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Disadvantages Of A Slate Roof
Cost As pretty as a slate roof looks, the sticker shock alone may put you off. Prices will vary, but you can count on a slate roof costing several times more than a basic asphalt shingle roof of the same size.
Weight Slate tiles are very heavy, weighing up to 15 pounds per square foot, which puts a massive strain on a homes structure. Some homes need extra reinforcement in order to be able to bear the weight.
Fragility Slate may look tough, but it is actually pretty fragile. If, for example, a tree branch fell on your slate roof, this could cause a lot of expensive damage. It may also be difficult finding replacement tiles that match perfectly.
Installation In addition to being expensive, the installation of a slate roof requires expertise. If a specialist doesnt do the work, it may not be installed properly, which can lead to big problems. Plus, the process is very labor-intensive. Because the tiles are so heavy and fragile, they have to be treated with extreme care, which means installation can take a long time. And if a roof has a steep incline or things like dormers or valleys, this will slow things down even more. Homes with two stories also pose a challenge because of the extra height involved in transporting the tiles.
Is It Difficult To Install A Synthetic Slate Roof
In most cases, homeowners should leave roofing installation and replacement projects up to the roofing experts. However, the good news is that synthetic roofing is easy to install since its much lighter than real slate, and most companies will be able to do it for you.
Some materials and brands are easier to install than others. If thats important to you, remember to ask your roofing contractor about the materials ease of installation during your initial consultation. At Legacy Service, well be happy to discuss any of your concerns. Give us a call to schedule a free consultation for roofing replacement or installation.
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Is Slate Blue Or Green
Green slate is a greenish-gray color, Slate blue is blue-ish-gray, and so on. Benjamin Moore describes their paint color named Slate Blue as: An easy-to-use blue with a good deal of gray, this classic color is reminiscent of the wonderfully weathered slate found along an age-old pathway.Sep 23, 2020.
Cost Of Replacing Slate Shingles With Synthetic Slate Shingles
This is where it gets a bit nerve-wracking and is not for the squeamish. The average roof in the United States is about 1,600 square feet. Each square of synthetic slate shingle can run in the neighborhood of $350-400 per square. Yes, per square.
That means that after installation costsyou are looking at $900-$1,100 PER SQUARE. Incredibly, that pales in comparison to the $1,650-$3,000 per square cost of authentic slate tiles. When all is said and done, youre looking at $14,400-17,600 for a synthetic slate shingle roof and around $26,000 for a natural slate roof of the same size.
The costs are going to be there regardless, but you are still saving anywhere from $9,000-12,000 on synthetic versus natural slate. Coupled with the durability, lightweight, and ease of installation, it is clear why so many are moving away from natural slate roofs.
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A Photo Library Of Slate Roof Defects
- about slate roofs: slate installation, flashing, slate sources, slate roof leaks, stains, diagnosis, repair advice
InspectAPedia tolerates no conflicts of interest. We have no relationship with advertisers, products, or services discussed at this website.
Slate roof defect photo library: this slate roofing photo series shows all kinds of roofing slate defects. Here we give photographs of slate roof conditions including normal wear on slate roofs,worn out slate roofs, types of slate roof wear and damage, and stains or discoloration on slate roofs.
Starting at SLATE ROOF INSPECTION & REPAIR we describe procedures for evaluating the condition of slate roofing. We describe the types of roofing slate, common defects, inspection topics, and some repair tips. This article series assists home inspectors, building buyers or building owners, and roofing contractors in evaluating the condition of slate roofs by providing photos of various slate materials, patterns, defects, and conditions.
We also provide an ARTICLE INDEX for this topic, or you can try the page top or bottom SEARCH BOX as a quick way to find information you need.
The Cons Of A Slate Shingle Roof
The downside with authentic slate shingles, however, is in the cost. The material itself is more costly just to buy. That is not taking into account the other aspects of installing a roof. Even if you know how to do this yourself, the cost of the materials alone is much higher than other methods of installing a roof. If you have to hire a contractor to do the installation, that can become a costly endeavor.
In addition to the cost, there are a few other troubling aspects of this lauded material. It is very heavy to lift for transportation and installation, meaning you have to spend more just to transport and move the slate shingles.
Lastly, slate shingles are also quite fragile, especially when cutting and nailing it. Not only that, they are particularly susceptible to cracking once they have been installed. This makes for a very costly and difficult endeavor when installing a new roof and the repair process is equally as difficult and expensive.
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Stains And Wear Indicators On Slate Roofing A Photo Guide
Staining on roofing slates: Slate edges showing moisture absorption, but generally good condition, these slates have a good remaining life
White Efflorescence on roofing slates: the white markings shown on these roofing slates, is a mineral deposit left behind as water evaporates. Water penetrating the slate material absorbs minerals and leaves some of them, probably Ca and Mg on the slate surface.Many slate roofers and slate inspectors assert that as the white stains progress from the edges of individual slates towards their center, one can estimate the remaining roof life. If 50% of the slate remains inside of the white area, the slate may have about half of its life remaining.We recommend that this condition be confirmed by close inspection as well since other slate deterioration factors could be at work.
Can Hail Damage Slate Roof
Slate tiles may be punctured, cracked or broken by hail. Any of these conditions could be deemed functional damage if the damage is serious enough. Because slate is a sedimentary stone composed of layers, hail damage may appear as a slate with a portion of layers missing.
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Slate Shingle Roofing From Huber & Associates
According to your roofing purposes, a slate roof could be one of the most valuable features on a residential property. If you move into a house with a slate roof, you might never have to replace or repair the roof for as long as you own the property, even if you remain at that address for many decades.
With all the benefits of slate shingles, slate is one of the best choices you can make if you have a wood or asphalt roof that needs to be replaced. At Huber & Associates, we have provided customized slate roofing on homes, businesses, and other institutions for more than 40 years. Look through our service offerings and contact us today to request a quote.
Ribbon Slates Photos Patterns & What Is The Life Expectancy Of Ribbon Slate On Roofs
Ribbon Slate is roofing slate with linear colors running in stripes through the slate material. Often the “ribbons” are diagonal depending on how the slate was quarried.
References about slate roof durability, at least among home inspectors and some slate books, claim that ribbon slates were inferior and likely to have a shorterlife due to their mineral inclusions. However in New York one of the authors hasobserved ribbon slate roofs which appeared to be in good condition after 80-90 years. The inspector needs to examine the specific roof to determine if the ribbon slates involvedare deteriorating from mineral wash-out or alternatively if they are in good condition.
We were taught that “ribbon slate” was a cheaper product with shorter expected life than better quality solid colored slates from Vermont or Virginia.But ribbon slates were sometimes chosen deliberately for decorative purposes, and not all of the ribbon slate roofs we’ve seen suffered from such a short life.
This ribbon-slate roof in Poughkeepsie, New York was about eighty years old when we took the photos above and at left, and it remains in good condition.
Details about ribbon slates are
This ribbon slate roof has been repaired at its lower edge by the installation of asphalt shingles – or perhaps metal roof edge flashing was replaced.
We would not guess the condition and remaining life of these ribbon slates without a closer inspection.
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What Is Synthetic Slate Roofing Made Of
Synthetic has a variety of materials that it comes in, including polymers, plastics, clay, asphalt, rubber, fiber cement, and steel. The best synthetic slate roofing material is up to the homeowner and how the new roof will match the style of their house. Each of them has its own characteristics, strengths, weaknesses, and costs.
Manufacturers of plastic and polymer composite mold tiles to look authentic. Recycled rubber and plastic can also sometimes be used to form the basis of rubber tiles. You wont have to worry about recycled materials being cheap, either they typically consist of high-quality post-industrial materials.
Do Synthetic Slate Roofs Cost More Than Authentic Slate
No, synthetic roofs will almost always cost less than their authentic counterparts. This is due to the fact that theyre lighter and easier to install. Most people will not even be able to tell the difference and synthetic slate is designed to last longer. The benefits of choosing synthetic over authentic are virtually endless.
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Choose Composite Synthetic Slate Roofing From Brava For The Best Results
Eco-friendly Brava Old World Slate is a unique type of slate roof, with exceptional durability and energy-efficiency compared to other types of slate roofing: natural, fiber cement, bituminous, concrete, and metal. In addition, Bravas composite tiles maintain their beauty and charm for the roof’s lifetime with practically zero maintenance. Brava backs all their products with a 50-year-limited warranty.
Durable Brava Slate Roofing
Long-lasting tiles offer excellent protection against freezing temperatures, fire, wind, and hail:
- Have a Class 4 impact rating with a wind resistance of 110 mph
- Have Class A and C fire ratings
- Maintain their integrity through freeze/thaw cycles, as well as extreme heat.
- Do not absorb moisture, and therefore, resist unhealthy and damaging mold.
Lightweight and easy-to-install Brava Old World slate-roofing shingles eliminate costly substructure modifications and reduce shipping costs.
Please get in touch with your local Brava Roof Tile installer for a free quote on Old World synthetic slate roofing costs, or reach out to us directly online today.
Low Maintenance And Affordable
Synthetic slate roofing is also low maintenance. You may have to clean off debris now and then, but you will not have to worry as much about things like moss and algae. Synthetic slate shingles are also a great roofing option due to their affordability, and because they do not require a special roof loading or installation method, you will save even more money.
As beautiful as traditional slate tiles can be, they are not an ideal roofing material for most homeowners. Instead, consider synthetic slate roofing. F-WAVE REVIA® Synthetic Shingles are one of the best synthetic slate roofing options on the market today. They offer the beautiful look and curb appeal of real slate roofing tiles, without all the drawbacks of real slate material. As a result, synthetic slate roofing can give you that beautiful, upscale look that you would get with slate, without all the weight and at a fraction of the cost.
For more information on synthetic slate roofing contact F Wave to speak with one of their roofing experts.
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Which Lasts Longer: Synthetic Slate Or Authentic Slate
Synthetic roofs are designed to last longer for several reasons. The materials used for synthetic tiles are combined with ultraviolet inhibitors to reduce damage from the sun. Many roofing suppliers and manufacturers claim theyre more durable in extreme weather conditions as well, sometimes lasting as long as 100 years.
The Pros And Cons Of A Slate Roof: Is It The Right Roof For You
May 7th, 2021 | 6 min. read
Choosing a roofing material for your upcoming roof replacement is one of the biggest decisions youll make during the entire process. While most homeowners choose asphalt or metal, there are premium roof systems that make your roof really stand out.
One of the premium roof systems is a slate roof. But what do you really know about a slate roof?
Maybe youve done some research, or maybe you dont know anything at all. Either way, were going to give you all the information youll need about slate roofing in one place so you can decide if its the right roof for you.
Since 1990, the team at Bill Ragan Roofing has provided high-quality roofing services on all roof types in Nashville and surrounding areas. You can count on our expertise and workmanship to maximize your slate roof investment. After your new roof is installed, were proud to provide you with a lifetime warranty on our workmanship.
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Synthetic Slate Roofing: Cost Types Pros & Cons
Reviewed by Tomas Kalkys. President. Qualifications: More than 20 years of experience in residential and commercial exterior remodeling. Founding farther of Legacy Service. Written by LegacyUSA Team
Get Estimates From Roofing Pros
Authentic slate roofing is beautiful, but it can also be heavy and expensive. Fortunately, theres a solution for that. With modern technology, you can find synthetic slate roofing products that look identical to real stone and may even be more durable. And with synthetic, you can get all this for a fraction of the cost.
Compared to the real deal, synthetic slate shingles are lighter in weight, weather-resistant, and more affordable. In this buyers guide, were going to review the types, pros and cons, as well as the general cost of this roofing material. If youre considering synthetic slate for your home, please feel free to contact our team at Legacy Service. Whether you live in southeastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, or Delaware, well be able to schedule a free consultation when its convenient for you.
How Much Do Slate Roofs Cost
New slate roofs consisting of individual Spanish slate or Welsh slate tiles will be incredibly expensive, not only to purchase, but the installation costs and difficulties in finding master roof tilers qualified to install your roofing slate will be prohibitive for the average roofing project.
READYSLATE® provides a genuine natural roofing slate product that provides all the exceptional aesthetic and performance qualities and benefits of real slate at a truly cost-effective price.
READYSLATE® is lighter than traditional slate and so transport costs are lower too.
Talk to us today youll be pleasantly surprised just how affordable a READYSLATE® tile roof can be.
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Red Roofing Slates In Good Condition Photographs
Red slate roof, perhaps from the Granville NY quarry are shown at below-left.
We don’t know how long this superb material will last as we’ve never found one that was worn out on a roof in the U.S. but a rated life may be 300 years.
Our second red roof slate photo illustrates a mix of red slates from the Granville NY quarry and ribbon slates on a home on Clinton St. in Poughkeepsie, NY.
Rusty Red Roof Slates
Below we show red-looking slates on a home in Poughkeepsie, NY. Rust-stains on roof slates may turn some slates red below rusting steel flashings.
Our second rust-stained roof slate photo is quite clearly showing rust staining on roof slates from a rusting ridge cap. But other roofing slates are naturally rust colored as we show below at Rust-colored Slates from China
What Do Insurance Adjusters Look For On Roofs
In a general roof inspection, insurance adjusters may look for the age of the roof, proper installation, missing or broken shingles, areas of wear or sun damage, damages from bordering trees, nail pops, and normal problems that may arise from a roof being exposed to nature over time.
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Questions To Ask During The Roof Installation Process
As you can see from the section above, it is a massive investment to either have your roof replaced or to build a new roof made from any kind of slate, synthetic or natural. For the amount of money that you will need to spend, it is imperative that you have full confidence in the professionals doing the job.
The last thing that you want is to invest that kind of money into a roofing project only to have it done in a subpar manner that leaves the need for further repair or worse. Doing your homework beforehand can save you a world of headaches and hassles and ensure that you are getting the job done right for your substantial financial contribution.
