subject: Trident Roofing: Slate For Your Roofs [print this page] Slate is a fine grade metamorphic rock composed of clay or volcanic ash. Slate is one of the finest roofing materials available. It is fireproof, resists hail damage, possesses unquestionable beauty, and often has a service life of 100 years or more. Slate roofing tile has a long and storied history, and is generally known as one of the highest quality, longest lasting roofing materials on the market. On the other hand, the high cost, difficult installation, and relative fragility of slate roofing tile means it's not ideal for everybody. That is why roofing contractors like that of Tridentroofing.com seldom installs it anymore.
Prior to the development of asphalt roofing products, slate was a major player in the roofing products industry. Slate peaked in popularity at the turn of the century. The move away from steep roof slopes and less expensive roofing products have caused the slate roofing industry to shrink to one twentieth of its original size. But for some slate roofing is still a hit because of its aesthetic appeal that is why roofing contractors like trident roofing still offer this materials as an option for their clients.
Homeowners are drawn to slate because of its beauty. There simply isn't a roofing material on the market that has a classier, more celebrated appearance. Furthermore, slate roofing tiles offer more choices than most homeowners realize, available in varying sizes and thicknesses, as well as a wide range of colors, including gray, green, purple, black, red, and mottled tiles that sport several colors mixed together. Aside from its appearance clients still avail of this material from the roofers like Tridentroofing.com because of its durability. Slate roofs can and should be routinely built to last at least a century. In fact, 150 years is a reasonable expectation of a roof's longevity if the roof is properly constructed. That's a big plus in an industry where many roofing systems are lucky to last 20 or 30 years before needing replacement.
There is also a downside when it comes to slate roofs. The biggest concern for slate roofs is its cost. Slate roofs are relatively very expensive and difficult to install, the material itself is expensive and it may cost you more for the installation of slate roofs. If slate roofs are not properly installed it is a lot like having no roof at all. Aside from this slate roofs are also very heavy. Youll need to have your residence evaluated from a structural standpoint before you install slate roofing tile on your home to make sure it can take the weight.
But for whatever its worth slate is an excellent roofing material. It may seem delicate or expensive but if properly installed not only will it make your house look beautiful it will also protect it for over a hundred years.