If you’re considering installing a slate roof on your home, you should first understand what the benefits of this type of roofing are. Not only is slate waterproof and visually appealing, but it also has a long life expectancy. You’ll be glad you made this decision if your home will stay looking good for more than 150 years. Although natural slate roofing is not the most affordable option, it is definitely worth the effort. If you’re considering installing a slate roof on your home, be prepared to spend a great deal of time to get it right. roofing companies
Slate has many advantages over asphalt and other materials used in roofing. The material’s electrical insulation and fireproof properties made it the material of choice for early 20th-century electric switchboards and relay controls on large electric motors. In addition to roofing, slate has also been used for billiard table tops and laboratory benchtops. Natural slate is mined in many countries worldwide, but most of it comes from Spain, which produces 90 percent of the natural slate used in roofing in Europe.
Slate roofing is made of stones that are millions of years old. Because it is made of natural stone, it is extremely durable and can last for more than 100 years. Natural stone is tougher than steel, making it borderline indestructible depending on its thickness. In addition to being extremely durable, slate roofing requires minimal maintenance. Depending on how thick you want it, slate roofing can last between 75 and 100 years. You should hire a roofing contractor who knows everything about this material.
Although natural slate is extremely durable, you should make sure you choose an installer who knows how to install it properly. Slate shingles need to be installed by expert slate installers, because this material is highly vulnerable to cleavage. As a sedimentary rock, slate has many layers, and the layers can be easily detached. Consequently, slate roofing is expensive to install. A qualified slate roof installer can make the difference between a stunning roof and a cheap one.
There are several different types of natural slate roofing. There are four main types of slate roofing. The National Slate Association promotes several different primary systems. The standard system includes slate tiles that are between 1/4 and 3/8 inches thick. The pieces are laid in courses of equal lengths and widths and are offset with vertical joints. Slate tiles can be patterned or have a pattern. It is common to mix the color and shape of individual slate tiles to create a unique roof.
The downside of a slate roof is that they add a lot of weight to the structure of the house. Slate tiles weigh about 800 to 1500 pounds per square foot, which means they’re very heavy. In areas where snow is common, slaters will also take into consideration the weight of heavy snow. As with any material, choosing the right one depends on the building type and the location. Some homes are better suited for a slate roof than others, and some may be better suited for a smaller structure.
