Slate roofs are made from slate roofing tiles. Slate is a natural metamorphic rock which is split into thin sheets. Slate tiles can be uniform or varied in size. It also comes in many colors, which means it can go with various types of homes.
Slate roofing has a variety of benefits, making it one of the lowest-maintenance and highest-durability roofing options available. Slate roofing is resistant to water damage, mildew, and fire, making it compatible with withstanding various weather extremes. While slate is more expensive than some other roofing tiles, its lifespan often exceeds the time homeowners spend in their houses.
One of the things people love about slate is its look. Slate has a vintage or classic look, which complements the aesthetics of many homes around Freehold, NJ. It can look modern and fresh or quaint and cozy. The colors depend on the source of the slate, but the variety offers plenty of versatility to homeowners.
Not everyone can afford authentic slate roofing. Fortunately, synthetic slate offers many of the same benefits as authentic slate. Though they are made of vinyl, they come with extensive warranties and offer many of the same benefits as natural slate, including a variety of colors and widths. If you love slate but it is out of your price range, ask about synthetic slate.
Advantages of Slate Roofing
Durability
The most significant benefit of slate is its longevity. Asphalt shingles should last 20 to 30 years. While that may seem like a long time, slate’s lifespan is often more than double that. Slate roofs should last 50 to 200 years. If well maintained, they will easily outlast a homeowner and often their children and grandchildren.
Slate can also endure plenty of weather conditions. Snow, ice, and freezing temperature can wreak havoc on traditional roofs. When water gets under the shingles and freezes, it can expand and cause damage. Slate roofs are naturally resistant to water damage, ice damage, mildew, mold, and more. So, it easily withstands the extreme weather in New Jersey.
Aesthetics
Slate roofing just looks fabulous. To some, it offers the quaint look of a European village, while when prepared with the right architecture, it can exude a stark and modern appearance. In fact, slate is far more versatile than many people realize. It comes in tons of colors, depending on the source. Plus, slate roofs can be uniform in size or have a more natural appearance. They can compliment the exterior of almost any home.
Many of the older buildings in Freehold, NJ feature slate roofing. To get a feel for the look, you may want to drive around the area and check out some of the older and historic buildings.
Low Maintenance
While people love the look of slate, its real selling point is that it is so low maintenance. Since slate naturally resists mold, mildew, fire, and more, the roof does not have any extreme cleaning requirements. Slate does not have the same problems as asphalt shingles, and it is much less likely to develop leaks.
The lower maintenance can impact long-term affordability. Slate roofing may cost twice as much as an asphalt roof, but since it can last 10 times as long, it is a cost-effective long-term investment for New Jersey homeowners.
Our Slate Roofing Services
At Roofing by Carl’s, we have decades of experience installing slate roofing. Of course, since slate is so durable, we do not replace these roofs at the same rate as other roofs. However, we often perform routine maintenance and repairs. We have the skills and expertise necessary for all of your slate roofing needs.
Check out some images from our slate roofing projects in Freehold, NJ!
Repair and Restoration
While slate is durable, it is not invulnerable. Just like other roofing materials, weather extremes, wind, and age can degrade a slate roof. However, it may just impact part of the roof. We can fix them, restoring the condition of your roof through a combination of repair and restoration.
Often, people are unaware of a roofing issue until they have an emergency. No problem. We offer emergency repair services for our New Jersey clients.
Whether it’s routine maintenance, repairs, or installations, Roofing by Carl’s in your trusted partner for all your slate roofing needs.
Slate is good-looking, long-lasting, and an environmentally friendly choice for roofing. It is also low-maintenance, which saves time and energy over the long run.
Slate roofing is very durable, but slate is also fragile. It does an excellent job of withstanding the weather conditions in Freehold, NJ. However, if you step on it at the wrong angle, it can break easily. That can leave it vulnerable to breakage if hit by a falling or flying object. So, while slate is hardy, you need to do the other maintenance around your house. A slate roof will be vulnerable if a tree hits it or you have another catastrophe.
A slate roof is low-maintenance, but that is not the same as no-maintenance. All roofs need routine gutter cleaning, damage inspection, and cleaning of debris, dirt, mold, moss, and mildew. Slate is resistant to fungi, but you still want to clean any when it appears. The good news is that you do not have to handle this maintenance- Roofing by Carls offers ongoing maintenance service in addition to repair and restoration.