Slate Roof - Durable Roofing through the Centuries

Although a slate roof is not as popular as metal and asphalt shingles, it is one of the longest lasting and durable types of roofing materials. Basically slate is a type of a metamorphic rock, which contains volcanic ash or clay. Although slate can be used as tops for billiard tables, whetstone for sharpening knives, and electrical insulator, the most common use of this tough rock is for roofing purposes. Depending on the climate, roof style, origin, and kind of the slate, a roof made from this material can last for over 100 years with minor repairs and maintenance.

Slate roof materials available in the market can vary in color, surface texture, width, and size. The thickness of standard slates used in roofing is around 3/16 inch to ¼ inch and they may have traditional shingling patterns. However, there are two basic types of slate roofs. One is the textural style, whose surface texture is rough, thickness is varied, and butts are uneven. This type of slate roofing comes in different sizes and colors, including red, green, and purple. Another kind of roofing slate is the graduated slate roofs, which makes use of slates that have different sizes, thickness and shapes. Usually small slates are placed in areas that are not very much exposed, while the large ones are placed at the eaves. You will need a professional to install this type of slate roofing to make sure that the transition of the slates from small to large is smooth. 

What makes slate roof popular? Durability and strength is the most obvious answer to this question. Old houses in the United States have old slates, including sea green, Pennsylvania black, and Buckingham slates that are about 75 to 125 years old already. What's more, you really do not have to exert so much effort in maintaining this type of roof. Lastly, a slate roof exudes class and beauty. Even modern houses that make use of slate roofing materials have character and panache. However, the drawback of slate roofing is the weight. If you want to use slates for your roof, you better make sure you have the needed roofing reinforcements.

Slate roof is typically more expensive than other types of roofs. Installation of one square foot of a natural slate usually ranges from $9 to $40, depending on the style, texture, thickness and many other factors. If you still want to have the slate-look but you do not have enough dough, you can settle for synthetic varieties. Installing the synthetic kind should not be more than $9 per square foot.