Aesthetic Appeal and Long Lasting Slate Roof Systems

It's a big decision to pick the proper roofing material for your planned roof replacement. You must choose the best one based on factors such as the look you like and your budget.

There are many attractive roofing materials available, but most homeowners would claim slate is the roof of their dreams. But what is a slate roof, exactly?

We'll explain what a slate roof is and some things you should know about obtaining one since we want you to have all the knowledge you need to make this important decision.

You'll learn what a slate roof is and four things you need to know about getting one by the end of this article.

What is the definition of a slate roof?

A slate roof is a high-end roofing style that consists mostly of natural slate tiles and other slate roofing materials.

What is a slate roof?

It's one of the most aesthetically pleasing and long-lasting roof systems available. Asphalt shingles are made to resemble the appearance of slate roofs for aesthetic reasons.

The slate is mined and chipped into square tiles (mainly in Italy). Slate tiles are put one at a time, unlike other roofing materials that come in 3 foot wide strips or metal panels.

As a result, replacing your old roof with a new slate roof takes a long time.

Now that you understand what a slate roof is, there are four things you should know before buying a new one. Before selecting if slate is the correct roofing material for you, you should consider the weight, cost, and other factors.

1. Your house must be strong enough to support the weight of a slate roof

Slate roofs are extremely heavy. As a result, your home must be built or framed to support the weight of the slate tiles.

This prevents your home's walls from collapsing and your roof from collapsing. If your house can't support the weight of the slate as it is, you'll have to adapt it.

A structural engineer must authorize the retrofitting, and it must be completed before the roof can be put. If you need to undertake any retrofitting or new framing, the cost of your new slate roof will skyrocket.

2. Slate is one of the most expensive roofing materials available

Slate roofs, after all, are one of the most robust and long-lasting roofing materials available. It is, nevertheless, one of the most expensive roofing materials.

You may expect to pay at least four times as much for a slate roof as for an asphalt roof. A slate roof is usually not the best choice if you're looking for a low-cost option.

However, if you want a beautiful roof that will last and you can afford it, this will be the last roof you ever install.

3. Hire a roofing contractor who has worked on slate roofs before

Investing in a slate roof requires hiring a qualified roofing contractor. You shouldn't have to worry about it again as long as your slate roof is correctly fitted and flashed.

As a result, it's critical to hire a local roofing contractor with experience installing slate roofs. The reason for this is that handling and installing slate tiles requires a highly skilled roofer or someone who has received proper training.

Because the tiles are easily breakable, each one must be handled with care. If the installers don't know how to do it correctly, the slate tiles can shatter, causing difficulties (leaks) and shortening the life of your roof.

Whether you require repairs or a complete roof replacement, selecting contractor is critical to the lifespan of your slate roof. When picking a local roofing contractor, you should look for more than just a track record of proper roof installation.

4. Slate roofs are not covered by a manufacturer's warranty

You'll get two warranties when you buy a new roof. You'll get one on the contractor's work and one on the roofing supplies from the manufacturer.

Slate tiles, on the other hand, are formed organically, hence there is no manufacturer warranty on the roofing materials. For a slate roof, you'll only have your contractor's workmanship warranty to rely on.

As a result, it's critical to pick a reputable local roofing contractor that will stand behind their work. A contractor's workmanship warranty can range from a tail light warranty (if their business truck's tail lights go out, your warranty is voided) to a two-year, five-year, 10-year, or even lifetime warranty.