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The Pros and Cons of Slate Roofing


Schenectady NY Home Inspection The Pros and Cons of Slate Roofing
The Pros and Cons of Slate Roofing

If you're seeking a life-long roofing system that will offer exceptional durability and add a distinctive touch of ageless beauty and curb appeal to your house, then think about buying natural slate roofing. Here’s a look at the pros and cons.


The Cost

The high cost of labour and materials does deter home owners. Based upon the quality and the total qauntity of slate roofing, expect to pay between $5.00 and $8.00 per square foot. With all the setup, your complete cost will probably be between $10.00 and $20.00 per square foot installed.


Good Looks

Among the most attractive characteristics of slate is its own natural beauty, followed by its own uncontested durability.


Slate will improve the expression of any architectural design, and is offered in many different pure slate colours and textures. Slate's color choices incorporate gray, green, black, purple, red in addition to tiles which sport a combination of colours.


Moreover, slate tiles are formed by hand to satisfy certain needs and may be custom made in many different thicknesses and dimensions. Irrespective of its era, slate will preserve its distinctive look.


Longevity

in regards to longevity, few roofing materials can compete with slate. A slate roof will easily last over 100 years, which can be at least twice of what other roof materials can provide.


High Durability and Little Care

Being a natural rock, slate is stronger than any synthetic substance. High levels of slate makes it watertight, meaning it won't absorb dampness. Slate is totally non-combustible and will guard your house in case of a fire too!


Slate is also exceptionally resistant to temperature changes and inclement weather conditions, which makes it perfect in areas vulnerable to heavy rain and snow. Additionally, a slate roof won't be impacted by fungus and mould.


High Resale Value

Installing a slate roof on a home, significantly increases its resale value. Additionally, slate's permanence, durability and aesthetic appeal is likely to make your house more appealing to potential buyers should you decide to sell it.


Fragility and Replacement Issues

Whilst slate is a really durable material, it may break if stepped on. You shouldn't walk on slate tiles if you don't understand what you're doing, otherwise you will probably damage a number of them.


In addition, once a slate roof is brokenup, replacing it's a complex endeavor. Slate runs by lot and every lot differs, making it almost impossible to locate replacement tiles which are a perfect fit.


Heavy Weight

Among the downsides of slate would be that the hefty weight of slate roof tiles, which weigh between 800 -- 1,500 lbs per 100 square feet.


Therefore, not all houses have the structural support required to select the burden of a slate roof, and frequently additional reinforcement has to be set up.


Complex Setup

The secret to slate's longevity is appropriate setup. When a slate roof isn't correctly installed, it can fail quickly.


The truth is that most roofers don't have the expertise, but many will easily agree to put your slate roof on anyhow. Seek the services of an experienced contractor that specializes in slate roofs.



The Author Schenectady NY Home Inspections LLC is a locally owned and family operated Home Inspection Company. Schenectady NY Home Inspections is located in Schenectady NY and has performed over 6500 Inspections Book online

Phone: 1-800-603-5194


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