If you’re considering a slate roof for your home in the Pittsburgh, PA area, contact Gotcha Covered Contracting to get a free estimate for installation services today. Choosing the right roofing material can be a challenge. Every home is different and will have unique requirements that have to fit within your budget. We can help you simplify the slate roof repair or installation process.
Already have a slate roof and need repairs? Is your slate roof leaking? Does it have missing or broken shingles? If you’re slate roof has damage, Gotcha Covered Contracting can provide you with a free inspection and an estimate for repair! Call us at 724-581-8147.
Slate is a premium-quality roofing material made from metamorphic stone. Slate roofing in Pittsburgh is common sight among older houses, though they do also have some drawbacks that you may need to consider.
Let’s take a closer look at the Pros and Cons of Slate Roofing:
Pros of Slate Roof Tile
Slate Looks Great
Slate is one of the better-looking natural roof materials, with clean lines and interesting colors. While most people stick to traditional gray slate tiles, you can also get slate in other shades, including green, red, and a blue-gray tone. You can also play around with the width and thickness of each tile to best match your home’s unique style.
It’s Durable
Slate is a type of stone, which makes it incredibly durable. It’s extremely weatherproof and can survive high winds, strong storms, and even 4-inch hail with minimal fuss. Slate is also fire resistant, making it an excellent option for wildfire-prone areas.
Slate Roofs have a Long Lifespan
A slate tile can last for many decades, and slate roofs are some of the longest-lasting in the business. While you can expect an ordinary asphalt tile roof to last for 30 years, slate can last for up to 100 years if properly installed and maintained.
Due to its long lifespan, most slate roofs also have very long-lived warranties. Most manufacturers know exactly how resilient slate is and don’t expect people to have any issues with longevity or durability for several decades.
Low Maintenance
While it’s always good to pay attention to roof maintenance, you may be relieved to find out that slate requires minimal maintenance. Its resilience and durability mean that individual slate tiles are unlikely to break or come off, even in heavy weather, so you won’t need to replace tiles after every storm.
Slate is also naturally water-resistant, which means that mildew and mold find it very difficult to grow on slate. While you may occasionally see some moss growing on older slate roofs, this is very easy to clean as the moss doesn’t penetrate too deeply into the stone.
Increased Home Value
Due to the many advantages of slate roofs, they’re incredibly popular with home buyers. Even if you’re not planning on making your current home your ‘forever home,’ installing a slate roof may still prove cost-effective as it will dramatically increase your home value. Many buyers love the low maintenance, durability, and look that a slate roof provides, which will make it easier to sell your home and get more money out of it.
If you need slate roof repairs or are interested in replacing your slate roof in Pittsburgh, contact Gotcha Covered Contracting today!
Cons of Slate Roofs
Slate Roofing Cost
Slate is a premium material, which reflects in the price. The national average is around $200 per square foot of slate roofing. In addition to being an expensive material, slate roof installations are also more time-consuming and require expert roofers who specialize in slate installations. These factors drive up the initial cost.
However, considering that a slate roof can last up to 100 years, it may still prove to be cost-effective if you work it out on a per-year basis.
Weight
It’s important to consider the weight of slate when deciding if it’s the right material for your home. Slate is extremely heavy and can weigh up to 1,000 pounds per 100 square feet. Your home has to have reinforced rafters to handle this weight, especially if you’ve had an asphalt or shingled roof before.
Synthetic slate is an alternative that weighs and has similar costs while still offering most of the benefits of natural slate tiles without the maintenance.
Slate Roof Repair Done The Right Way
If you need emergency slate roof repairs in Pittsburgh, Allison Park, Cranberry Township, Wexford or any of the surrounding cities, Gotcha Covered Contracting can help!
When it comes to Slate roof repair, our roofing crews are highly trained and knowledgeable, and can handle any of your requests. If your slate tile has extreme damage, and cannot be repaired, we can work with you to find a replacement option.
In addition to slate repair services, we provide professional slate roof replacement services.
Superior Slate Roofing Services in Pittsburgh
There’s a lot to love about slate, but it may not be for everyone. If you’re interested in getting a new roof and want to find out more about slate and other roofing options, get in touch with Gotcha Covered Contracting at 724-581-8147. Our slate roof repair and replacement experts are always happy to help you make the right roofing decision.
