Pros and Cons of Slate Roof in Wisconsin

While the majority of the roofing market is made from asphalt shingles it can be difficult to see why people would go with another style from that. Slate roofs are becoming more and more popular in Wisconsin for a variety of reasons but they also have some downsides that should be known before replacing your roof with slate.

Pros

Durability

The first thing you notice about slate tiles is what they are made from. Slate is made from naturally occurring stone that is highly durable especially when paired correctly on a roof. Unlike the typical asphalt shingles, slate tiles are not susceptible to extreme weather conditions like high winds, hail, snow, heavy rainfall, or extremely hot or cold temperatures. Slate is made of stone and is also non-flammable which adds another benefit to preventing fires. 

 

Longevity

The most impressive thing about slate roofs in Wisconsin is how long they can last. Wisconsin’s hot and humid summers to the blistering cold winters, slate tiles can last for over 100 years. This can make a great addition if you are looking for a forever home or it’s time to replace the roof of your Wisconsin building. 

 

Low Maintenance

When installed correctly slate tiles require little to no maintenance throughout the years because of the nature in which they are made and installed. You typically don’t have to worry about missing tiles causing holes in the roof unlike with asphalt shingles. 

 

Cons

Cost

Cost is one of the biggest reasons slate roofs aren’t as popular as asphalt shingles. The main reason for this cost is because of two factors, the cost of the material and the installation required for it. Because of the much higher quality of stone compared to asphalt shingles, slate costs more to produce and manufacture, especially when you can customize it to the extent of slate. For the installation process, not every roofer is an expert in installing slate tiles because slate requires very specialized skills to be installed correctly. Because of the cost, slate is primarily used to maintain historic properties like churches or some of the oldest historic homes and buildings throughout Wisconsin. 

 

Weight

Another downside to slate tiles is the strain they put on the structure of your roof. Being that they are made of stone means they are very heavy and may require additional support to withstand the weight of a full slate tile roof. 

 

If you are interested in learning more about slate tile roofs contact VR Roofing to get a free estimate and answer any questions you may have.