Slate is one of the oldest roofing materials and remains a popular roof replacement option today. There are three types of slate roofs and Storm Master Construction and Roofing shares an in-depth look at their key features and differences.
Natural Slate
Natural quarried slate is what comes to most people’s minds when talking about slate roofs. Natural slate has an exceptionally long lifespan. With proper care and maintenance, a slate roof can last over 100 years. It handles thermal expansion and contraction well and is impervious to damage caused by ultraviolet rays.
Natural slate is one of the most eco-friendly roofing options available, thanks to its long lifespan and with no manufacturing process involved. Discarded slate can also be repurposed in many ways. A reputable roofing contractor typically offers slate in a wide variety of colors. Depending on the source, you’ll find natural slate in shades of gray, blue and even red.
Fiber Cement Slate
Fiber cement slate is fast becoming a popular alternative to natural slate, thanks to its more attractive upfront cost. Like fiber cement siding, fiber cement slate comes in an even wider variety of factory-applied colors, as well as custom formats such as diamond-shaped slate. It is also much lighter than natural slate and can be installed on existing roof decks without additional reinforcement. It must be noted that fiber cement siding has about half the expected lifespan of natural slate, but is still longer than other options such as asphalt shingles.
Bituminous Slate
Bituminous slate is closer in composition to common roofing shingles. After all, the main component of both materials is bitumen, otherwise known as asphalt. Both have similar expected life spans, maintenance requirements and installation processes. The main difference is in the outer layer; whereas asphalt shingles have a rough, sandpaper-like feel, bituminous slate has a relatively smoother surface like natural slate. Unlike other slate options, bituminous slate is flexible and can be installed over eyebrow windows and domed roofs.
To learn more about slate roofing, or our roof repair, maintenance and installation services, call Storm Master Construction and Roofing today at . You can also fill out our contact form to schedule a free no obligation quote. We serve Fort Worth, TX, and surrounding areas.
