Slate Roof Tiles Offer Lasting Beauty
One of the biggest investments a homeowner will make is installing a roof. Many different roofing materials are available for residential installation, including metal, cedar, fiberglass and slate roof tiles. It makes sense to research each option, as they differ greatly in terms of installation and cost.
 A quality, properly installed roof should last for 20 to 30 years or longer, with varying degrees of maintenance. This is something to take into consideration when comparing costs. Higher quality composition shingles, often made of fiberglass, are easy to install, often over an existing roof, and require very little maintenance over their lifetime. Metal roofing is becoming a popular choice for homeowners, due to its durable, low maintenance qualities. This style of roofing requires a bit more expertise for installation. Choosing steel or metal roofing has the added benefit of reducing a home-owner's energy costs, reducing them by as much as 20 percent.
If you want a unique, classic look for your roof, you might want to consider slate roof tiles. These shingle-like slivers of rock offer an unmistakeable look for a roof. There are many pros and cons involved in choosing slate, which should be considered carefully. Besides the unique appearance, a major benefit of a slate roof is its longevity. You can expect a professionally installed slate roof to last a century or more. In addtion, it is fire resistant, and not vulnerable to rot and insect damage. The most obvious drawback is the initial investment.
A slate roof can cost more than five times the amount of a conventional style of roofing. Although, bear in mind, you slate roof will likely last five times longer as well. The weight of a slate roof is far greater than that of other materials, and homeowners may need to arrange for extra structural support. Installation is best left to the professionals. A slate roof is very low maintenance, but can be damaged easily by workers unfamiliar with walking on these tiles.
A roof is a big investment, so it makes sense to look into all of the options available before deciding which is the best for your home.
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