Slate Selections: Natural vs Synthetic Slate and 3 Tips to Help You Choose
Slate roofs are undeniably beautiful, but what goes into deciding between a natural stale and synthetic slate roof? Taking a few factors into account can give you some insight into the differences, which should help you decide what would be best for your home.
Introduction to Natural Slate
Natural slate is a premium roof material that is mined from a quarry. Due to its unique shapes and ultra-durability, it is easy to see why it is counted among the premium-level materials. Natural slate is also very heavy compared to other roofing materials because it is made of stone. It only comes in a few colors, limiting its customizing capabilities.
Introduction to Synthetic Slate
Synthetic slate is a roofing material that is made of a combination of recycled materials, like rubber and plastics. It strives to copy the look and style of slate at a fraction of the cost. Because it is not made out of stone, it is going to be lighter, and it comes in a variety of colors, making it a great option for someone who has a specific vision for their roof.
Advantages
Both of these options have positives and negatives. Looking at them both will help you determine which direction would be best for your situation. Let’s look first at the pros of choosing natural slate.
Natural Slate – Pros
- Top-tier premium materials
- Ultra strength and durability
- Long lifespan, might be the last roof you put on your home
- Low maintenance
- Added value to your home
Synthetic Slate – Pros
- Lower installation cost
- Can look very similar to slate
- Lightweight material
- Eco-friendly
Disadvantages
The negatives are where you are going to begin to see which option would be best for you and your specific home and area. Look over these negatives carefully, weighing the options on this important decision.
Natural Slate – Cons
- Very heavy – may need extra infrastructure building to support weight
- Extremely high installation costs
- Difficult installation
- Durable, but is also brittle
- Repairs are complex
Synthetic Slate – Cons
- Not as long-lasting as natural slate
- A close mimic of natural slate, but can tell the difference
- Can curl and crack due to rubber
Tips For Choosing Your Siding Material
With all this information, you should now be able to start making a decision between using natural or synthetic slate. Here are a few last tips that could help you in a final choice.
Tip #1: Budget May Win The Day
The costs of these two roofing materials vary widely within their type, but there is a chasm between natural and synthetic slate. You should have a figure in mind when beginning this process. While natural slate is vastly more expensive, it also lasts longer and is more durable, so it may be worth the investment for your situation.
Tip #2: Customization
Do you want to be able to choose your roof color, or will you be fine with the few selections you will be provided with natural slate? If you don’t need a specific color, or are willing to work with what is available, natural slate could work for you. If you need the flexibility of more choices, you will probably end up choosing synthetic slate.
Tip #3: Installation & Repairs
With natural slate, the installation could be extensive. Because of its weight, you may need extra construction in order to support the roof in general. Also, the installation process of just the slate itself needs to be done by experienced professionals. Repairs to a natural slate roof can be complex due to the slate tiles being fitted together during installation.
Call MARS Restoration For Your Free Estimate Today!
With all of differences between these two roofing materials, you can see why this could be a difficult decision to make. Call MARS Restoration today, for a free estimate as well as discussing your options. With an A+ BBB rating, and over 30 years of experience, w