Slate Roofing: Good Investment Or An Unnecessary Expense For Your Home?
When you’re comparing roofing materials for a new roof or roof replacement, keep slate in mind. Slate might not be as common as asphalt shingles or other roofing materials, but it offers some significant benefits. Is a slate roof a good investment overall for your home? Take the following factors into consideration when making this decision.
Longevity
Some types of roofs only last for a couple of decades, making them more of a short-term investment for your home. A slate roof provides a roofing system that can last up to 100 years. This longevity means you don’t have to worry about having your slate roof replaced in just 20 or 30 years. Instead, you’ll have a roof that lasts a lifetime.
Easy Repairs
Slate roofs are not as vulnerable to damage as other roofing materials. They can withstand exposure to the elements and are resistant to fire, pests, and other hazards. However, flashing and other components of slate roofs might require repairs from time to time. A knowledgeable roofer can typically repair these smaller areas with ease. With a slate roof, you also don’t have to worry about needing extensive or major repairs unless there is an unforeseen and extreme natural event.
Minimal Maintenance
Some roofing materials need regular maintenance to stay in good condition. Slate roofs require little maintenance due to their durability and other qualities. Since they don’t absorb much moisture, they don’t end up with mildew or mold stains.
Aesthetic Appeal
Slate roofing has a distinctive appearance that can provide almost any home with a boost in aesthetic appeal. Historic homes, in particular, can benefit from the beautiful look of a slate roof. Having aesthetic appeal can improve your home’s curb appeal, giving it an enhanced appearance. If you’re planning on selling your home at some point, this curb appeal can make it easier to find buyers.
Higher Home Value
With slate roofing lasting a lifetime, installing this type of roof can boost your home value. This comes in handy if you’re listing your home on the market since it puts you in a better position to negotiate for a higher price.
Durability
Since slate is made from natural rock, it can handle exposure to high winds, severe storms, and the sun’s UV rays without becoming damaged or worn. Slate roofing is also fire-resistant, which helps protect your home from widespread damage. Pests cannot dig or chew their way through the slate, reducing your risk of having a pest infestation in your roof or attic. These qualities make slate a highly durable roofing option for your home.
Color Variations
Choosing a roofing material with various colors and other style options means you can pick a design that enhances your home. Slate is available in a wide range of colors, including shades of green, red, and gray, so you can choose a tone that matches or contrasts with your exterior. Slate also comes in different widths and thicknesses, giving you more options to choose from to get the appearance you want.
Natural Material
Slate is made of natural material that doesn’t need a lot of processing to manufacture. In addition to having a considerable aesthetic appeal, this raw material makes it more environmentally friendly. Slate doesn’t have to be produced in a factory from synthetic materials since it’s a naturally occurring roofing material.
Energy-Efficiency
A slate roof can help you save money on cooling and heating your home. Due to its thickness, slate stops hot air from warming up your home in summer, so your air conditioner doesn’t have to work as hard at cooling your home. During winter, slate’s density stops heated air inside your house from escaping. This allows you to use your heating system less throughout the season.
Eco-Friendly Disposal
Slate roofs produce waste that has eco-friendly disposal options. For example, if you need to replace one or more pieces of slate, you can use the old pieces for other projects, such as a garden pathway, instead of throwing them in the garbage. This leads to less landfill waste, which is better for the environment.
Cost
Slate roofing costs more than many other types of roofing. However, the advantages it provides make up for the higher cost. When you invest in a slate roof for your home, its longevity and other benefits outweigh its price tag. Even though you might pay more for a slate roof upfront, you can count on it lasting for several decades instead of a few. So, is slate roofing a good investment for your home? We think so!
If you’re considering investing in a slate roof for your Norfolk home, please get in touch with Stevens Roofing. We offer dependable, high-quality roofing services for homeowners in the Norfolk area, including installation and repairs.
