A new roof is an expensive investment, so homeowners want to see a gorgeous, long-lasting roof to feel that their roofing investment was worthwhile. Slate roofing offers enduring beauty and is among the strongest and longest-lasting materials available. Given that it goes with every architectural style, slate roofing has recently gained popularity once again and is largely popular among homeowners. In addition to real slate, synthetic slate roofing has also been produced. Here, we examine more closely the benefits of both types of slates that roofing contractors and their clients should be aware of.
Advantages of traditional slate
Slate is a naturally occurring material that comes in a wide range of natural colours and textures, and slate roofs are instantly recognisable for their timeless appearance and aesthetic appeal. When compared to more widely used materials like asphalt shingles, slate roofing offers unmatched resilience and longevity, with a projected lifespan of at least 100 years. Slate is made of natural stone, making it more enduring than something manufactured. Slate has proven to work. Additionally, when properly placed, your customers can enjoy their homes more and worry less about maintenance. Slate is inherently waterproof, non-combustible, and impervious to fungus and mould, making it durable and essentially maintenance-free.
Slate is significantly more durable than other roofs, which may need to be replaced every 10–20 years, while some minor wear and tear is unavoidable. Due to slate’s lifespan, a property’s value also rises with a slate roof, which is fantastic news if your customers are considering selling their home in the future. The lengthy lifespan of slate helps those who care about the environment considerably reduce the quantity of roofing waste that ends up in landfills.
Exploring synthetic slate
Traditional slate is more expensive than synthetic slate roofing. Additionally, while typical slate is strong enough to endure severe weather, it cannot hold the weight of someone standing on the tiles during construction. Because you do not need to rely on the specialised equipment or expertise necessary for traditional slate shingle installation, this helps to keep the cost of roofing installation down. Each of these elements combines to give your project a cost-saving advantage.
Rubber and plastic are recycled resources, and synthetic slate may be walked on, making installation simpler. Synthetic slate is regarded as a “green” alternative to conventional building materials. Traditional slate roofing can be replaced with synthetic slate, which has several advantages. But beware—since synthetic slate goods are still very new on the market, there isn’t much solid information about their long-term durability. Synthetic slate may bend and crack because rubber and plastic are both flexible.
The best choice
The ideal alternative will mostly depend on the preferences of the homeowners. The length of time the homeowner plans to reside on the property and whether they desire the traditional slate’s higher resale value should be taken into account. Replacement and upkeep are additional factors. On comparing both, it can be concluded that additional slate is the superior choice for a roof that will last a lifetime and won’t need to be replaced. For more information or a free quote, please contact The Slate Roofing Company now. We service Sydney, the South Coast of NSW and the Southern Highlands.