Roofing Types – Natural Slate
When many people from outside the region think about New England, they picture buildings with natural slate roofing. Clients who want a unique look and advanced layer of protection for their structure will frequently choose slate roofing materials. Extremely friendly to the environment, natural slate can come from many different locations around the globe but is also found in our local region throughout New York and Vermont. This helps to further reduce the impact on the environment by sourcing the materials so close to home. Slate is a rock and therefore has a much longer lifespan than manufactured materials. With professional installation and proper ongoing care, it can last for 75-100 years or more. Incredibly durable and requiring little to no maintenance, slate is known in the roofing industry as a “forever roof,” because most homeowners will only need to put one on in their lifetime. Our team at A&M Sheet Metal & Roofing has the training, knowledge, and experience required to install a top-quality natural slate roof.
Increase Property Value
Traditional shingle roofing may need to be replaced two to three times by the same homeowner, depending on the type of material that is chosen. Slate is an elegant and timeless type of roofing system that can greatly increase the value of a property due to its longevity and low maintenance requirements. When installed properly, slate roofing can enhance the architectural style and appearance of your home. However, slate is a very heavy product and can add as much as an additional 500 pounds or more to a roof. As a result, professional installation is required, and a complete assessment of the structure must be performed prior to installation to ensure that the roof is prepared to hold the additional weight. Natural shingle roofing is an investment and, as a result, can be significantly more expensive to install than asphalt shingles or a single-ply roofing system. It is a good idea to compare the cost associated with multiple replacements of economy roofing materials over the lifetime of your home to the 75-100 year-old one-and-done installation of natural slate.
Other Benefits of Slate
In addition to providing one of the longest lifespans of any type of roofing material, there are other benefits to choosing natural slate roofing for your home or commercial structure. Slate roofing has a natural resistance to fire, providing protection for homes in areas where lightning strikes and wildfires are a concern. Slate is also resistant to mold, moss, and algae due to its low water absorption, which provides added resistance to damage caused by frost or breakage due to freezing. There are many choices when it comes to the style and color of natural slate roofing, depending on the region where the slate is mined. Some slate is smoother and more uniform in its coloring, while other types are rough and rustic. Colors can range from grays and blacks to vibrant colors, which include purples, greens, and reds. Made from sedimentary materials, including volcanic ash and rock, strength and color variations come from the mineral makeup of the region, which can include quartz and mica, as well as zircon, tourmaline, kaolin, graphite, and apatite. If you are interested in learning more about natural slate roofing or would like a FREE estimate for our services, contact A&M Sheet Metal & Roofing by calling 401-654-4128.