Your Professional Roofer

The standard asphalt shingle roof can last up to 20 years with proper installation and maintenance. If your own roofing system is nearing or has already reached that point, you should start considering a roof replacement. After all, an old and failing roof is way past giving you any favors in terms of weather protection and energy efficiency. If you don’t replace it promptly, it can only lead to significant damage to your home the moment a storm arrives. But we understand that a roof replacement is a huge undertaking. You’ll want to have all the bases covered, including the type of roofing material you’re using for the new system.

Choosing a New Roofing Material

Of course, the safer option would be to stick to the same material used by your old roofing system. You already know how it would look with your home, along with the maintenance it requires. But if you want an upgrade–a stronger, low-maintenance roofing system that can help your home make a bigger impression from the curb, you should definitely make the switch. Aside from standard asphalt shingles, you can choose from:

• Metal, which is lightweight and durable. It offers a sleek design that makes it perfect for Modern and Contemporary homes. With prompt roofing repair and regular maintenance, a metal roof can last up to 50 years.
• Cedar shakes, which remains popular because of its warmth and rustic charm. Cedar shake roofing offers natural insulating value, but is typically susceptible to moisture damage and rot. Just be prepared for the considerable maintenance this roofing option entails.
• Concrete or clay tiles, which is a staple in Spanish-Mission and Mediterranean homes. Tile roofing is strong but also easy to repair. It’s also an ideal option in regions with a predominantly hot and arid climate.

The options mentioned above can meet your roofing needs, but if you want the strongest and possibly the best of them, you should consider the enduring homeowner-favorite: slate roofing. You’ll find that it checks all the boxes on what a high-quality roofing system should be. The trusted residential and commercial roofing company in the area, Your Professional Roofer LLC shares why you should make the switch to slate roofing.

But First…A Brief Overview about Slate Roofing

A slate roof is exactly what it says on the tin–a roofing system made of slate, a fine-grained, homogenous rock that consists of clay and volcanic ash. While this material is pliable, it’s also tough enough to be broken into thin sheets, or slate shingles. Available in different sizes, slate shingles are typically installed onto the roof using hooks and nails. 

The first slate roofs appeared in America in the 16^th century, but it was not until the late 1800s that this specific roofing option became widely used. Slate is mainly sourced in quarries in the state of Vermont, but its production declined in the 1900s as asphalt shingles became more popular. Despite this, slate roofing continues to be in demand. If you’re considering this option for your roof replacement–no worries! A slate roof may be costlier than its counterparts, but the benefits it can provide more than makes up for the initial costs. 

Long-Lasting Performance

Metal roofing can last up to 50 years, and tile roofing can last even longer–but when it comes to longevity, slate roofing can easily top them. When installed and maintained properly, a slate roof can last a hundred years or more. Is there a tougher roofing material than natural stone? Depending on the thickness of the slate, your roof can become virtually indestructible.

Superior Durability

Because slate is a resilient material, it can effectively withstand even the harshest weather conditions, from the blistering heat, snow loads, and heavy rainfall, to hail storms and high winds. Slate is not only one of the strongest roofing materials available to you–it is also the safest. This option is extremely fire-resistant, so lightning strikes will be the least of your worries. What’s more, slate roofing has a low absorption rate, which means it won’t be affected by water and will not freeze and crack during a tough winter. Thanks to its durability, possible roofing repair and maintenance will be few and far between.

Natural Beauty

You won’t lack for customization when you choose slate roofing. The material is available in a wide selection of styles and thicknesses. You’ll also have your choice of texture, from smooth and uniform, to rough and charmingly rustic. The good news is that slate roofing works well with most residential architecture, such as Colonial, Queen Anne, and Cottage, so whatever style or texture you pick is sure to perfectly match with your home. Colors abound when it comes to slate roofing. Your options can range from muted grays and blacks to vibrant reds, purples, and greens. Feeling bold? You also have the option to mix several colors together to make your home stand out even more in the neighborhood.

Reduced Carbon Footprint

Unlike most of its counterparts, slate is natural and enduring roofing material. This means it won’t end up in a landfill somewhere once its considerable service life has ended. In fact, if you want to invest in a greener option for your roof replacement, you can’t do better than slate. By lasting perhaps five times as long as a basic shingle roof, slate can efficiently reduce your impact on the environment.

Improved Energy Efficiency

Slate roofing offers superior insulating value, which means there’s less chance of outdoor air leaking inside your home and compromising thermal comfort. At the same time, it also ensures that costly heating or cooling energy remains trapped inside your living space.

Increased Property Value

Given the many ways slate roofing can benefit you, it probably won’t come as a surprise that this option can also increase your home’s value. In the off chance that you actually want to put your home on sale, you can expect a higher return on investment if you have a slate roof.

There are still essentials you need to take into account when investing in a slate roof. You should know that slate is a heavy material, so you’ll need to have a structural engineer perform a thorough inspection of your existing roof structure. An extra support structure might be added to safely and effectively hold up the weight of this roofing material. 

Another factor is its installation–a slate roof will require the expertise of a licensed and certified residential and commercial roofing company like Your Professional Roofer LLC. We have already installed countless roofing systems over the years and have worked with many different materials, including slate. When you choose us for your slate roof installation, you can expect the job to be completed perfectly right the first time. We serve the areas in and around Saint Peters, MO. Call us today at (636) 866-5660 or fill out this contact form to schedule your consultation.