4 Reasons to Consider Slate Tiles for Your Roof

When it is time to upgrade your home's roof, one of the most important decisions you can make is the roofing material you use. While asphalt shingles are still often the default choice, slate tiles are one alternative to consider that offers several benefits. Here are four reasons to consider slate tiles for your roof.

1. Climate- and Flame-Resistance

If you live in an area with a significant risk of forest fires, you may be surprised to learn that your roof can be your home's most important line of defense. Many other roofing materials are flammable, so embers carried through the air can pose a significant threat to your home. Slate, however, is one of the most flame-resistant materials for your roof, so it's a great option if wildfires are a concern.

The same temperature resistance that makes slate tiles flame-retardant also helps them stand up against extreme climates. Most materials will expand in the heat of the day and shrink when they cool at night, and this constant movement can cause shingles to dislodge and begin to curl. Slate is not as reactive to changes in temperature, so it will provide excellent protection for your home no matter where you live.

2. Appearance

For many homeowners, the appearance of their roof is their main concern when they choose a material. Slate offers a classy, beautiful aesthetic that is unmatched by other types of roofs. Slate is also available in a wide variety of colors to match the outside appearance of any home. You can choose from classic gray, red, green, and even purple hues, or install mottled slate tiles with a mixture of colors.

While the upfront cost of slate tiles is higher than other materials, you also have to consider the value that this type of roof will bring to your home. Homebuyers are also drawn to a slate roof because it might increase the resale value of their home — and a slate tile roof can likely help your home sell quicker, too!

3. Energy Efficiency

Some roofing materials are better at insulating your home than others. Slate tiles are dense and not very conductive of temperature, which makes them excellent at holding heat inside your home or keeping it out. Because of this, homeowners with slate roofs may not have to run their HVAC system as long to heat or cool their home. They may see a drastic reduction in their energy bill compared to homes of a similar size with asphalt shingles.

In addition to reducing your energy usage, slate tiles are also very environmentally friendly. Slate tile is one of few roofing materials that can be recycled. This means that homes with slate roofs will produce less waste material over their lifetime. 

4. Long Life

Installing a new roof is a significant investment, so you ideally want to get as much time out of your new roof as possible. A slate roof is an investment that in most cases will last a lifetime. There are different types of slate tiles based on where the stone was quarried. While different varieties will have varied lifespans, you can expect any slate tile roof to last at least 150 years. 

No roof material is perfect for every home in every location. However, if you are looking for a material that is extremely durable and long lasting with a host of other benefits for your home, slate is an excellent place to start. Contact our team at Alton Roofing Services for full-service roof repair and replacement so we can help you find the perfect new roof for your home.