The Roof Material That Has A Lifespan Of Hundreds Of Years

When you start seeing signs of wear on your roof's shingles or if you start seeing loose roofing material scattered around your home, instant dread washes over you at the realization: you might need a new roof. The cost of replacing an aging one is nothing to scoff about. Rectifying roof damage is within the top five most expensive home repairs, costing anywhere from $5,000 to $12,000. This price range varies depending on many factors including the size of your roof, labor costs, and, most importantly, the roof material. Cost aside, an important thing to consider when selecting a new roof is what type will best stand the test of time. For homeowners hoping to have a roof that will last for hundreds of years (yes, you read that right!), consider investing in slate tile. It's been used as an ideal roof material for thousands of years because it's durable, fire and weather-resistant, beautiful to look at, and eco-friendly. 

Since slate tile is basically cut slabs of the metamorphic rock, its durability is the longest among other roofing materials. Its natural density makes it able to withstand many weather-related conditions and even resist fire. Because of its dense composition, slate does not retain moisture, which helps it naturally prevent mold growth. Slate is immune to pest infestation, as well, since its hard stone composition is difficult for critters and bugs to penetrate and burrow into. As it is composed of stone, slate tile is also unlikely to rot, making it a perfect investment for a long-haul roof. When properly installed, slate roofs do not require a lot of maintenance either, just an occasional single shingle replacements if one gets damaged or falls off.

Durable and resistant, slate roofs can very well be considered as the best roof for your home. The roofing material is also considered as one of the more environmentally-friendly roofing options. Aside from being sourced naturally, slate tile lasts a very long time, making it unlikely that you'll have to replace a new, properly-installed slate roof in a lifetime. Less replacements mean less waste in landfills, which helps promote a healthier environment. Slate roofs are also visually appealing. Its natural coloring and texture is eye-catching, with each tile being uniquely patterned and colored. Natural also takes a while to weather down and fade; even so, it looks more timeless and charming than worn and weathered. Because of its evergreen visual appeal, homes with slate tile roofs tend to have high curb appeal and high property value.

Before you commit to adding this long-lasting, eco-friendly, and aesthetically-pleasing roof material on top of your home, there are a few things you should know about slate roof tiles before installing. While there are many pros to having a slate-tiled roof, there are a handful downsides. For one, slate roofing is very expensive, costing anywhere from $10,000 to $60,000 depending on roof size and slate material. Natural slate roofs are the most expensive to install, but they are the most long-lasting. Synthetic slate and other blends cost less than the natural material, but come at the cost of durability and visual appeal. Slate tile can only be installed by slate specialists or licensed roofers since they require special handling and placement to ensure they are installed correctly.