Natural slate is one of the most prestigious roofing materials on the market and adds value to the home. From an aesthetic perspective, a slate roof sets your home apart from your neighbours. It’s an eco-friendly option since no petroleum or chemical additives, such as paint, plastic, or preservatives, are used to create the tiles. A permanent roof can last more than 100 years and since slate has been used for centuries, it has a 1,000 plus year track record as the oldest roofing product on earth.
From a durability standpoint, slate roofs are fireproof and boast a Class 4 hail rating, the toughest of the national standards for roof impact resistance. Slate tiles can also be recycled after they’re used on a roof since they’re made of natural stone. Before you think of selecting your roof there are few information to guide you further:
- Natural slate roofs might not be a cost-effective option for everyone, but they shouldn’t be dismissed on pure cost alone. Depending on your goals, they can be a good investment when you consider them from a property value and maintenance expense perspective. Costs can sometimes be financed with a home improvement loan, making the option even more financially accessible than some homeowners think.
When comparing the benefits of installing a long-term and sustainable natural stone roof that will last for 100 years versus one that will need to be manufactured and replaced every 12-25 years, depending on the type of roof, the costs might prove to be less expensive per square feet than any other product. To help a homeowner or architect make the right decision, it is recommended to work closely with industry experts to secure the right installer.
- Before our time, most artificial roofing slate was made from asbestos-cement, a material that had a long track record of successful performance. When the use of asbestos became forbidden, manufacturers rushed to replace asbestos-containing products with cement-based products reinforced with non-asbestos materials.
- Products were quickly introduced into the marketplace with little research and development relative to the products’ desired life. As a result, these materials experienced extensive failures before the end of their intended lifespan. Roofing contractors and building owners became unwitting research agents for the new artificial slate replacement products. When it became clear there were fundamental problems with these materials, contractors and owners were met with neglect, denial, inappropriate counterclaims and lawyers by the manufacturers.
The current generation of artificial slate and shakes is based on rubber and plastic technology. Current products look realistic and are attractive when installed. Although the rubber and plastic industries have made single-ply roofing materials that have successfully withstood the test of time and outdoor weathering, current plastic and rubber slate and shakes do not have track records to match their warranties. Original slate roofing is a little more costly, but it is a lifetime investment for an eco-friendly living as well. If you would like more information on our slate roofing solutions, please don’t hesitate to contact our friendly knowledgeable team today!
