Slate roofs have been in demand for quite a while due to their durability and other factors. The slate market size was around USD 962.9 million in 2020 and is expected to grow up to 1529.94 million by 2031.
So, if you’re also considering this roofing material, let’s first know what it offers you!
Benefits of slate roofs
Slate roofs bring a wide range of attractive benefits for homeowners like the following:
1. High durability
The best part of getting a slate roof is its longevity. If you get one, you won’t have to get it changed ever – as long as you take care of it.
The exact durability of a slate roof depends on various factors like maintenance, weather conditions, quality, and so on. However, it usually provides great service for 50-100 years.
2. Improved curb appeal
Most homeowners dream of a magnificent curb appeal for their home.
For some, it’s to maintain an eye-catching look and feel good about their achievement – their home. For others, it’s to boost their property value. Buyers will be more open to paying a higher price for a beautiful home.
A slate roof will make your dreams come true if you’re either of them.
3. Natural insulation and energy conservation
Unlike most other roofing materials, a slate roof is a natural insulator due to its relative hardness and density. This doesn’t let warm or cool air escape through. Thus, your home can hold on to preferred temperatures for long periods.
This also improves your household’s energy efficiency. It reduces your energy bills enormously.
4. Safety
Slate is a waterproof material. So, if it’s installed properly, it won’t let moisture enter or leave your home. It’s also pretty dense and heavy, which helps provide greater wind resistance compared to other materials.
Moreover, the slate is inflammable. It protects your house from external fire. It’s also non-conductive, so it’s a great protection against lightning.
How to switch to a slate roof?
It’s a lot of work to switch the entire roof of the house to a new material. The entire task needs a lot of consideration, research, and knowledge about slate roofs to ensure you maintain it well and stay prepared for any situation.
So, here are a few steps to make your slate roof dream come true:
1. Check whether your house can hold slate weight
Slate is extremely dense and heavy. Not all houses are built in a way to stand the weight of slate roofing. So, not all homeowners can get a slate roof.
Can your home withstand the weight of a slate roof?
If not, don’t forcibly install a slate roof. Otherwise, the house walls may fall, and the roof may cave in. Instead, you must seek experts to retrofit your home and make it strong enough to withstand the weight. For this, you need a structural engineer’s approval.
2. Choose the right roofing contractor
Get a list of slate roof installers and choose the right fit wisely. Research their past projects and check whether they have the right training and skills to handle the task. Pay attention to this factor, as slate tiles are pretty fragile. If they fall, they easily crack.
The best way to find a great roof installer is to seek a high-quality roofing material seller and ask them for suggestions.
3. Don’t shy away to ask for an estimate
Slate – being one of the most durable materials – is pretty expensive. It may cost you about four times the price of an asphalt roof.
However, once you install it, you don’t have to worry for a lifetime. So, it’s worth the shot! To ensure you have enough funds, ask your installer for an estimate.
4. Get the right insurance
Have realistic expectations from your roof. Know about the variety of weather conditions slate can withstand.
Regular extreme weather conditions – like hail, tornadoes, major storms, long and extreme winters, and so on – may diminish your slate roof lifespan. For this, seek a homeowners insurance agent and ensure it’s covered.
5. Learn to maintain the slate roof
Although slate is durable, remember it can break if not handled properly. So, you must never walk on a slate roof unless you’re trained in that.
Sometimes, the tile won’t show any visible damage when you walk. However, there might be minuscule fractures that may lead to leaks.
You should be careful when anyone works on or near the roof. It might be a painter, chimney cleaner/sweeper, satellite dish installer, etc. Warn them against walking on the roof and, if necessary, monitor them.
You must also perform an annual slate roof inspection by professionals with these steps:
- Check for cracked and fallen slates around your house.
- Ensure the flashings are in good shape. If not, change them out.
- Get the downspouts and gutters cleaned.
- Ensure that chimney masonry, flashing around it, and the flue covers are intact.
- Inspect for damages in sheathing.
Conclusion
That said, you know everything necessary to embrace a slate roof at your home. So, connect with professionals and begin the project right away!
