Hicksville Roofing: Article About Slate Roofing Advantages and Disadvantages
Synthetic slate materials give a natural appearance for roofs of all kinds, plus they're easy to install, and they last a long time. They are also much more durable than natural slate, which can break and chip easily if stepped on. Synthetic slate is made from engineered polymer that comes in many colors at half the cost.
Hicksville roofing FAQ: Why is it important to have fire resistant roofing?Because it's fireproof, slate remains undeterred by sparks that may float in the air from fireworks, wildfires or even fires occurring on a nearby property. Other materials can catch fire and spread easily. Slate is a good choice because it's completely fire proof and will resist sparks and flames on the structure.
Adding a new roof to your home is no easy task. There's a lot that goes into the decision, not just with the cost but also materials. You may be going back and forth on which type of roof to get. You may have seen plenty of asphalt shingles around. That's understandable, since about 80 percent of America's homes feature asphalt shingle roofs. But have you considered slate? This roofing material is desirable for its high quality yet it has some downsides, too, such as fragile construction. Ask your Hicksville Roofing expert about the pros and cons of slate roofing before making a decision.
Benefits
Known for its high-quality, long-lasting characteristics, slate is a natural stone with a gorgeous look that makes any home stand out from the rest. Aside from its inherent beauty, slate lasts a lot longer than most other types of roofs. In fact, it's been known to last between 100 and 150 years if installed correctly and well-maintained over its lifetime. That's a lot of peace of mind, considering asphalt shingles only last about 20 years.
Slate is a versatile, classic stone that comes in many styles, shapes, thicknesses and colors. Choose from black and red to gray and green. There's gray, blue and even mottled, which feature slight hints of complementary colors swirled together. Slate has a natural fire resistant quality, making this another contributing factor to its longevity and safety.
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Slate is also eco-friendly, as it doesn't generate as much waste as, says, asphalt shingles, which need to be replaced every two decades or so.
Drawbacks
Of course, slate isn't for everybody. There are some disadvantages associated with this material, most notably its price. Slate roofing can cost up to $6,000 to $8,000 per square including installation, although some estimates may be a bit lower than that, at between $1,000 and $4,000 per square. That's why it's important to get in touch with your trusted roofing professional for a more accurate price quote. There are also synthetic slate materials on the market that can cut the cost.
Slate is difficult to install, and not every roofer is experienced with this type of material. This can lead to poor workmanship. Asking about experience in this realm as well as references should quell any uncertainty you may have in this regard. Slate is also very heavy and cumbersome to handle. In fact, each square, comprised of 100 square feet, can weigh up to 1,500 pounds each. You'll need to get a professional consultation to see if your home's roof can handle that much weight.
Durability doesn't earn such high marks when it comes to slate roofing. They're easy to break, especially when stepped on during installation. They can't be easily replaced, either, because they are sold in lots, with each lot having its own distinct characteristics.
Weigh each side carefully before making a decision on slate roofing. Arming yourself with the knowledge of the benefits and drawbacks can go a long way toward making an educated decision that gels with your budget.
