Slate is a natural material that is high in quality. But, not all slate types are made equal! Whilst slate from well-known quarries are extremely robust, lesser-known quarries and areas are likely to produce fragile and brittle slate. If you are looking for excellent quality material for your roof, you can choose from these great options:
- Spanish Slate: Del Carmen slate is an apt example of Spanish slate. It is globally reputed for its quality, durability, and long term ROI. Del Carmen slate, particularly, is of vibrant blue colour and has a really dense structure. It tends to stay in the same condition for not just years, but decades.
- Welsh Penrhyn Slate: Amongst these slates, Penrhyn is especially recognised as the “gold standard” slate roofing material. It is the most famous type of slate due to the extremely strict measures of quality control followed in the quarry.
It might surprise you, but only 10 per cent of all the quarried slate is considered to be proper enough for the best quality roof tiles. The rest of the slate is used for different other purposes like floor tiling. Although a costly material for roofing, Welsh Penrhyn cannot be easily beat in terms of its overall quality and longevity.
- Canadian Glendyne Slate: This is another type of slate you can choose from. It is acquiring steady recognition across the world. It is well-known for its robustness and unmatched purity, and its special deep blue-grey finish. Even though it is called Canadian Glendyne slate, these slates are quarried in Quebec.
- Composite Slate: Composite slate may not be natural like the others, but it can still be a fine choice for some customers just like the above-mentioned ones. It is made up of synthetic materials and is much cheaper than natural slate. However, if you choose high-quality composite slate, it will last just as long as other durable traditional slate with over 75 years of lifespan. There are also composite tiles that are made to go over 100 years, just like natural slate.
How to Choose the Best Slate for Your Home?
Everything depends on your project, building, budget and other details. But, you can use these tips to choose the best one for you:
- Determine Budget: Before shopping for slate tiles and acquiring estimates from a roofing agency, ensure that you have an appropriate budget set for a slate roof.
- Check Warranty: Whatever slate you choose, check the manufacturer’s warranty. You could select a warranty period of 30-50 years, but a warranty of 100 years is much better. However, the longer the warranty, the more premium the price will be.
- Talk to an Experienced Roofing Agency: You can consult with a renowned roofing company to get an estimate for your requirements. Discuss the various types of slate with the professionals to learn more about the kind of slate that may be appropriate for you.
Now, you have an idea about which types of slate to consider, and how to ensure you choose the right one. However if you are not sure and want some expert advice and a free quote, please contact The Slate Roofing Company today as we would love to assist you with your enquiry.
