One of the many benefits of living in the Bay Area is the amazing amount of varied and beautiful architecture. When a homeowner wants to enhance the architectural style of their home with a lasting and durable roofing option, slate shingles are usually the first choice. Slate, a natural stone, is a stunning and lasting material that is increasingly popular, especially in the custom home market, explains San Francisco residential roofing expert Apollo Roofing Company.
What are Slate Shingles?
Slate shingles are roofing materials made from natural stone, typically from a type of metamorphic rock called slate. As a natural material, they come in various colors and textures, from pale gray to brownish hues. This roofing shingle is known for its durability and longevity, which can last up to 100 years or more.
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What are the Benefits of Slate Shingles?
Before choosing any roofing material, it is important to talk to a roofing contractor to help weigh the advantages of the option being considered. Slate shingles have many significant benefits that make them an excellent choice. Here are the top advantages of slate shingles.
Beauty
As a natural product, slate shingles have a distinctively beautiful look that cannot be replicated in any other material.
Versatility
Slate shingles come in many styles, from rustic to shaped. They also come in many colors, which can be used to create unique patterns, making the roof even more of an architectural feature.
Protection
Another huge benefit of slate shingles is their resistance to the elements and the protection they provide. Water can not penetrate slate, so a slate roof will not be affected by mold, fungus, or rot. Slate is also fireproof.
Durability and Longevity
When properly installed and well-maintained, a slate roof can last well over 100 years. The material is highly resistant to the elements, such as wind, rain, sun, and salty air, which commonly impact less durable materials.
Eco-Friendly
As a natural material, slate roofing is eco-friendly. It can also be reused numerous times, making it a good choice when considering environmental impact.
What are the Disadvantages of Slate Shingles?
As with any material, slate shingles also have some disadvantages that property owners should consider. Before deciding on any roofing material, talk to a roofing contractor about the advantages and disadvantages of slate shingles. Here are a few of the top considerations.
Price
Slate roofing is a premium product. While prices vary, a property owner should expect the price of slate shingles to be several times more than a basic asphalt shingled roof of the same size.
Weight
As may be expected, slate weighs much more than basic asphalt shingles. The material can weigh up to 15 pounds per square foot, so the roofing company may need to add extra reinforcement to the roofing structure to handle the weight.
Fragility
While durable and resistant to the elements, slate shingles can be fragile. For example, they are not made for commercial roofs that may get traffic. Additionally, a direct hit from a falling tree branch could crack the shingles. Since it can be difficult to find an exact match for replacements, the roofing contractor may suggest the property owner buy and store extra tiles from the same lot to save for future repairs.
Installation
The installation of a slate roof requires that the roofing company have specific expertise in the material. The process may also take longer due to the product’s weight and the care with which it should be handled.
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Top-Rated Residential Roofing Contractor | Apollo Roofing Company
As a leading San Francisco residential roofing contractor, Apollo Roofing Company proudly serves the San Francisco area with roof inspection, maintenance, repair, installation, or replacement. Recognized for honesty, integrity, and industry knowledge, Apollo Roofing Company provides clients with the affordable options, step-by-step evaluations, and exceptional service they deserve.
For more information about their services or to contact the company to discuss your roofing needs, reach them at (925) 701-8458.
