A Closer Look at the Pros and Cons of Slate Roofing in Minnesota

Slate roofs have a reputation for being the premier roofing material, and with good reason. They’re durable, long-lasting, and very attractive. However, they also have downsides that few homeowners consider until it’s too late. If you’re evaluating roofing solutions for your property, give Elite Remodeling Services a call at (952) 646-2480 and find out whether slate is a good choice for your home.

Pros of Slate Roofing in Minnesota

Slate Roofs Are Attractive

Slate is undeniably one of the best-looking roofing materials. It comes in several color ranges, allowing homeowners to match their roofs to the rest of their homes. With a surprising variety of choices, slate remains the go-to choice for architects and people who want to add a touch of class to their home.

Durable

Slate is resilient, impact-resistant, and fire-resistant. A slate roof can take a lot of punishment, including heavy rains, high winds, and even 4-inch hailstones. As it’s a non-porous stone, it’s also inflammable, which makes it perfect for homes in wildfire-prone areas.

Long-Lasting

Most roofing materials have a lifespan of 20 to 50 years. Most slate roofs have a lifespan of 75 years and can easily go up to 100 and over if appropriately maintained. Manufacturers also provide extended warranties on slate tiles, which can be a huge factor for people worried about things going wrong.

Since slate is so durable and long-lasting, it’s an excellent option for homeowners who are planning to stay in their current home for a long, long time.

Low Maintenance

While we still recommend that you check your slate tile roof for damage after a heavy storm, the fact is that slate roofs require very little maintenance. You may need to replace a tile or two after a particularly severe storm, but because these roofs are so durable, they don’t need a lot of attention.

Also, since slate is a very dense stone, it’s almost impervious to water accumulation. Moss and mildew find it very difficult to penetrate the stone’s surface, which means that a slate roof is surprisingly dirt and moss-resistant. You may need to clean it every couple of years, but most homeowners find they only need to clean their slate roof every ten years.

Improved Curb Appeal

Due to its good looks and durability, slate is a highly sought-after roofing material. Few people are willing to install a new roof, but buyers are constantly looking for homes with existing slate roofs. Not only does this make slate an appealing way to improve your home’s value, but the attractiveness of your roof will draw in many interested buyers.

Cons of Slate Roofs in Minnesota

While slate roofing has many advantages, there are some disadvantages that you need to consider.

The Cost of Slate Roofing

Slate is expensive. The material itself is quite pricey, and a slate roof installation requires extensive expertise and training. The national average cost of a slate roof is $200 per square foot, making it a significant investment for any home. However, considering it’s a roof that will last you almost a hundred years, it may be more cost-effective than you initially think.

The Weight of Slate Roof Tiles

Few homeowners consider the weight of slate as a factor. Slate is extremely heavy and can weigh up to 1,000 pounds per 100 square feet. This weight puts a lot of pressure on the underlying roof structure, and it’s important to discover whether your home can support the weight or not.

It is possible to add reinforcements to your roof’s structure to make it strong enough to handle the weight, but this is a time-consuming and expensive extra step to an already time-consuming and costly installation.

If you love slate but don’t like the downsides, why not give Elite Remodeling Services a call? We offer alternatives like synthetic slate, which is slightly more affordable. Or, if you’re absolutely in love with the idea of a slate roof, let us handle the installation. Give us a call at (952) 646-2480 and find out how we can help you.