So you need a new roof. If the time has come to pull the trigger on this big home improvement effort, some decisions need to be made—and one of the biggest is the materials you want to use. Nobody would fault you for choosing the ever-common shingles or even a metal roof, but slate roofing should never be overlooked. It’s something many homeowners swear by, thanks to its natural beauty, charm, and longevity. Whether you’re building a new home from the ground up or replacing an existing roof, this choice in materials can pay off in several ways. Let’s take a look at what you can expect, and why this is a great option.
Exceptional Longevity
One of the biggest draws of slate roofing is the incredible lifespan it offers. Traditional roofing materials typically last 20 to 30 years, but slate is in a league of its own by far. If it’s well-maintained, a slate roof can last anywhere from 75 to 100 years. Fewer replacements will be required over the lifetime of your home, because that sucker is likely to outlast you.
What can this impressive lifespan be attributed to?
- It’s made from dense and durable natural stone.
- It’s resistant to common issues found in other materials, such as rot and insect damage.
- Minimal maintenance is required for upkeep.
Timeless Aesthetic Appeal
While shingles offer plenty of pleasing aesthetics, it’s hard to deny the visual charm slate roofing provides to a home. It gives off a natural beauty that few other materials can even hope to match, with rich textures and earthy tones. All of this comes together to create a high-end look that will demand the attention of those passing by or doing some house hunting.
Visual advantages:
- A natural stone appearance
- Available in a variety of colors and patterns, further expanding customization options
- Complementary to historic and modern styles alike
Superior Durability
Slate roofing tiles offer more than just a pretty face, however. Under all that beauty is a material that’s made of sterner stuff. It’s a naturally dense stone, meaning it boasts high resistance to fire, water, mold, and pests. Extreme weather conditions—wind, hail, heavy snow, cats and dogs, and so on—will have a difficult time even making a dent, as well.
Eco-Friendly and Sustainable
If you’re an eco-conscious homeowner, you should give some serious consideration to slate roofing tiles, as it’s a sustainable choice. It’s made from natural stone, after all, meaning it’s gone through minimal processing. As such, the environmental impact is much smaller than that associated with the manufacturing process of synthetic materials.
The sustainability benefits offered by slate roofing tiles include:
- Reduced materials waste thanks to an extremely long lifespan
- Non-toxic, natural composition
- General reusability following removal
When you choose slate, you’re not just choosing a durable, beautiful roof—you’re choosing a healthier planet. Win-win!
Increased Home Value
While a slate roof is a great investment in your home’s performance and longevity, those aren’t the only benefits. This kind of roof can give a serious boost to the value of the house, as well! Now, we’re not saying you should up and sell your home, but it’s a great perk in case you ever uproot. While various shingle options may look similar to each other in the eyes of potential buyers, slate immediately stands out in a great way. This makes homes with slate roofing particularly enticing in the housing market.
Here’s the added value you can enjoy thanks to having a slate roof:
- Premium aesthetic that works wonders for curb appeal
- Tells buyers they won’t have to worry (much) about future maintenance
- Offers a striking difference when compared to other homes that likely have more “standard” looking rooftops, meaning offers will likely be higher
PJ’s Roofing—Experienced Slate Roofing Contractors
If you’re looking for the ideal combination of beauty, strength, and sustainability in your roofing materials, slate is the full package. Maintenance requirements are low and the expected lifespan offered by a slate roof—upwards of a full century—is seriously impressive, not to mention the big boost to curb appeal.
Of course, none of that matters without skilled slate roofing contractors who can do the materials justice. At PJ’s Roofing, we’ve been around the block a few times when it comes to slate. If you’re curious about the finer details and want some more questions answered, you know how to get in touch. Likewise, if you’re itching to get your slate roofing project underway, we’re itching to get to work!
