ASlate roofing is durable, low-maintenance, incredibly long lasting, and it comes in a variety of colors and shapes. It’s considered a premium roofing material because of its higher upfront costs and longevity. However, it’s seeing a surge in popularity for historic homes and homes with a vintage style. Dingers Roofing & Construction is a trusted source for slate roofing installation in Wichita KS and surrounding areas.
What Is Slate Roofing?
Slate roofing is a roof system made from natural slate tiles. As slate forms from clay or volcanic ash, it has a tendency to split into thin sheets. The slate is mined and these sheets are cut into square tiles which are installed one by one. Compared to replacing 3-tab asphalt shingles, slate roof installation is a slower process.
Benefits of Slate Roofs
Slate is considered a premium residential roofing system but its benefits and incredibly long lifespan could make it the last roof you’ll ever buy.
Long-Lasting
Investing in a slate roof is a smart choice because it could truly be the last roof you’ll ever buy, with a lifespan longer than nearly any other roofing material on the market.
Resilient
Slate roofing resists fire, moisture, mold and fungus. This means less need for repairs and even possible savings on your homeowners insurance premiums.
Eco-Friendly
If you do decide to replace your slate roof, it can be recycled, making it an environmentally-friendly roofing material.
Versatile
When it comes to design, you can choose almost limitless shapes and patterns. There are even different color options including black slate from Quebec and Virginia or Vermont’s red, green, purple, black and gray slate.
Pros and Cons of Slate Roofs
Pros
- Lasts 50 years or more
- Beautiful natural appearance
- Classic style
- Complements any home
- Minimal maintenance needed
- Possible homeowners insurance savings
Cons
- One of the most expensive roofing materials
- Slate roofs are very heavy
- No warranty on materials
- Longer installation time
- Higher installation cost
Slate Roofing Cost
As previously stated, slate roofing is a premium roof material. Depending on whether you choose hard or soft slate, you can expect to pay anywhere from $10-$15 per square foot for the slate itself. Also keep in mind, installation costs for slate roofs are higher than for other roofing materials due to their weight and the fact that each slate roof tile has to be installed individually. You may also have the option of synthetic slate, which costs slightly less than natural slate but doesn’t have the same durability or water resistance.
Lifespan of Slate Roofs
If you don’t plan to sell your house anytime soon, slate roofing is a smart investment because it could be the last roof you’ll ever buy. Compared to asphalt roofing which has a lifespan of around 20 years, a slate roof can last anywhere from 50 years up to 200 years.
Wichita Slate Roofing Installation Experts
When it comes to installing a slate roof, hiring an experienced roofer is critical. Because slate tiles are natural materials, there’s no manufacturer’s warranty on the products. And because slate tiles are relatively thin, they could break if not handled properly. As a locally-owned Wichita roofing company, you can trust Dingers Roofing & Construction for safe and efficient slate roof installation in Wichita KS and surrounding areas. We have experience installing slate roofing for houses of all sizes.
-
Dingers Roofing did an excellent job and went above and beyond what was required after a clean-up mishap. I would recommend to all and definitely hire again.
Slate Roofing Ideas
-
- Slate Roofing
-
- Slate Roof Tiles
-
- Natural Slate Roof
-
- Gray Slate Roof
-
- Slate Roof Tiles
-
- Slate Roofing Tiles
FAQs
How long does a slate roof last?
With proper installation and maintenance, a slate roof can last 50-200 years.
Is a slate roof expensive?
Natural slate roofing is generally more expensive than other types of roofing materials because of the cost of the material plus the labor and specialized knowledge needed for installation. However, the upfront price of a slate roof can be offset over time because of its durability and extremely long lifespan.
Can my home support the weight of a slate roof?
Slate is a heavy roofing material and not all homes can support the weight of a slate roof. We recommend consulting a structural engineer to ensure your home’s structure can handle the added weight before installing a slate roof.
Does a slate roof require special maintenance?
Slate roofs need very little maintenance – just a periodic inspection and cleaning. Since the tiles are installed individually, slate roof repairs can be completed easily by just replacing any broken or damaged slate tiles.
What colors does slate roofing come in?
Slate comes in a variety of colors including black, gray, red, purple and green, so there’s sure to be a slate roof color to complement your home’s exterior.
