A century ago, slate was one of the most popular roofing materials in the United States – in older neighborhoods, especially around Miami you can still can find a few early 20th-century slate roofs. As cheaper man-made materials, like asphalt shingles, came on the market, slate fell out of fashion. Slowly it is making a comeback as homeowners across the nation discover that slate roofing has a lot to offer:
10 Facts You May Not Know About Slate Roofing
1. Slate is extremely durable. It’s not unusual for a slate roof to last a century or longer. Although this type of roofing is more expensive initially, a slate roof is the last roof you’ll ever have to buy.
2. Slate is environmentally friendly. Because a slate roof can last ten times longer (or more) than an asphalt shingle roof, much less roofing material needs to be produced over time when you opt for slate. Not only does this save on raw materials – but also on the energy needed to manufacture the materials.
3. No two slate tiles are exactly alike. Because slate is made by mother nature, not man, each tile has a unique, individual look.
4. Slate is water-resistant. Rain and melted snow slide right off of a slate roof.
5. Slate is fire-resistant. Unlike wood or asphalt, which must be coated with a fire-resistant product, slate simply does not burn!
6. Slate requires little maintenance. Unlike most other types of roofing, slate requires little maintenance. However, make sure to have an experienced professional make necessary repairs when they are needed.
7. A slate roof will insurance your property value. Because a new owners know that they won’t ever have to replace the roof, your slate roof can be a big marketing tool when it comes time to sell your home.
8. Slate is naturally insect-resistant. You don’t have to worry about termites burrowing into your slate roof.
9. Slate is less likely to be damaged by wind, hail or heavy storms. A properly-installed slate roof is all but impervious to severe weather. Once again, however: if damage is sustained, have a professional slate roofer perform necessary repairs. Many slate roofs are damaged by improper repairs.
10. A slate roof can earn you a discount on your homeowners’ insurance. Because slate is naturally fire-resistant, many insurance companies offer discounts for homes with slate roofs.
Don’t be dissuaded from considering slate for your new roof just because of the price. When you consider slate’s durability and many other benefits, it just might be your most economical option.
To learn more about adding a slate roof on your home, contact A-1 Property Services, serving the Miami area. As a certified GAF Slate Crafter™ you can be sure we will get the job done right!
Check out our Slate Roofing Page!