Synthetic slate roofing, like its name would indicate, is a type of roofing material that is made out of rubber and other synthetic materials but is molded to the natural stone aesthetic of slate. This unique combination of material and aesthetic characteristics gives synthetic slate roofing a set of distinctive advantages for use on your home. Understanding what synthetic slate has to offer can help you decide if it is the right fit for your needs before calling your local roofing services.
Durability
One of the largest advantages of synthetic slate roofing is the fact that it is highly durable. While slate itself is a strong natural stone that can withstand weather exposure, synthetic slate is made out of rubber, and thus will not crack. Instead, physical trauma will bounce right off. Further, synthetic slate is resistant to fire and heat damage, and can withstand constant UV exposure without expanding and weakening as asphalt shingles can. In a related note, synthetic slate is highly resistant to fading from UV exposure, which can alter the appearance of traditional slate roofs and other types of roofing materials as well.
Environmentally Friendly
Furthermore, it should be noted that synthetic slate roofing is environmentally friendly. This is because you can source the rubber that it is made out of from recycled materials initially, reducing the overall carbon footprint of your roofing or construction project. In addition, you can recycle your synthetic slate roofing after it has reached the end of its lifespan, reducing the overall impact that you have on the environment for your next roofing installation as well. You should check with your community and with your state to see if using renewable construction materials can qualify you for a tax rebate, which can help offset the cost of installation.
Ease of Installation
Another advantage of synthetic slate roofing is the fact that it is extremely easy to install. Rubber is not a heavy or dense material, and installing synthetic slate roofing is more similar to installing regular asphalt shingles than it is to tile or natural stone roofing – which is dangerous and labor intensive. Not only does this reduce the amount of construction time for your roof, but it also helps you save money on labor costs. This weight also means that you can install a roof that has the appearance of slate, without having to worry about installing extra supports to hold up the added weight of slate. As a natural stone, slate is extremely heavy.
Share14 October 2018
After we realized that we wanted to build our dream home, we didn't waste any time looking for a team of general contractors. We wanted to find experts that really understood what they were doing and who could see our vision, so we talked with dozens of contractors. It was an exhausting search, but by the time we found the right team, we knew that we were in good hands. Within a few short months, our project was underway, and we felt great about the progress. This blog is all about finding great contractors who can help with everything from design decisions to ground preparation.
