Some homeowners are abandoning their asphalt shingles for slate when it comes time to have a new roof installed. Before deciding on the type of roof you’d like, learning more about slate roofs can help you make a better-informed decision. The following list of pros and cons can help you decide if you want to have your contractor install a slate roof.

Pros

Pest Resistant

Slate is a natural stone, and it’s tough to penetrate. This means squirrels, mice, and birds won’t be able to tear up your roofing materials. This will make nesting on your roof a challenge. Similarly, insects will find it more difficult to get past the slate to infest the underlying layers of your roofing materials.

Water-Resistant

A slate roof won’t soak up water as other roofs will during rainy or snowy weather. This will protect you from the water damage that might otherwise occur to your home. If you see a leak, it will be because the rain or melting snow has found another entry point.

Fireproof

If the wind carries burning embers to your roof, you won’t have to worry about the slate catching fire. However, if those embers roll off the roof, they may ignite more flammable materials on or near your home.

Cons

Costlier Installation

You won’t be able to get a slate roof from every roofing contractor. Installing a slate roof requires a different set of skills, so finding a qualified contractor may be difficult. Depending on your roof’s size and shape, the work involved in installing a slate roof may also be more complex. Because of this, you should expect to pay more.

Slate is Heavy

Since it is a natural stone, slate is heavy, and you’ll be adding more weight for a larger surface area. For that reason, slate may not be ideal for large or older homes. An experienced slate roofing contractor can estimate the weight of a slate roof on your home, so you’ll know how safe it will be in advance.

It’s Not Impact Resistant

While hail won’t damage your slate tiles, your roof will be damaged by more substantial impacts. For example, a falling tree branch can shatter your slate tiles, forcing you to ask your roofer to replace that section of your roof.

You can learn more about investing in a slate roof when you talk to your contractor. Your decision will depend on which features are most important to you in a roof. After all, you’ll want to ensure you’re happy with the look, functionality, and durability of the roof you choose.