up space in landfills, as asphalt shingle roofing materials do. Currently, approximately five percent of all waste is comprised of these asphalt tiles.
The Bad
The biggest pitfall to having a slate roof installed in your home is the cost. Different companies charge different amounts, and different areas of the nation will have different prices. The estimated cost of having a slate roof installed in your home is anywhere from $1,000 to $8,000 per square foot. Of course, this cost is outrageously higher than a traditional asphalt shingle roof, but you need to remember that slate roofs last at least five times as long as traditional asphalt shingle roofs.
When you decide to have a slate roof installed, you need to do some homework and find a roofing company that is experienced in installing slate roofs. Dont just take their word. Ask to see some references as well as pictures of other slate roofs they have installed. A poorly installed slate roof can cost the homeowner a ton in replacement.
For every square of a roof, slate tiles can weigh between 800 and 1,500 pounds. This means that prior to having a slate roof installed, you may need to get an inspection to make sure your home, and roof trusses are able to withstand such a large amount of weight. Older homes may not be able to take this much weight without adding additional support, which is another added cost.
Although slate roofs are designed to last at least 100 years and up to 150 years, each single tile is fragile. A homeowner cannot walk on the slate roof, unless he or she knows how and where to step. Walking on a slate roof can most certainly mean the tiles will break and you will incur the cost of having many tiles replaced. When replacing single tiles, you will almost never get a tile that is the same color or size, as slate roof tiles are produced in lots.
Whether you are considering a slate roof, or have already decided to get slate roof tiles for your next roofing project, its better to have a professional install the tiles. While slate roofs can last for more than a century, each individual tile is fragile, which makes proper installation of the utmost importance.
There are several benefits to having a slate roof installed on your home. First, slate is a natural stone. This means that it is more environmentally friendly than traditional asphalt shingle roofing. Also, slate roofs are more handsome and add a certain amount of class to a home. Lastly, slate roofs are the most fire retardant roofing material known to man. While there are some cons to getting a slate roof, the biggest complaint appears to be the initial cost. When homeowners are reminded that a slate roof will never need to be replaced and is more durable than asphalt shingle roofs, the benefits quickly outweigh the cons.
by: Mark Glendale
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