Slate roofs have long stood as the gold standard in quality roofing. Installed properly, slate roofs require relatively little maintenance and can last upwards of 100 years. Found on virtually every class of structure, slate roofs are perhaps most often associated with institutional, ecclesiastical, and government buildings, where longevity is an especially important consideration in material choices.
Slate Roofing
Increase curb appeal with an elegant, commercial slate roof
What are the pros and cons of slate commercial roofs?
Slate roofing cons
- Initial cost is high
- Replacement and repair of a roof is more complex and takes longer
- It can be difficult to find experienced slate roofing specialists locally
- Structure must be able to support the weight of the slate roofing system
Slate is one of the materials of choice when it comes to commercial roofing. But while natural slate has plenty of pros, there are some cons that you should be aware of before you choose to use it.
Slate roofing pros
- Energy efficient
- Durable
- Fire resistant
- Excellent insulation properties
- Very low maintenance
- Pest resistant
- Long lifespan — some varieties last up to 150 years
- Attractive, old world aesthetic
- Perform very well under harsh weather conditions — including natural disasters
- Environmentally friendly — can be reused
What type of building is slate roofing good for?
Slate tile roofing is great for businesses because they do keep utility and maintenance costs down and offer tremendous aesthetic appeal. Not all buildings are cut out for a slate roof due to the material’s weight. But if your building can accommodate it, slate is a wise business investment.
Slate is best suited for roofs with a 4-in-12 slope or more. Slate is also much heavier, on average, than other roofing materials. This means that your roof deck will need to be evaluated by a structural engineer to confirm the structure can properly support the additional weight.
Is slate roofing right for your building?
What is the lifespan of slate roofing?
The lifespan of a slate roof depends on several factors. Commercial slate roofing typically uses natural slate which has a lifespan of around 75 years. But with proper maintenance, it’s possible slate roofs can last 100 years or more.
There are three common factors that affect the longevity of your slate roof:
Amount of experience your roofing contractor has in slate roof installationAdherence to a proper annual maintenance scheduleAmount of extreme weather exposureWhether you are installing a new roof, replacing or repairing an existing roof, choose a qualified, experienced roofing company like Schena to make the process go as smoothly as possible.
What are the color options for slate roofing?
When you hear the word slate, you might think of only gray or black. But slate actually comes in a surprising array of colors, all great for commercial roofing, including:
BlackGrayRedPurpleGreenSlate tiles can also be a combination of colors such as mottled black-gray and mottled purple-green. They are a natural material, so there will be inconsistencies in the color from piece to piece. But these inconsistencies create a unique, attractive roof that adds beauty to the building and demands attention.
Can you repair a slate roof?
Yes, a slate roof can be repaired.
Slate may be extremely durable, but it is not indestructible.
If your slate roof is nearing the end of its lifespan or if it has a lot of damage, it may be better and more cost-effective to replace it. If there are just a few pieces that are damaged, then repair may be a better choice. You can also replace a single piece of slate, although it is typically difficult to match a new piece of slate perfectly to an existing roof.
Let us help you decide which is the best course of action for your commercial slate roofing. Call today.
Can roof slate be reused?
Some types of slate roofing can easily be reused. It is a commonly recycled building material. And with such a long life expectancy and great durability, under the right conditions it can be easily reclaimed and reused.
When deciding whether to reclaim slate or not, the first thing to look at is when it was installed. If it is nearing the end of its lifespan, then it really isn’t viable to reuse.
Learn more about how your slate roof can be recycled or repurposed.
Are synthetic slate systems as good as natural slate?
Shena Roofing does offers synthetic slate as an option for your commercial roofing project.
Synthetic slate has several advantages. In some cases, its durability exceeds that of natural slate. This is because the synthetic slate have undergone special treatment with advanced ultraviolet inhibitors that protect them from the damaging rays of the sun, reducing wear and tear. Many synthetic slate roofs carry certifications for impact resistance that is higher than natural slate tiles. Fire resistance is also higher than natural slate because of how they have been treated. The cost is still high, but somewhat less than natural slate. And synthetic slate is much lighter in weight. Contact us for more information and options.
Do you want expert installation and advice for getting and keeping a slate roof that will serve your business for years to come?
