When Slate Shingles Are a Good Choice

As far as roofing choices go, slate is always a classic—and for good reason. Many homeowners love the upscale look of slate shingles, which are actual shingle-like slivers of rock.Though slate is an expensive choice, it can give your home a timeless, natural look, and the shingles themselves can be laid out in a wide array of patterns. When are slate shingles a good choice for your home? You should consider slate shingles if you have the budget for it and you’re looking for curb appeal, durability, low-maintenance, and energy efficiency in a roofing material.

Slate’s natural beauty is one if its most evident advantages—and it complements just about any architectural style, whether your home has a modern or a more traditional look. Additionally, slate is available in a wide variety of natural colors and textures, including green, gray, black, purple, and red as well as shingles that feature a combination of colors. Furthermore, slate shingles are often shaped by hand, which means they can often be custom-made to suit your home’s needs.

Few roofing materials last longer than slate. A slate roof can easily last over 100 years, which is at least twice as long what other roofing materials can offer—and some roofing materials last only 10 to 20 years.In fact, slate is so long-lasting that slate roofing manufacturers often offer a 100-year warranty on their slate roofing systems.

Because slate is a natural stone, it is more maintenance-free than just about any man-made roofing material. The incredibly high density of slate makes it waterproof, so you’ll never have to worry about a leaky roof, and it is completely non-combustible, meaning that it will protect your home in the event of a fire. Additionally, slate is a great choice for homeowners who reside in areas with inclement weather.Nearly impervious to any temperature fluctuations and inclement weather conditions, slate shingles are ideal in areas prone to heavy rain, snow, and wind. Furthermore, fungus and mold do not pose a threat to a slate roof, unlike many other kinds of roofing materials. Slate’s incredible durability makes it nearly maintenance-free, which will save you a lot of time and money over the years.

Slate’s permanency also makes it an environmentally conscious roofing choice. In fact, waste from roofs that get replaced every 10 to 20 years now makes up 5% of all construction waste that fills up landfill space—so when you have a slate roof, you can relax, knowing you won’t be contributing to the problem.

If you’re still wondering whether slate is the right choice for you, call the roofing experts at Harbor Roofing and Siding. We’re happy to help you find the perfect roof for your home.