They're one of the most expensive, heaviest, and densest roofing materials homeowners can use in their property. Additionally, it requires some substantial maintenance to keep it in top shape. While high-quality Littleton, CO roofers can vouch for its quality and capability, the massive initial investment can put many homeowners off. However, it's still one of the best roofing materials for residences, even beyond 2020.
Truthfully, slate tiles aren't the best replacement tiles for increasing property value. Even if they add a substantial amount, local homebuyers might not find its aesthetics appealing. On the other hand, naturally-occurring stones have excellent durability, and slate stones are no exception. Their density can withstand multiple hailstorms. Additionally, their non-organic material and lack of moisture retention ensure minimal moss and pest growth on your roof.
As natural stones, slate can last for more than a century. In the past, masons have used it to build homes or as mansion siding reinforcement. In doing so, you can see many century-old properties still standing and with excellent slate roofing.
Truthfully, they're expensive and will require less maintenance than asphalt shingle roofs. Asphalt shingles are susceptible to moisture and UV damages. Slate's extreme density allows it to absorb little water and UV rays.
If you're curious about installing slate on roofs, you can read more about it from Washington Post's dedicated article on the subject below.
Where it comes from
It’s not enough to know the color and cost of slate you’re putting on your roof. It’s not even enough to know the name of the slate manufacturer. “The most important thing you need to know is where did it come out of the ground,” Jenkins said.
In other words, you need to know the name and location of the actual quarry. That’s important because some quarries have better reputations — and warranties — than others. Look for slate that is warranted to last at least 75 years. One hundred is even better.
That warranty should contain a guarantee that if the slate develops pyrite stains — ugly, rust-colored streaks — the slate manufacturer will pay to replace your roof. The Slate Roofing Contractors Association maintains a list of reputable manufacturers and quarries on its website. You should also ask your installation company if it can reinstall or recycle your old slate and to adjust the price accordingly. Sidelap and headlap
A critical factor is the amount that slates overlap each other to keep water out of your house. Knowledgeable roofers make chalk lines on the felt underlayment to assure the overlap is adequate.
Slates should overlap by at least three inches on the sides, called sidelap. Even more important is the overlap at the top of each slate, called headlap. If your roof is steep — with a pitch of at least eight inches in height for every 12 inches in width — you need three inches of headlap. (Continue)
If you have yet to find a trustworthy slate material manufacturer in your area, you can count on us at Roper Roofing to provide you with top-quality services. Contact us today to learn more about everything that we can achieve with you!
