Slate roofing is the ideal option for an energy-efficient, durable, all-natural, and cost-effective roof. The beauty and longevity of a slate roof will bring a touch of class to your home and increase its real estate value.
A natural slate roof will usually be made with volcanic ash, clay, and sedimentary rocks that have gone through centuries of metamorphosis. Here, our focus will be on why slate roofing is worth the investment.
Why is Slate a Superior Choice?
Slate is known for its longevity. Some slate roofs can last for a few centuries if they are well taken care of. Slate is also the most fire-resistant of all roofing materials on the market.
Its Class A fire rating is the highest in the industry. Its appearance is also unrivaled. There are hundreds of different slate shapes, colors, shades, textures, and variants to choose from, providing an endless array of combinations to suit your home and your unique preferences.
A timeless, elegant, and natural slate roof will increase your home’s curb appeal and resell value. In addition to the prestige factor that slate brings to the table, it is also a sustainable roofing material. As natural slate is made of 100% raw materials, it is good for the environment.
Its energy-efficiency properties are also impressive, and slate will help reduce your AC bills in the summer and your heating bill during the winter.
Why Do Most Roofing Experts Prefer Slate Roofing?
Slate is very important in the real estate industry because it helps maximize the return on investment of its clients. To install a natural slate roof, you will need to consider the design, style, and type of slate.
Slates are often stacked on their long side and usually come in pallets. After they have been removed, they will need to be sorted into four thicknesses, and they will also need to be graded. Hook fixing and nailing currently serve as the two most popular methods for installing natural slates.
After the slates have been checked for defects, you can begin to fix them with nails. Slates can be delivered pre-holed if they are of the natural variety. If they have not been pre-holed, you can make a hole in them with a holing machine.
It is possible to hole them manually. Slate hooks can be used instead of nails. The width of the slate will need to be a sufficient size to allow for proper fixing. Perimeter slates will also need to be nailed and hook fixed.
A slate roof installation is a strategic process that, when used properly, will help cut down on the cost of the installation process.
How Long Does the Slate Roof Last?
Many people will ask their contractors this question while their homes are being built. The roof’s longevity is something that every new homeowner will need to consider.
The style and type of roof will affect how long it will last. Slate is the best option for those who prioritize durability above all else as it is capable of lasting hundreds of years with minimal maintenance. Sturdy, durable, fire-resistant, and prestigious slate encompasses the best of all worlds to create the ultimate roofing material.
Factors that Influence the Lifespan of Your Slate Roof
From residential to industrial, there are a wide array of roofing styles to choose from. Your tastes, budget, location, climate, and building design will impact the roofing material used.
The type of roof you own will determine how long it will last and how often it needs to be maintained—roof color matters. Dark roofs tend to absorb more heat, which means they will be susceptible to damage.
The roof pitch is important. You should choose a roof with an extreme rise to facilitate precipitation run-off. An elevated angle will increase your roof’s lifespan. Roof ventilation is also crucial, as it will help control moisture and humidity levels.
If your roof’s ventilation is poor, then it will deteriorate faster. Climate and precipitation should also be taken into account.
Your roof should not be vulnerable to various weather patterns or conditions, irrespective of whether or not you live in a cloudy or wet area or a hot and sunny location. Even roof orientation needs to be considered.
Homes that face south will receive additional heat from the sun. If you opt for a roof that faces north, it will be less exposed to the sun’s intense heat, which will help increase its lifespan.
The installation method may be the most important of all factors. Installation errors or negligence will cause your roof to fail prematurely. Only partner with a licensed and bonded roofing company with a proven track record of success.
An Investment in Your Legacy
By choosing a slate roof for your home, you will be investing in your home’s legacy. A slate roof can last for hundreds of years and requires minimal maintenance and repairs. Moreover, its natural beauty will make your home stand out among many plain homes.
Your home will quickly appreciate, and the slate will also protect your home and your family thanks to its unrivaled resistance against fire, water damage, heavy winds, and pests.
There are also many different color combinations to choose from, so you can get creative and help select an amalgam that best compliments your home’s style and decor.
While slate is more expensive than other roofing materials, it will quickly pay for itself thanks to its impressive aesthetic and pragmatic benefits.
There are also many different types of slate to choose from, including stone, metal, and bitumen variants, so you should be able to select a variant that fits your budget without much effort.