Pros and Cons of Slate Roofing

When it comes to roofing, there are plenty of options, and very few materials hit everyone’s must-haves. A buyer needs to evaluate the pros and cons of the materials they’re comparing and determine the one that best meets their needs. Whether you’re looking for the cheapest, the longest lasting, or the easiest to install, there’s a roofing material for you. If you’re considering slate as one of your options, here are some of the pros and cons to consider.

Pros

Aesthetic Appeal – Slate roofs are classy, there’s no denying it. When we think of slate roofs, we think of tudor castles and classic mansions. Those builders knew that slate would last, so those who could afford it readily invested in it. It offers a distinct look that portrays high-end construction.

Longevity – A slate roof can last 100 years if installed and maintained properly. There isn’t any other material that can make that claim. Very few things last that long in today’s world. Never replacing your roof again in your lifetime is worth the investment.

Low Maintenance – A naturally occurring product with a lifespan of 100 years is clearly pretty self-sustaining. The high density of slate makes it waterproof, meaning that it will not absorb water. Slate is completely non-combustible and will protect your home in the event of a fire. Slate is also highly resistant to any temperature fluctuations and inclement weather conditions, making it ideal in areas prone to heavy rain, snow, and wind.

Moreover, a slate roof will not be affected by fungus and mold. These properties make a slate roof practically maintenance free, allowing you to have the peace of mind, without having to spend extra cash on expensive maintenance and repairs.

Eco-friendly – Slate is made in nature and can return to nature without damage. Also, roofing materials account for 5% of all construction waste. With a roof that lasts 100 years, you won’t have to worry about contributing to that startling statistic.

Cons

Cost – This is likely the number one concern of those in the market for a new roof when considering slate. A material that is low maintenance and long lasting is unlikely to come cheap. A buyer needs to weigh the cost of a slate roof in comparison to the cost of other materials, as well as the maintenance and replacement of those options over the time they plan to own the property. For example, an asphalt roof will likely need to be replaced at least four times in that same span.

Fragility – While slate can withstand mother nature for a hundred years, it can’t hold up to focused, downward pressure like a foot step. And if one does get cracked, replacement can come with it’s own headaches. First, since it occurs in nature, each batch has its own unique coloring and look and finding a replacement that matches can be difficult. That’s why so many slate roofs are made of a variety of colors, so that difference will be camouflaged. Replacing tiles can also be tricky, since they can’t bear the direct weight of a repairman. 

Weight - One of the drawbacks of slate for some homeowners is the heavy weight of slate roofing tiles. Consequently, not all homes have the structural support necessary to take the weight of a slate roof, and often additional reinforcement needs to be installed.

Installation - The key to slate’s longevity is proper installation. If a slate roof is not properly installed, it could easily become the cause of some major roof problems. Slate requires a specialized roofing system and installing it correctly does require some proper training and experience. Because of this, it can be difficult to find a roofer who knows how to work with slate, or is willing to do so.

Traditional installation skills are becoming less of a hurdle though thanks to pneumatic installation systems, like the BECK Slate Hook System. Collated, patent pending Slate Roofing Hooks made by BECK are nothing less than revolutionary compared to today’s difficult and time-consuming manual installation of roofing hooks. The collated roofing hooks are pneumatically driven with the new Slate Roof Nailer and represent the fastest, safest and most efficient slate shingle installation method to date.

When choosing your roof, decide what factors matter to you most. No matter what material you choose, always take care to install it properly with the proper tools for the job.