Most homeowners are familiar with asphalt shingle roofing in Orlando; it is, after all, the most common type of roofing used for residential building in the U.S. If you are looking for something that is beyond just that traditional asphalt appearance, there are actually several different options to choose from in the roofing market today. Slate roofing is gaining in popularity because it offers several benefits over its asphalt counterpart. Here are a few things you might not know—but should—about slate roofing.
It’s a “Lifetime” Roofing Solution
Asphalt shingles have an average lifespan of around 15 to 30 years depending on factors like the quality of the installation and materials used, and exposure to extreme weather. Slate, on the other hand, is probably the last roofing in Orlando that you will ever buy. In fact, it can last for 100 years or more, which is two to six times longer than most other roofing materials can offer.
No Two Slate Roofs Are Quite Alike
Slate is a natural stone material, so you won’t find any two roofs in Orlando that are exactly alike. It comes in a wide variety of natural colors and different textures, ranging from gray and black to purple, red, green, and even a mixture. Slate shingles are also hand-crafted to your exact specifications, and come in a variety of different shapes and sizes, as well as several different thickness options. This allows homeowners to get the ideal roofing in Orlando to suit their home’s style.
You’ll Won’t Need Regular Roof Maintenance
Since slate is a natural and durable material, most homeowners find that there is little need for regular roof maintenance. It’s weatherproof and won’t absorb water, and can even provide added protection with fire resistance. Slate can withstand extreme weather conditions that change rapidly without the expansion and contraction that other materials might experience, so tiles won’t break from temperature fluctuations. Finally, it won’t support mold or fungus growth.
You’re Helping the Environment
Since slate is designed to last for so long, it is also environmentally beneficial. Replacing your asphalt roofing every 15 to 30 years often means filling local landfills with the remains of your old roof, and studies have shown that this type of waste accounts for as much as 5 percent of all construction waste in landfills. Slate is a natural material so you won’t have to throw it in a landfill, and it will be 100 years or more until you need to replace the roof.
If you are considering slate roofing in Orlando, it’s important that you have it installed by a professional roofing contractor. It’s a beautiful material but can be fragile and must be installed correctly to provide you with all these benefits.
