Roofing material matters. The type you use for your home will affect the building’s structure, safety, appearance and value of your property. That is why choosing the right roofing material is important for any homeowner.
While elegance is key, so is practicality. You need to choose roofing materials that combine both aesthetics and pragmatics to enhance curb appeal while also maximizing safety.
If you think of replacing your existing roof, then slate roofing tiles are a superb choice due to their wide range of benefits. However, there are many roofing options to choose from, which may feel overwhelming to some.
Here, our focus will be on slate roofing tiles and how they can improve your home and give it a distinct look.
Why Slate Roofing is So Attractive
Slate is available in a cornucopia of textures and colors. Made from natural stone, slate roofing tiles are considered luxurious and classy. The distinct look of these stone-based roofing tiles is unmatched in the roofing industry. The color of the slate will be determined by the minerals and compositions that comprise it. Slate from different regions will come in different colors, giving you a variety of options to choose from.
Slate is also a versatile material. Depending on what you need to use it for, you can choose from many different sizes and thicknesses. The size and type of material will play an integral role in the cost of your selection.
Photo by Vinci | Hamp Architects
Slate tends to cost a bit more than other roofing materials, but its remarkable durability and mesmerizing natural beauty help justify the extra cost. You can expect the value of your home to increase exponentially when you opt for slate for your roofing needs.
What Slate Roofing Styles and Colors Are Available?
The right roof will improve the curb appeal of your property for several years or even decades. The right combination of color and texture is key to improving curb appeal. Your roof needs to match your property’s unique contours and style.
There are many different shapes, sizes, and colors to choose from when dealing with slate roofing tiles. From blended patterns and colors to graded and textured tiles, the sky’s the limit when working with slate.
Photo by Markay Johnson Construction
A graduated slate roof is known for its traditional style. Both functionality and style can be enjoyed when you opt for a graduated slate roof. When installed properly, rainwater will be effectively diverted away from the home to reduce water-related damage.
A standard slate roof is also a popular choice for many homeowners. It is the most common style in the United States. The vertical joints are aligned prudently, and the horizontal courses are evenly spaced for a more simple and uniform aesthetic.
If your top priority is a clutter-free exterior design, and you are going for a more clean and organized appearance, then a standard slate roof will fit the bill nicely.
Photo by Sterling-Huddleson Architecture
A staggered butt slate roof will consist of slates that fluctuate in length. In some cases, the roofer will set them in such a manner as to create the illusion that they vary in size. Longer pieces are often used to extend past the butt line of the other slates on the roof.
The result is a hang-down look that many people enjoy. It should also be noted that there are mixed color patterns to choose from. You will be able to mix and match different colors to your heart’s content until you create a truly unique design for your home.
By choosing different colors, you will be able to make new and interesting patterns that will help your home pop or stand out among a glut of boring-looking homes. A mixed color slate roof is an excellent choice for those who want to enhance the curb appeal of their property and increase its value.
How to Choose the Right Slate Roof Tile For Your Home
A slate roof will consist of natural stones that combine beauty, function and strength. By getting the best of both worlds, you will be maximizing your return on investment when you choose a slate roof. The textures that you choose will influence the appearance of your roof.
Mixed slate is commonly employed to help build a roof. Some contractors may opt for a random width style, while others may choose a conventional pattern style. It should also be noted that the most popular roofing slates are, in terms of color, gray and black.
Photo by Frank Shirley Architects
There are hundreds of colors, grades, and shades to choose from, so pick the variants that speak to you to help construct the ideal roof for you and your loved ones.
Does a Slate Roof Increase the Value of Your Home?
Yes, a slate roof will increase the value of your home due to its bevy of advantages. For instance, slate is the least flammable of all roofing materials. As such, it currently has a perfect Class A fire rating.
Slate is also the most environmentally friendly of the roofing materials currently available on the market: This is because slate is 100% organic, so you will be drastically reducing your carbon footprint when you choose slate for your roofing needs.
Photo by Significant Homes LLC
Moreover, slate is the longest-lasting of all roofing materials because it is made of solid natural rock. Ergo, you can expect your slate-based roof to last for a century.
The Obvious Choice
Slate is the longest-lasting, most natural, and least flammable type of roofing material in the construction industry. Maintenance is kept to a bare minimum, so you won’t have to spend thousands on maintenance and repair costs.
Due to its myriad benefits, slate is slightly more expensive than other artificial roofing materials. However, its longevity and minimal upkeep are a superb choice for your long-term roofing needs.
Photo by Fusch Architects, Inc.
Its natural beauty will also imbue your home with a touch of class. The plethora of color combinations and textures will complement the existing style of your home and increase its real estate value in the process.
Hence, many contractors and home decor experts recommend slate to their clients due to its many unique benefits.