Is a Slate Roof worth it? If you’re thinking of hiring roofing contractors to replace a damaged or worn-out roof, you may be wondering if you should invest in slate roof tiles – or choose a less expensive material like shingles.
After all, slate roofs are very expensive. Are they really worth it? Let’s discuss some of the pros and cons of slate and other roof materials, and help you understand why this roofing material is worth the investment!
SLATE LASTS LONGER THAN ALMOST ANY OTHER ROOF MATERIAL
Depending on where you source your slate and whether or not it’s “soft” slate or “hard” slate, your roof could easily last up to 100 or 200 years. Slate shingles, along with terra cotta shingles, are some of the most durable roofing materials on the market – full stop.
In most cases, the supporting structures of a roof will fail before the slate itself fails. The longevity of slate is truly unparalleled. When used with the proper roofing systems and installed by an expert, it will deliver truly excellent performance for decades to come. So while the cost of slate may be a bit high up front, it will deliver excellent value over time.
MAINTENANCE FOR SLATE IS MINIMAL & INVOLVES ANNUAL INSPECTIONS
When it comes to maintenance, you don’t have to worry much about slate. You should schedule an annual inspection with a master slater to look for broken tiles and to repair or replace any damaged slate tiles that may have failed – this will ensure the roof stays in good shape.
You also should have your roof cleaned once per year to remove dirt, debris, and microorganisms like algae. This helps preserve your tiles and protects them from early breakage and failure.
That’s it! With just a little bit of annual maintenance, you can maximize the longevity of slate, and avoid the need for a roof replacement. Your roof will likely last just as long as your house!
SLATE IS HIGHLY DENSE & ENERGY-EFFICIENT
One of the great things about slate is its high density. In the summer, it helps keep hot air out of your home, since the tile can absorb a lot of energy. And in the winter, the opposite is true – the dense material helps keep rising hot air inside your home, instead of releasing it into the air.
In both cases, this helps reduce your power bill. Compared to other options like asphalt shingles, slate cut your energy consumption down quite a bit, and since it lasts so long, it will continue to do so for decades in the future.
SLATE IS NON-COMBUSTIBLE & IDEAL FOR HOMES IN BUSHFIRE AREAS
Slate does not absorb water and it is completely non-combustible. Since it does not react to fire, it’s a fantastic choice for any homes in NSW that may be in bushfire areas, and need to meet fire resistance criteria. With a slate roof, a stray ember or two will not cause any damage to your roof, reducing the risk of property damage and enhancing your safety.
NEED A ROOF REPLACEMENT IN SYDNEY? WORK WITH US TO GET A NEW SLATE TILE ROOF!
When it comes to overall roofing cost, it’s true that you will pay more per square foot for slate than you would for another type of roofing material like asphalt shingles.
However, the longevity of slate means that it’s definitely worth the investment – especially if you plan on staying in your Sydney home for a long time, or handing it down to a child or grandchild in the future! You’ll spend less over time in roof repairs and replacement compared to shorter-lived materials like asphalt shingles.
If you’re interested in the durability and superior longevity of slate in the Sydney area, please get in touch with NSW Slate Roofing today. As experts in slate roofing in the area, we can provide you with an informed estimate for the cost of your project. Contact us now for a no-commitment consultation.