The life of a slate roof depends on the type of rock used. Some of the hardest, heartiest kinds are purple slate, non-fading green slate and grayish-black Buckingham slate, which can last for up to 200 hundred years. Meanwhile, softer slates have a lifespan of at least 90 years.
Read on to learn more facts about this durable and long-lasting roofing material.
Location
Color and cost aren’t the only factors to consider when choosing a slate roof. You also have to know where the material originated. Some quarries have better reputations and warranties than others. Choose slate that’s warrantied to last for at least 75 years. The Slate Roofing Contractors Association has a list of reputable manufacturers and quarries on its website.
Sidelap & Headlap
The number of slates that overlap each other to keep water from entering your home is another critical factor. Experienced roofers make chalk lines on the felt underlayment to make sure that the overlap is sufficient.
Headlap or the overlap at the top of each slate is even more important than the sidelap. You’ll need three inches of headlap if your roof has a pitch of at least eight inches in height for every 12 inches in width. Make sure your roofer adds an extra one to two inches of headlap near the eaves to prevent ice dams.
Metal Consistency
While copper is the most common metal used in slate roofs, you can also opt for coated stainless steel, which is more cost-effective. Consistency is essential when it comes to preventing galvanic corrosion. Some metals react when they come in contact with each other. It’s why the metal components of a slate roof often wear off faster than the rock itself.
For quality slate roof installation, choose Hinkle Roofing. Our team is ready to help with all your residential and commercial roofing needs. Call us at (205) 352-1940 or complete our online form for a free estimate. We serve clients in Calera and Hoover, AL.
