Slate is an attractive material that has been used to make roofs for centuries. Slate roofs look great on many types of homes and provide a number of important advantages, along with being one of the most durable options available. Although initial installation by professional roof companies can be more expensive than other options, the many benefits gained usually make slate a worthwhile investment.
Timeless Classic Beauty
The first thing that most people notice about slate roofs is their classic beauty. Used in Europe for hundreds of years and in the United States since the 19th Century, slate has a desirable old world appearance that can enhance almost any type of architecture. Available as shingles cut to different sizes, shapes, and thicknesses, slate has a naturally variegated, earthy color range that gives it character. It can be tinted various darker colors like blue, green, and even deep red. One of the most beautiful types of shingles used today, slate stands out, adding style and value to most homes.
Long Roof Life
Slate is a very hard natural material that can withstand a lot of weather abuse. When expertly installed by skilled roof companies, it protects a home against weather extremes including heavy rain, strong wind, and damaging hail better than most other materials for a much longer time. Highly resistant to damage caused by UV light rays, slate requires little maintenance and can last 100 to 200 years when properly cared for.
Environmentally Friendly Choice
Slate is an environmentally friendly choice to have installed by roof companies. Extracted from the ground, it is readily available and involves a relatively clean production process in comparison to the production of synthetic roofing materials. Slate can be recycled when it is removed and can be safely discarded in the ground as well. When properly installed and insulated, it can help reduce utility bills because of its thermal properties that prevent the passage of heat through the shingles and into - or even out of - the home.
Important Fire Resistance
In addition to being durable and long-lived, slate roofs are also highly fire-resistant. Since slate is unaffected by flying embers that land on it, this property offers important protection to homes surrounded by trees or in areas where wildfires are common. In terms of fire protection, homeowners in vulnerable areas that choose fire resistant roofing like slate may be eligible for home insurance discounts due to the reduced risk of damage that could be caused by wildfires.
Considering its many qualities, slate is a beautiful, durable, and eco-friendly roofing choice. While these roofs do carry a higher price tag than most others, slate outlasts all other materials and is often a preferred option for many homeowners. When carefully installed by experienced roof companies, slate shingles provide a lifetime of strikingly beautiful protection for any home, in almost any climate!