Advantages & Disadvantages of Slate Roofing

As with any roofing system, slate roofs come with unique advantages and disadvantages. In order to choose the best system for your business, you should consider the following characteristics carefully alongside your specific needs and criteria, such as your location, budget and purpose for installation.

Benefits of a commercial slate roof:

• Long-Lasting: Slate roofs are well-known for their long lifespans — you can spot slate roofs atop many historic buildings. Depending on the quality of the slate and its installation, your roof could last upwards of 100 years. And the tiles themselves could last even longer, making it possible to reuse them if necessary. Slate roofs signify that your commercial presence is built to last.

• Weather-Resistant: The main job of a commercial roof is to protect the inside of your location from the elements. A good roof allows you to serve customers consistently through rain, snow and shine. Because slate is cut from hard rock, it’s extremely durable and weather-resistant. Slate absorbs minimal moisture, shedding water and snow easily, and the weight of the tiles keeps them fixed in place under heavy winds.

• Attractive: People often associate slate roofs with high-end building projects due to their artistic application. Natural slate comes in a variety of colors, including grey, black, green, red, purple and brown. Some artistic roof installers even use different colors of slate to create intricate designs. With so many options, you can install slate roofing in a unique pattern that matches your business’ personality.

• Environmentally-Friendly: Because of slate’s long lifespan, slate roofs rarely need repair or replacement. Even when you eventually do need to replace your roof, the tiles can be recycled and used for other projects. These factors make slate an eco-friendly roofing option, which could benefit businesses whose customers value sustainability.

Drawbacks of a slate roof:

• High Upfront Costs: Natural slate must be quarried, transported to your location and installed by specialized professionals, making it more expensive upfront compared to other options. For some commercial operations, the long-term advantages of a slate roof may not outweigh this initial cost.

• Requires Special Installation: Slate is both heavy and delicate, so it requires careful cutting and installation to prevent cracks. Professional installation is vital, especially since the smallest imperfection could compromise the integrity of your roof. This means that, if you want to install a slate roof, you’ll need to find a company you trust to do the job right. A good roofing company like David Maines will have plenty of experience installing and repairing commercial slate roofs.

• Heavy Materials: Because slate roofing tiles are heavier than many other commercial roofing materials, they must be attached to a solid roof deck. This means you cannot safely attach slate to plywood or particle board. Depending on your building’s current construction, this requirement could factor into your decision.

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Synthetic Slate Options

Natural slate makes for a beautiful and long-lasting commercial roof. However, due to budget constraints and other factors, slate may not always be the most practical choice for every business. If you’re hoping to achieve the appearance of slate roofing at a lower cost, you might consider using synthetic slate.

What is Synthetic Slate Roofing?

Synthetic slate mimics natural slate in appearance and durability, but it’s made from a combination of rubber and plastic instead of stone. It’s about four times lighter than natural slate, making it easier and less expensive to install. If sustainability is an important factor in your decision-making process, look for synthetic slate made from recycled plastics.

Whether you choose new or recycled synthetic slate, your roofing material will share durability with its natural counterpart. Many types of synthetic slate even come with 50-year warranties, so you can expect a synthetic slate roof to last at least that long.

Synthetic slate provides a lower-cost alternative to slate, making it a good choice if you need an attractive roof installed quickly within a modest budget. At David Maines, we have experience installing both natural and synthetic slate roofs, so you can choose the best option for your business.

Ready to Choose a Slate Roof for Your Mid-Atlantic Business?

A roof is one of the first things customers notice about your business’ exterior, and the one you choose communicates a lot about your business’ style and personality. A roof also plays a vital role in protecting your location from the wear and tear of the elements. A slate roof can keep your business looking good and running smoothly for decades.

At David Maines, we know how important quality roofing is to a successful business, which is why we work hard to deliver perfectly installed and visually beautiful roofs for all our commercial clients.

If you’re looking for a commercial roofing contractor to help with your business with a new roof, we can help. Contact David Maines today for a free estimate on a slate roof for your commercial building.

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