Are you considering installing slate on your roofing system?
It is not an ordinary material. Therefore, considering slate roofing your home in Durham is a vital decision. You must weigh all the pros and cons before such an investment.
In this guide, we will educate you on everything you need to know about slate. And, whether or not it is suitable for a city like Durham.
What is Slate Roofing?
When we talk about slate roofing, in general, we mean natural slate tiles. These tiles are directly quarried from the earth. And, Spain is known to be the best producer of natural slate, for example, the Spanish slate tiles.
It is one of the most visually appealing roofing materials with first-class durability. However, there are many more variants available of natural slate such as Welsh slate, Canadian slate, Brazilian slate, and so on.
A more affordable choice to natural slate is the synthetic slate. It is manufactured and designed to mimic the appearance of natural slate.
In comparison, it is much lighter weight but highly customizable to your preference. However, it does not consist of the same longevity and classic appearance as the natural slate.
In our opinion, if you are choosing to install slate on your roof, it is recommended to opt for natural slate.
Benefits of Slate Roofing in Durham
Durability and Longevity
If installed properly, slate roofs can last for more than a hundred years with proper maintenance.
The materials produced by manufacturers are mostly Class IV rated. It means it incurs little to no damage even in the harshest weather conditions.
This durability is advantageous in Durham. The material can withstand the city’s humid summers, occasional storms, and heavy rainfalls with ease. At the same time, the slate is resistant to fire and water.
Overall, the material is top-notch when you consider the durability and longevity aspects of a roofing material.
Aesthetic and Property Value
In comparison to other materials, slate contains a very different kind of natural beauty. It adds a timeless elegance that makes any home quite visually appealing. As stated earlier, one such example is the Spanish slate.
However, slate roofing materials are available in various colors and textures. The homeowners can customize their roofs based on their own taste and architectural style.
At Proway Works, we get to speak to many realtors and estate agents in the market. Based on our conversation, we can assure a proper roofing system adds significant value to any property.
In terms of slate roofs, instantly adds an aesthetic visual element. As a result, it can act as an attractive feature for potential buyers.
Energy Efficient and Environmental Friendly
A slate roof’s material provides natural insulation. It can have a positive impact on maintaining indoor temperatures and reducing energy costs.
Let’s take an example from one of our suppliers, Cupa Pizarras. They have produced the first natural slate solar panel known as Thermoslate.
With proper installation, a family can save annually up to fifty percent of energy consumption.
Also, it produces energy for DHW (domestic hot water) with a tank of 300 liters capacity and heating. As a result, with thermoslate a homeowner can recoup their investment in three to five years.
Additionally, slate is an environmentally friendly option. A material like asphalt shingles requires the usage of fossil fuels during manufacturing. Whereas, slate is mined and recyclable which mitigates its environmental impact.
Low Maintenance
Like other premium and durable materials, slate requires minimal maintenance. The material is resistant to mold, mildew, and pests.
As stated earlier, in general slate is known to be a Class IV-rated durable material. Therefore, the likelihood of incurring any damage or leakage is less. Even after tough weather conditions, the roof will stand firm for several decades without any issues.
Regardless, we recommend conducting an annual inspection every year. If there’s any underlying issue by any chance, we can fix it before it gets any worse.
The Drawback of Slate Roofing in Durham
High Initial Investment
A slate roofing system requires a significant investment.
Apart from the material, several other factors add to the total budget. It includes old roof removal, deck repairs, and even structural reinforcement.
Also, you must account for roof size, complexity, and contractor’s fees.
However, in this case, we are just talking about the material. In general, a roofing material consists of the majority portion of a project. Here’s the total breakdown:
| Type of Slate | Cost Range per Square Foot | Cost for a 2,500 sq feet roof | Longevity |
| Natural Slate | $10 to $30 | $25,000 to $75,000+ | 50 to 100+ years |
| Synthetic Slate | $4 to $12 | $10,000 to $30,000+ | 30 to 50+ years |
Source: This Old House, Brava Roof Tile and AME.
Here’s another table that showcases how slate roof compares to other types of roofing material.
| Type of Material | Material Cost per Square Foot | Cost for a 2,500 sq feet roof | Longevity (Years) |
| 3-tab Asphalt | $4 to $5.50 | $10,000 to $13,750 | 10 to 15+ |
| Architectural Shingles | $4.50 to $8 | $11,250 to $20,000 | 15 to 20+ |
| Standing Seam Metal | $10 to $13 | $25,000 to $32,500 | 40 to 50+ |
| Wood Shakes or Shingles | $6 to $14 | $15,000 to $35,000 | 25 to 50+ |
| Clay Tiles | $9 to $16 | $22,500 to $40,000 | 50 to 70+ |
| Tesla Solar Tiles | $20 to $30 | $50,000 to $75,000 | 25 to 30+ |
Source: First American Roofing & Siding, Modernize, Custom Shingles and Forme Solar.
If you want more insight, here’s an article from us discussing roof cost in North Carolina.
Heavy Weight
Slate is a heavy material. The tiles weigh between 800 and 1,500 pounds per square (100 square feet). This substantial weight requires a proper structural examination of your home. It helps to ensure whether or not your home can support a slate roof. If not, additional structural reinforcement will be required. As a result, increasing the overall budget.
Fragility and Risk of Breakage
Despite slate being durable, it is a fragile material. It may crack or break if the material due to any significant impact or improper handling.
This fragility means the material or any repair should only be handled by a professional contractor. Also, someone who is familiar with slate roofs.
Limited Contractor Availability
To install and repair slate roofs, a contractor requires specialized knowledge and expertise. At the same time, you must factor in experience.
In Durham or North Carolina in general, not all roofers have the necessary competence to work with slate. As a result, finding a qualified professional contractor can be difficult.
As a homeowner, you must conduct thorough research before selecting a roofer. The individual must have a proven track record with slate. In our opinion, a minimum of three to five years of experience is a must.
Should You Choose Slate for Your Roof?
A slate roofing system requires significant investment. Before making any decision, you must weigh the benefits against its drawbacks.
For homeowners in Durham who are living here long term, and seeking a durable and aesthetic roof, slate could be a viable option. Or, if you are a real estate investor who wants to add value to your property with a quality roofing system, slate could be a viable option as well.
It is advisable to consult with multiple local roofing experts. The contractor will examine the home’s structural capacity and create a detailed estimate.
At Proway Works, we have installed and replaced hundreds of slate roofs in Durham for the past thirty years.
The team is highly trained and certified by slate manufacturers like Cupa Pizzaras, American Slate, Vermont Slate, and many more.
If you have any roofing queries, contact us at 919-824-2460 or book a consultation.