Slate Roofing
Slate is a beautiful but expensive option for roofing. Slate can come in a variety of colors, with the best quality product coming from Vermont. Additionally, slate can be found in Pennsylvania and China. (Some high quality slate can be found in China, but the consumer should be sure to order the highest grade possible to ensure the quality.) Slate is a heavy roofing material and can only be used on roofs that can withstand its weight. The nicest thing about a slate roof is its life expectancy, more than 100 years! However, a slate roof is often very difficult to repair if repairs are needed, as slate will crack if it is stepped on.
Synthetic slate
Synthetic slate is much lighter than real slate, and can be made from ceramic tile or fibers of wood or cellulose. Synthetic slate is also less fragile, while maintaining the high fire resistance associated with tradition slate. Because the fibers can often absorb water, synthetic slate is not recommended for climates with a lot of freezing and thawing.
Pros:
- Long life
- Long warranty
- Good weather resistence
- Enviornmentally Friendly
Cons:
- Material expense
- Expensive to repair
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