Whether you’re having your home built or it’s time to replace the roof on your existing home, there’s no doubt that this is a job you only want to do once. Choosing the best roof for your forever home means considering a number of factors, including durability and environmentally sustainability.
How long does a slate roof last?
As roofing contractors in Billerica, we’re often asked how long will a new roof last? The answer to that question is it depends on what your roof is made of. Asphalt shingles can deliver between 20 and 50 years of reliable service, depending on the quality of the product chosen. Metal roofing offers a lifetime’s service. And for a roof that lasts for generations, there’s no doubt about it. You want slate.
Slate roofing tiles are made out of rock. As such, they’re fireproof. They also resist damage from extreme weather conditions, including high winds and freezing cold temperatures. It’s not unusual for a hard slate roof to last 200 years.
Are Slate Roofs good for the environment?
Because slate is an all natural roofing material, it’s one of the best choices for the homeowner who is concerned about the environment. When comparing roofing materials from this perspective, you want to consider the embodied carbon value. This refers to how much greenhouse gas is generated during the roof’s manufacture. Slate roofing tiles consistently have the lowest embodied carbon value – at most, it has only 16% of what other more popular roofing options contain.
Aren’t slate roofs extremely expensive?
As Billerica roofing contractors, we often hear from homeowners who think they can not afford a slate roof. However, when you compare the costs of a slate roof against the prolonged useful life of the roof, it’s not really that much more expensive. Additionally, a slate roof adds significantly to the resale value of the home.