Like any tile roofs, slate roofing is a very attractive, durable option for a home roof. Since slate shingles are cut directly from the earth, these materials are all natural. Slate is rock that has undergone a metamorphosis from volcanic clay and ash to become finely grained.

No man-made material comes close to the durability offered by slate shingles. Laying slate roofing takes the expertise of a professional who works with natural stone roofing materials. However, these costs are justified, since a slate roof will most likely be the only one you’ll need in your lifetime.

Slate roofing, though extremely durable, is unfortunately also brittle. Avoid hiring contractors that don’t have experience working with slate for roofs. Slate shingles also come in batches, each with its own distinct color and texture. Home improvement professionals recommend purchasing extra shingles, in case your slate roof ever needs repair.

Pros and Cons of Slate Roofing

There are a number of advantages to installing a slate roof:

• Slate for roofs is environmentally friendly, due to its durability.
• Slate roof is naturally fire-resistant.
• Slate roofing is durable, and can last up to 150 years or longer.
• Slate shingles come in a wide range of colors.

There also a few disadvantages to be aware of:

• A poorly installed slate roof can be like having no roof.
• Slate roof installation and repair is extremely difficult.
• Slate shingles are extremely heavy, and require a lot of support.

Synthetic Slate Roofs

What if you desire the appearance of natural stones, but you can’t afford the high cost of slate roofing? If you are in this situation, you may want to consider synthetic slate roofs. Oftentimes, these affordable man-made slate roofing materials are used to restore historical buildings to their original look. They may also be used to replace broken slate shingles, and match the original slate roof. The appearance of slate is much easier to realize than its durability, however.

Here are a number of roofing options for synthetic slate roofs:

• A combination of steel-reinforced rubber coated polyethylene panels and natural ground slate, synthetic slate roofs look like natural slate roofing and offer UV radiation protection.
• Ceramic tiles resemble slate shingles, combining the similar strength and durability of ceramic tiles with those of slate.
• Looking very much like the real thing, a composite of slate and clay bonded by resin weighs and costs less.
• Made from recycled rubber and plastic waste, this green option weighs a fraction of what slate does, at 166 pounds per square.