When people are building a custom home, their choice of roofing material is an important one. While there are many options available, here in the Sarasota area we generally see asphalt tile, clay tile, or metal.

Slate roof installation is not as common, probably because consumers are largely unfamiliar with the value and capabilities of slate. Yet it is an elegant and unique roofing material which will enhance the architectural beauty of your home. It is fire and mold resistant and boasts low water absorption. Slate is available in a variety of textures, from uniformly smooth to natural and rough. Colors can range from traditional greys and blacks to whimsical purples and reds. Because slate is essentially rock, it has maximum durability and can last hundreds of years – and you can expect at least 75 years from your slate roof.

Slate Roof Installation & Repair

• Slate may incur 2 to 3 times the cost of an asphalt shingle roof. However, the durability and beauty of this “forever roof” is worth the expense.
• Slate is extremely heavy. If your home is not engineered for slate – which may add up to 500 pounds to your roof – call a structural engineer to inspect your roof. If building a new home, your builder should construct the roof accordingly.
• Although you may be tempted to add sealant or paint to your roof, this will actually cause the stone to age prematurely. A slate roof is most beautiful and long-lasting in its natural state.
• Slate tiles have two levels of “breakability”, cleavage and grain, which allow it to be broken into tile pieces. A slate roof tile, therefore, may be damaged by flying debris in storms which are common in the Sarasota area. Generally, you can repair your slate roof easily and at any time. The repair is often as easy as sliding the damaged slate piece out and replacing it with a new one. Similar to any tile roof, broken tiles should be replaced as soon as they are discovered, as waiting to repair may allow further damage to occur.
• The second most frequent needed repair for a slate roof involves the flashings and fastenings. Flashings seal up the penetrations on the roof and are made of some type of malleable metal such as copper or steel. These materials don’t last as long as the slate, and will likely need replacement several times throughout the life of your slate roof’s lifespan. Fasteners, generally nails or hooks, are used to secure slate tiles onto a roof. Excess moisture, such as during our rainy seasons, can lead to a more rapid deterioration of these materials and necessitate their replacement.
• As with any type of roof, it is recommended that your slate roof is inspected annually by a licensed roofing contractor, in order to ensure its optimum condition.

A slate roof can add long-lasting beauty and durability to your home or business. Is a slate roof the right choice for you? Our expert roofing contractors are happy to come out to discuss all of your roofing options – from slate to tile. asphalt, metal and more. When it comes to professionally installing or repairing a roof in Sarasota or Venice, the best call to make is Avery Roof Services.