Material selection is arguably the most important decision you’ll make in your roof replacement project. After all, the roofing material you’ll end up using can impact how long and how well your new roof protects your home from the brunt of the local weather. Various options are available in today’s market, but slate remains one of the most popular choices.
Trusted roofing company Redemption Roofing and General Contracting explains everything you need to know about slate and why you should consider it as your replacement roofing material.
What You Need to Know About Slate Roofing
Slate is a type of metamorphic rock formed under intense heat and pressure millions of years ago. Sourced from various locations across the United States and in some parts of the world, it has been used as a roofing material for centuries. In fact, during the 1200s and 1300s, builders topped churches and castles in Europe with it because of its extreme resistance against harsh weather and fires.
One of its notable attributes is its unique appearance. You can easily discern the slate by observing the way the sunlight hits it from a certain angle. This is due to the material’s high mineral content, including mica. Some slate types, in fact, can have mica content of up to 40%. The composition of this natural stone gives it a distinct and elegant aesthetic that other roofing materials can’t simply mimic. Thus, if you prioritize boosting your home’s curb appeal, getting a slate roofing system is the way to go.
Another great thing about slate roofing is its longevity. This particular characteristic is the reason why it is considered one of the premium roofing materials in the market today. Some slate roofs, in fact, can reach over a hundred years old. This makes the material a good choice if you are planning to stay in your current home for the foreseeable future.
For all its benefits, however, roof repair and replacement experts like us always say that investing in a slate roof isn’t for everyone. Its initial high cost, combined with time-consuming installation, can intimidate homeowners. You won’t benefit from it if you aren’t planning to stay in your current home for the next few decades. It may not also be a great fit for certain architectural styles and color schemes. That’s why you need to work with a reputable roofing contractor to determine if your home is a good candidate for a slate roof.
What Are the Benefits of Slate Roofing?
Despite its hefty price tag and complicated installation process, slate more than makes up for the disadvantages with its rewarding benefits, including the following:
- Natural Beauty – Slate comes in a wide array of sizes, colors, textures and thicknesses. It can also provide countless design possibilities, especially since some slate products tend to have spots or marks of different colors. After many years since installation, the roofing material will develop a stunning mix of silver and gray. This gives your home character and makes it look more luxurious and upscale.
- Top-Notch Weather Resistance – Slate can protect your home from the elements better than other roofing materials in the market. It also boasts waterproofing properties, which means your roofing system won’t spring a leak and cause moisture damage and other roof-related issues. It is also an ideal option in areas prone to snow, heavy rain, and strong winds because of its ability to withstand temperature fluctuations and extreme weather changes. Even fires, mold, and impact from hail and wind-carried debris are no match to slate roofs.
- Long-term Performance – If properly installed, a slate roof can have a lifespan of a hundred years—maybe even more as long as it is maintained regularly. That’s a big plus in an industry where many roofing materials require replacement after reaching an average service life of 20 to 30 years.
- Eco-Friendly Roofing Material – A roofing material that won’t be replaced anytime soon and is an abundant natural resource isn’t expected to contribute to the growing problem of waste disposal. Slate has little potential to end up in landfills; in fact, an old slate roof can be salvaged and reused for new roof installations once it’s no longer needed.
What to Consider When Choosing a Roofing Contractor
To make sure you get the most out of your slate roof and enjoy its numerous benefits, you must work with a reliable contractor that has extensive experience in installing this type of residential roofing system. Follow these tips to help you find the best one in your area:
- Check Licenses and Insurance – When researching roofers in your area, be sure to verify the prospect’s insurance and licenses. If they have a license, it means that they are allowed to perform roofing work in your area. Plus, they adhere to the local codes and regulations. If they have adequate insurance, you can rest assured you won’t be held liable when something goes wrong during installation.
- Find Out About their Certifications – See to it that the prospective contractor you’re looking to hire for the slate roof installation is certified by the manufacturer of the roofing products they are offering. It indicates their extensive roofing knowledge and expertise and their compliance with the manufacturer’s specifications. Certified roofing contractors are the best in the local area given how stringent the requirements are before they can obtain these distinctions.
For your roof replacement needs, turn to Redemption Roofing and General Contracting. We inspect the entire roof structure and gutter system for any signs of significant damage. From there, we determine whether it only needs simple repairs or must be replaced as soon as possible. We can guide you through the material selection process, taking your home’s architectural style and your own preferences into account.
Count on us for your storm damage insurance claim as well. Give us a call at any of these phone numbers: 936-321-3733 (Montgomery), 281-205-1337 (League City), 830-214-7779 (Spring Branch), (409) 403-5073 (Golden Triangle), or (337) 305-7705 (Lake Charles). You may also fill out our contact form for a free roof inspection and estimate.
