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Slate Roof vs Composite: Comparing the Pros and Cons

Slate Roof vs Composite
Table of Contents

When it comes to roofing materials, there are many options to choose from. Two popular choices for homeowners are slate roofs and composite roofs. While each material has its own benefits and drawbacks, understanding the differences can help you make an informed decision for your home. In this article, we’ll look closer at slate roofs and composite roofs, comparing their pros and cons.

Table of Contents

What is a Slate Roof?

Slate is a natural stone that is commonly used as a roofing material. Slate roofs have been used for centuries and are known for their durability and longevity. Natural slate is mined from quarries and then cut into thin tiles that are used to cover a roof. Slate roofs are expensive but can last for over a century with proper maintenance.

slate roof

What is a Synthetic Slate Roof?

slate synthetic

A synthetic slate roof is a roofing material that looks like natural slate but is made from synthetic materials. Synthetic slate shingles are made from a combination of polymers, resins, and fibers molded to look like natural slate. Synthetic slate roofs are less expensive than real ones but still offer the same look and durability.

What is a Composite Roof?

A composite roof is a roofing material made from a combination of different materials. The most common type of composite roof is an asphalt shingle roof, made from a combination of asphalt, fiberglass, and other materials. Composite roofs are less expensive than slate roofs and are often used as a more affordable alternative.

An aerial view of a shingled roof.

Pros and Cons of a Slate Roof

Pros:

  • Durability: Slate roofs are one of the most durable roofing materials available. They can last for over a century with proper maintenance.
  • Aesthetics: Slate roofs have a unique, natural beauty unmatched by other roofing materials.
  • Recyclable: When a slate roof reaches the end of its life, the tiles can be recycled into other products.

Cons:

  • High Cost: Slate roofs are one of the most expensive roofing materials. The cost per square can be up to ten times that of an asphalt shingle roof.
  • Heavy Weight: Slate roofs are very heavy and may require additional structural support to be installed.
  • Fragile: While slate is durable, it can also be fragile. Walking on a slate roof can cause tiles to crack or break.

Pros and Cons of a Synthetic Slate Roof

Pros:

  • Less Expensive: Synthetic slate roofs are less expensive than real slate roofs, but still offer the same look and durability.
  • Durable: Synthetic slate roofs are highly durable and can last decades with proper maintenance.
  • Lightweight: Synthetic slate roofs are much lighter than real slate roofs and do not require additional structural support.

Cons:

  • Not as Authentic: While synthetic slate roofs look like real slate, they do not have the same authenticity or uniqueness as real slate.
  • Limited Lifespan: Synthetic slate roofs may not last as long as real slate roofs, with a lifespan of 20-50 years.
  • Difficult to Recycle: Synthetic materials are often difficult to recycle, meaning that when a synthetic slate roof reaches the end of its life, the tiles may end up in a landfill.

Pros and Cons of a Composite Roof

Pros:

  • Less Expensive: Composite roofs are less expensive than slate roofs, making them a more affordable option for homeowners.
  • Lightweight: Composite roofs are much lighter than slate roofs and do not require additional structural support.
  • Wide Range of Styles: Composite roofs come in a wide range of styles and colors, making it easy to find a look that matches your home.

Cons:

  • Less Durable: Composite roofs are less durable than slate roofs and may need replacing more frequently.
  • Environmental Impact: Composite roofs are often made from petroleum-based materials, which can have a negative environmental impact.
  • Less Aesthetic Appeal: While composite roofs come in various styles, they do not have the same natural beauty and authenticity as slate roofs.

Choosing the Right Roofing Material

Choosing the suitable roofing material for your home depends on various factors, including your budget, the style of your home, and the climate in which you live. While slate roofs offer unmatched beauty and durability, they are also one of the most expensive roofing materials available. Composite roofs are more affordable, but they may not offer the same aesthetic appeal or durability as slate roofs. Synthetic slate roofing is a good compromise, offering the same durability and beauty as a natural slate at a fraction of the cost.

When choosing a roofing material, it’s essential to consider the long-term costs and benefits. While a slate roof may be expensive to install initially, it can last over a century with proper maintenance, making it a good investment in the long run. On the other hand, a composite roof may be more affordable upfront but may need to be replaced more frequently, increasing the long-term costs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, slate roofs and composite roofs have benefits and drawbacks. Slate roofs offer unmatched beauty and durability but come at a high cost. Composite roofs are more affordable but may not offer the same aesthetic appeal or durability as slate roofs. Synthetic slate roofing offers the same durability and beauty as a real slate at a fraction of the cost, making it a good compromise between the two. When choosing a roofing material, it’s essential to consider your budget, the style of your home, and the long-term costs and benefits. With careful consideration, you can choose the suitable roofing material to protect and enhance your home for years.

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Amazing! I had the roof, siding and soffit cleaned on my 14 year old home. I can’t believe the difference it made! It looks new again! Sullivan was great to work with. There was absolutely no trace they had been there, other than the clean house and roof! I am very pleased. I will refer my friends and family to Sullivan Roof Cleaning!

Jen Goemann, Johnson, Iowa

Siding and Deck Cleaning, Johnson, Iowa

I found Bruce and Maria via their Your Tube video demonstrating their approach to cleaning the “green” stuff growing on the north and east sides of my home. I recommend watching it, it’s exactly who they are and what they do.

My house, deck and patio look brand new! I wish I had taken before pictures. The improvement is dramatic.

They arrived as scheduled, worked efficiently and with respect for my property. The work was completed for exactly the bid they provided when they visited my home to provide a free quote. I wish all contractors were so reliable and transparent. I am a very satisfied customer.

Annette DeFrancisco, Johnson, Iowa

Cleaning Product Works-Des Moines

Bruce has done several roof cleanings for me and the results always exceed my expectations. He’s saved me thousands of dollars on my investment properties by making old roofs look brand new. He cleaned my gutters and siding in just a few minutes in what would have taken me hours with a power washer. With just a simple rinse, his cleaning solution removed dirt and grime that a pressure washer couldn’t remove. He’s got an amazing product.

Adam Lewis, Des Moines

Roof & Deck Cleaning-Ames, Iowa

Our roof and deck area look better than new and Bruce and Maria are responsible for this transformation. I am so pleased to have hired Sullivan Roof Cleaning. They were friendly, courteous, and experienced and delivered excellent results.

Marie McCuskey, Ames, Iowa

Roof & Deck Cleaning-Ames, Iowa

Our roof and deck area look better than new and Bruce and Maria are responsible for this transformation. I am so pleased to have hired Sullivan Roof Cleaning. They were friendly, courteous, and experienced and delivered excellent results.

Marie McCuskey, Ames, Iowa

Roof Cleaning-Pleasant Hill, Iowa

I was skeptical of this when my wife suggested it. I told her roofs were suppose to do this after time. I went to Menards to purchase a product and tried it in a small area ( no results) we went ahead and had it done and our roof looks like the day we had it installed. This is the best money we have spent to keep the house looking like the day we built it. GREAT JOB!!! I would recommend this to anyone.

Jeff Backous, Pleasant Hill, Iowa

Deck Cleaning-Granger, Iowa

You did an awesome job on my daughter’s log home, deck, railing, swing and chairs on the deck. They are totally impressed. My roof looks great, as well as, the stucco on front of my house. I appreciated your professionalism regarding communication and being where you said you would be at the time agreed upon.

Joan Clary, Granger, IA 09/15/2015

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Exterior Cleaning Roof & Siding, Johnson, Iowa

Amazing! I had the roof, siding and soffit cleaned on my 14 year old home. I can’t believe the difference it made! It looks new again! Sullivan was great to work with. There was absolutely no trace they had been there, other than the clean house and roof! I am very pleased. I will refer my friends and family to Sullivan Roof Cleaning!

Jen Goemann, Johnson, Iowa

Siding and Deck Cleaning, Johnson, Iowa

I found Bruce and Maria via their Your Tube video demonstrating their approach to cleaning the “green” stuff growing on the north and east sides of my home. I recommend watching it, it’s exactly who they are and what they do.

My house, deck and patio look brand new! I wish I had taken before pictures. The improvement is dramatic.

They arrived as scheduled, worked efficiently and with respect for my property. The work was completed for exactly the bid they provided when they visited my home to provide a free quote. I wish all contractors were so reliable and transparent. I am a very satisfied customer.

Annette DeFrancisco, Johnson, Iowa

Cleaning Product Works-Des Moines

Bruce has done several roof cleanings for me and the results always exceed my expectations. He’s saved me thousands of dollars on my investment properties by making old roofs look brand new. He cleaned my gutters and siding in just a few minutes in what would have taken me hours with a power washer. With just a simple rinse, his cleaning solution removed dirt and grime that a pressure washer couldn’t remove. He’s got an amazing product.

 

Adam Lewis, Des Moines

Roof & Deck Cleaning-Ames, Iowa

Our roof and deck area look better than new and Bruce and Maria are responsible for this transformation. I am so pleased to have hired Sullivan Roof Cleaning. They were friendly, courteous, and experienced and delivered excellent results.

Marie McCuskey, Ames, Iowa

Roof & Deck Cleaning-Ames, Iowa

Our roof and deck area look better than new and Bruce and Maria are responsible for this transformation. I am so pleased to have hired Sullivan Roof Cleaning. They were friendly, courteous, and experienced and delivered excellent results.

Marie McCuskey, Ames, Iowa

Roof Cleaning-Pleasant Hill, Iowa

I was skeptical of this when my wife suggested it. I told her roofs were suppose to do this after time. I went to Menards to purchase a product and tried it in a small area ( no results) we went ahead and had it done and our roof looks like the day we had it installed. This is the best money we have spent to keep the house looking like the day we built it. GREAT JOB!!! I would recommend this to anyone.

Jeff Backous, Pleasant Hill, Iowa

Deck Cleaning-Granger, Iowa

You did an awesome job on my daughter’s log home, deck, railing, swing and chairs on the deck. They are totally impressed. My roof looks great, as well as, the stucco on front of my house. I appreciated your professionalism regarding communication and being where you said you would be at the time agreed upon.

Joan Clary, Granger, IA 09/15/2015

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