Slate Roofs: Everything You Need To Know
If you’re looking for a new roof that looks good and lasts, a slate roof may be for you. It’s important to maintain and regularly repair your roof to better ensure the strength of your home’s structure. A slate roof requires less maintenance, increases the durability of your home, and can help to ensure a high resale value down the road.
Longevity and Durability of Slate Roofs
A huge concern when buying a new home, or maintaining your own, is the health of your roof. Because slate roofs are made of stone, they can last for hundreds of years and aren’t subject to accelerated degradation like other roofing materials. This ensures a more durable home and structure that can stand the test of time.
Slate can also withstand inclement weather and resist mold and mildew. This makes slate roofs a great choice for homes in the coastal Delaware area, where the climate has more moisture. A slate roof’s resistance to natural elements reduces damage sustained during storms and gives you one less thing to worry about. The fire-retardant slate shingles are an added benefit.
Insulation With Slate Roofs
Slate roofs can greatly improve your home’s ability to regulate inside temperatures, which can help you save money on utilities. Slate is a hard, dense stone that makes it difficult for air to penetrate the surface. Other materials are lightweight and porous, which can lead to more variance of inside temperatures and jeopardize the energy efficiency of your home.
Installing a slate roof to improve insulation is a good idea in any climate. In areas with lower average temperatures, a slate roof can help keep your home inside warmer. Similarly, in hotter locations, the airtight nature of this stone material keeps the cooler inside air from escaping.
Resale Value of Homes With Slate Roofs
Investing in a slate roof can raise your home’s value in terms of both function and beauty. Slate roofs are naturally attractive. The texture of the stone and its color add elegant details to your home.
Over time, roofs can experience damage from storms and show regular signs of aging that require repair or full-roof replacement. This is an unattractive feature to a potential buyer looking for a home with a sound structure. Slate roofs yield a higher resale value not only because of the costs of the materials and labor, but also because of their durability. When it’s time to sell your home, you are more likely to see the return on investment for a roof that’s guaranteed to last.
Cost of Slate Roofs
Like most other materials, the more money you spend, the better quality you receive. Slate roofs are no exception to this.
Slate shingles can vary in price depending on the quality and thickness of the stone. They are heavy yet delicate, and come in various shapes. This is because the shingles are cut along the natural grain of the stone. The result is a more complicated installation or replacement process.
While slate shingles can withstand natural elements, they are not resistant to direct impact. Great care is required when installing your roof and doing regular maintenance. Misplaced pressure can cause shingles to crack and split, threatening the safety of your home and requiring replacement.
Like any other roofing material, slate roofs have both pros and cons. Here at Advance Inc., we are dedicated to helping you navigate material choice so you can make the best move for your next home improvement.
Contact us today to speak to an expert and discuss your options.