The Advantages Of Slate
As the longest-lasting roofing material, slate offers numerous advantages. One of the most readily observed reasons homeowners and builders choose slate is its appearance. A natural stone product, slate has a very beautiful and distinct aesthetic appeal that connotes elegance. Slate tiles are available in a surprisingly wide variety that includes shades of green, gray, purple, black, red and even mixed varieties. Tiles are also available in varying thicknesses. Middlesex County roofers can help homeowners weigh the pros and cons of installing a slate roof.
Slate roofs can be expected to last more than a century, and they often remain in good condition for 150 years or longer. This is in sharp contrast to the 20 to 30 year lifespan that is expected of many of the more commonly used roofing materials today. In addition to having the characteristic strength of natural stone, slate roofing is completely fire resistant, which is advantageous in regions where wildfires are a common threat, and it also protects homes in all regions against sparks that may result from fireworks and damage that can be caused by an adjacent house fire.
Slate is also typically resistant to weathering of all types in virtually every climate, be it the Southwest or Northeast.
Unlike asphalt shingle roofing, which accounts for the majority of roofing waste transported to landfills, slate is environmentally friendly as it is 100 percent recyclable and can reused in the event that the roof outlasts the underlying structure of the building. Slate may also help stabilize the interior temperature of a building, which can lead to lower utility heating and cooling bills and less energy consumption.
One of the main drawbacks to installing slate roofing is its high price tag. While materials and installation may be very expensive to many consumers, the upfront investment is counterbalanced by minimal maintenance requirements throughout the lifespan of the roof and also by the increase in resell value slate roofing brings to buildings. Therefore, consumers should consider a slate roof to be a high quality, long term investment and likely the last roofing material they will ever need to purchase for their property.
While slate offers tremendous benefits for those who are able to make the investment, proper installation is critical. If slate roofing is not properly installed, it may not effectively provide the fire and weather protection that is characteristic of a natural stone roof, and the roof’s lifespan may be greatly reduced. The roofers at Fortified Roofing of Middlesex County NJ can answer your questions regarding skylights or roof repairs.
Term explained by the roofers at Fortified Roofing, Middlesex County NJ:
Asphalt Shingle
Most roofs today are made of asphalt shingles, which are typically made of fiberglass that is coated with asphalt and mineral granules for UV protection. Fiberglass asphalt shingles are currently replacing the organic felt variety that were commonly used until the 1980s.
Middlesex County, NJ roofers answer a FAQ:
What is faux slate?
Faux slate is a synthetic material designed to create the appearance of natural slate roofing less expensively and without some of the drawbacks. Before considering a synthetic slate roof, consumers should thoroughly understand the differences between natural and synthetic slate as well as the differences that exist among the various synthetic slate products that are now available. Each synthetic product offers its own set of potential pros and cons.
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