The roofing industry has changed quite a lot over the years. These days, homeowners are rarely opting for the standard, 3-tab shingles that were so popular a few decades ago. Instead, they are going with architectural shingles, and in some cases, with even more eco-friendly options like green roofing or slate. Whether you're shopping around for a new roof or are thinking of having repairs made to your current roof, it pays to be educated. Learn the basics on this blog, where we discuss roofing in the modern world. We explore various roofing materials, roofing techniques, and how to find the right roofer.
If your shingle roof is on its last legs, you have a decision to make. Should you replace it with another shingle roof, or should you go with another material, such as slate? Some people do choose to stick with shingles. This is a perfectly viable option as shingles are affordable and easy to install. There are, however, some important advantages of slate that may make it a better option for your new roof.
Slate will last a lot longer.
Slate roofs last a long time – a really long time. If you have another shingle roof put in your home, you'll need another roof replacement in a few decades. On the other hand, if you opt for slate this time around, you will likely never need to replace that roof again. If you don't sell your current home, that means you never have to navigate the roof replacement again in your lifetime.
Slate is a green roofing material.
There is a recent, increased effort among homeowners to "go green" and choose sustainable roof materials. Slate is about as green as they come. It's natural stone, nothing less and nothing more. While some fossil fuels will be burned in the process of excavating the slate, there are no pollutants released by the manufacture of the slate as it is not manufactured. You don't have to worry about off-gassing, either. Plus, when your slate roof wears out, it can be returned to the planet without causing any damage.
Slate is also a good insulator. This helps keep your heating and cooling bills down, which is also good for the planet.
Slate has a natural, traditional look.
Shingles are a popular roof material, but they have a relatively modern look. Slate looks a lot more traditional. If you have a home built in a specific architectural style, such as the Arts and Crafts style or Victorian style, a slate roof will look stylish. In some areas, you may even meet certain historic home requirements if you put a slate roof on an older home.
If your shingle roof needs to be replaced, consider replacing it with a slate roof. Slate lasts a long longer than shingles. It has a natural look and is a very green choice, too. Get a quote or two from local roofing companies, and go from there.
For more information on roof replacement, contact a roofing contractor in your area.