Homeowners commonly covet slate roofing, and it’s easy to see why — it’s gorgeous! Unfortunately, slate also comes with some significant downsides. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if you could achieve the classic look of natural slate roofing with a product that was more lightweight, affordable, and durable? Well, we have great news for you! Composite slate, which is made from a blend of advanced polymers and recycled materials, mimics the texture and color variation of real slate but is also lighter and lower maintenance. It’s an excellent option for homeowners who have been dreaming about slate but were frustrated when they learned of its practical downsides. Scroll down to learn more about what composite slate roofing is and how it compares to traditional slate.
What Is Composite Slate Roofing?
A synthetic alternative to natural slate, composite slate roofing is made from a mix of polymers, recycled plastics, and other durable materials. Although it’s designed to replicate the appearance of real slate tiles, it’s much lighter, easier to install, and more resistant to cracking, weather damage, and impact. It’s an ideal option for many homeowners because it provides the aesthetic appeal of slate while boasting top-of-the-line performance and requiring less maintenance.
Comparing Composite Slate to Natural Slate
If you’re interested in a composite slate roof, you’re undoubtedly curious about how it compares to natural slate. After all, the homeowners most likely to purchase composite slate tiles are those who were initially looking at natural slate. These materials have some significant differences:
- Appearance: Let’s start with where composite and natural slate most closely align. Both provide a high-end, timeless appearance with realistic texture and color variation. The tiles are typically shades of gray or black, though they may veer toward green, purple, red, or mottled combinations of these colors.
- Durability: Composite slate is highly durable, typically lasting about 40 to 50 years. While it can’t reach the 75–100+ years of well-maintained natural slate, it’s more impact-resistant and flexible, which means it’s less likely to crack.
- Weight: Natural slate is known to be quite hefty, weighing up to 1,500 pounds per 100 sq. ft. Because of this, it often requires additional roof support, which will add to your installation costs. Composite slate is much lighter — about 150 to 350 lbs per 100 sq. ft. — and easier to transport, handle, and install.
- Maintenance: Composite slate roofing is very low maintenance. It doesn’t crack, chip, or become brittle, and it resists mold, algae, and fading. Natural slate is more prone to cracking, so it’s more likely to require periodic replacement.
- Cost: Natural slate is one of the most expensive roofing options available due to its high material and labor costs. It’s heavy and prone to cracking, so skilled installers are essential. While composite slate is more affordable than real slate, it’s pricier than some other alternatives, like asphalt shingles.
- Eco-Friendliness: Real slate, despite being a natural product with a long lifespan, has a significant environmental impact due to the quarrying and transportation necessary. Composite slate, on the other hand, is often made with recycled materials and is sometimes recyclable at the end of its lifespan. If this is important to you, be sure to ask your roofer for more information. In addition, while its manufacturing is energy-intensive, it doesn’t require mining or exceptionally heavy transport.
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Composite slate roofing offers a fantastic balance of beauty, durability, and practicality. Whether you’re building a new home or upgrading your existing roof, composite slate can deliver a long-lasting performance and curb appeal. To decide if it’s the right choice for your home, consult an experienced roofer. Speaking of which . . .
If you live in the southwest Missouri area, contact Taylor-Made Roofing for all of your roofing needs. A local company with more than 20 years of experience, Taylor-Made Roofing is committed to delivering top-line roofing to homes and businesses throughout southwest Missouri. We’re fully licensed and insured and prepared to assist you with all your roofing needs. Whether it’s a new roof, roofing repairs, inspections, maintenance, or gutters, we’ve got you covered. To learn more about our services or request an estimate, contact Taylor-Made Roofing today.