Slate roofs are made of highly resistant metamorphic rock and are suitable for roofing. They are more common in regions where slate is abundant, but can be shipped elsewhere. Slate is durable, water-resistant, and adds value to a home, but is heavy and expensive. Expert installation is necessary, and regular maintenance is recommended. Professional organizations can help find qualified slaters.
A slate roof is a roof made of slate, a highly resistant type of metamorphic rock, making it very suitable for roofing. It is more common to see slate roofs in regions where slate is naturally abundant, although slate shingles can also be shipped to other regions of the world. Like other roofing types, slate has both advantages and disadvantages that should be considered before installing or repairing a slate roof.
Slate is very close-grained and cuts easily into thin tiles that can be used for roofing, flooring, and other applications. This rock is typically dark in tone, ranging from gray to bluish to greenish, and when applied correctly by a professional slate, a slate roof can last for years, although the occasional shingle may come loose in bad weather. The roof will also be highly water resistant and able to withstand heavy accumulations of snow.
The big disadvantage of a slate roof is that slate is very heavy, so the roof needs to be reinforced to support the shingles. Slate is also much more expensive than many alternative roofing materials, requiring a significant investment on the part of the homeowner. However, roofing can add to a structure’s resale value, because slate roofing is seen as a luxury amenity and, once installed, will need less maintenance than other types of roofing.
When a slate roof is being installed, it is important to use expert slate to ensure that the roof is properly laid. It is also recommended that you purchase extra shingles that can be stored so that if shingles are broken, lost, or otherwise damaged, new shingles can be installed quickly, before the attic is damaged. Regularly checking a slate roof for missing, loose, or damaged shingles is highly recommended, as falling slate shingles can cause serious injury to unwitting victims.
Some home improvement stores sell slate shingles and may even order them specifically for customers. Companies that manufacture slate products can ship slate shingles directly to customers, and slaters can also order shingles once a contract is signed for a roofing job. To find a good slater, professional roofer organizations can be consulted, and slaters should always be asked to show their license and contract credentials, just like other building contractors. The lack of a license can mean that the figure is not fully qualified, and it also means that it will be difficult to take the list to court if something goes wrong.
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