Slate Roofing Video

"These roofs have a very long lifespan and can give your home a very distinct appearance," says JB Benna of roofingkey.com. In this video, Benna explains the advantages of installing a natural slate or synthetic slate roof. The advantages are many.

Slate roofing is unique--not just for its natural beauty, but also for its durability. If slate roofing is installed correctly and also maintained and inspected after periods of extreme weather, it may last for up to 200 years.

Proper installation is key, Benna points out. Because slate tiles do not come in uniform sizes, they must be custom fit, and this type of work should be done by an experienced professional.

Natural Slate or Synthetic Slate Roofing?

Benna also notes that natural slate is extremely heavy, so your home must be "constructed specifically to support this kind of material."

Aside from structural concerns, slate is also very expensive, costing from $400 to $1,000 for each 10-by-10-foot square of roof covered; however, due to the extreme weight of natural slate, Benna adds that some homeowners install synthetic slate, which is a lighter alternative to natural stone. Although synthetic slate is about as expensive as natural slate, some homeowners or remodelers may save money by not having to meet the structural requirements of natural slate.