How Much Does A Slate Roof Cost?

Price is usually a factor when deciding on which roof to choose. While this may not sound interesting, slate roofs are not cheap. The reason is that they are premium natural products. A slate roof costs between $35-50 per meter square, which is quite higher than most other roof types.

However, while the cost might be a challenge, you want to consider the several benefits of a slate roof.

The first question you want to ask is what is there for you to enjoy from a slate roof. Gladly, there are several benefits to enjoy from a slate roof.

Slate roofs are available in different hues, textures, and thicknesses. While your choice of color might depend on your style and taste, your slate roof thickness and texture depend on your region.

The most common slate units in most regions are rectangular units, but natural slate is flexible to fit into any roof, achieved by cutting them into the required shape.

However, imported slate are gradually finding their way into the market, and they are becoming popular, thanks to their low cost, but they come with the setback of low quality.

Most imported slates come from China and Brazil and have different mineral content, which is not suitable for some regions’ weather conditions, degrading the integrity of the slate.

Checking For Quality

The point is to check for the quality of the slate you are buying and ensure it is compatible with your region’s weather. One good way to recognize a quality slate is to examine the price. A high-quality slate is usually pricier than a low-quality one.

Another factor to consider when shopping for slates is the absorption rate. Slates have different absorption rates, which is a big determinant of their performance.

While the previous standard absorption rate was 0.3% or less, the new regulations now set 0.6% as the standard absorption rate. However, despite the new regulations, many professionals still consider 0.3% or less as a mark of excellence.

Also, a slate’s durability depends on its carbonate content. Slates with 20% carbonate are more durable than those with more carbonate content and are marked with S1. Hence, ensure you check for this when shopping for a slate for your next roofing project.

Installing a Slate Roof

Since slates are of different thicknesses, it is important to arrange them accordingly. The standard method of arrangement is having the thickest ones as the eaves courses, the thicker ones in the middle, while the top rows of the roof take the thinner ones. The concept behind this is simple: since the eaves courses are more susceptible to wind uplift, they demand the heaviest category of slate.

Another thing your roofer will factor in is the required headlap. A headlap is the overlap portion of the slates on each other. Also, the pitch should determine the adequate slate size to use.

A lower pitch requires a larger slate size, and regulations demand that the pitch must be at least 20% to consider a slate roof. The standard headlap is 5mm across the vertical edges. This is enough to prevent upward-moving water from seeping through the space between the edges.

Roofers also ensure that non-rusting fixings are used, such as stainless steel, copper, or silicon bronze.

Maintaining a Slate Roof

After a slate roof installation, left to you is the maintenance. This is where the quality of the slate chosen comes to play. Low-quality slates demand more frequent maintenance than high-quality slates. However, a slate roof demands to be checked at least twice a year regardless of quality. The inspection service checks for cracked or broken pieces in the roof.

You need more checks if your roof is closer to trees, as it is more susceptible to leave deposits, leading to a high risk of moss growth. It is best to carry out the check when winter is around the corner, as it will enable you to sweep off excessive deposits, enhancing effective water flow on the roof.