When you think about slate roofs, a general image usually comes to mind. You might see them as too old-school and heavy or that they all look gray and the same. However, the uniformly laid slate tiles exude an iconic look most homeowners have raved about for centuries.
Some people love slate roofing because it’s virtually maintenance-free, while others prefer it for its durability. Also, there are actually different slate roof tile shapes and styles you can choose from. And knowing the available options can help you choose one that matches your preferences.
What is a Slate Roof?
The use of slate tiles for roofing has proven itself throughout history and continues to do so, even with the technological advancements we have today. A direct product of nature, this metamorphic rock is from deep within the Earth, where it’s transformed by pressure and heat into a very dense and hard rock.
Natural slate tiles come from quarries in select locations such as Pennsylvania, Ohio, and New Jersey. They are composed of natural minerals which formed between 450 to 600 million years ago. As such, it’s no wonder a natural slate roof can last for more than 150 years.
While there are many different types of slate roof materials these days – from concrete to metal to synthetic composites – all of them share the same properties. They all have extreme durability, resistance to fire, and imperviousness to moisture.
What are the Different Slate Roof Tile Shapes and Styles?
Below are some of the options available for you if you’re planning to have a slate roof installed. Some roofing contractors may have their own variations, but they usually boil down to these types:
1. Standard Slate Roof
This type of slate roofing is the most common style you’ll find in American homes these days, hence the standard moniker. A standard slate roof system has tiles measuring between ¼ inch to 3/8 inches. The slate tiles have uniform width and length, as well as square-cut butts. When a master slater lays down the tiles, they are set horizontally with even spaces in between, while the vertical joints are carefully aligned alternately.
A standard slate roof style is a great choice if you want to have a clutter-free and clean exterior design for your home since the tiles are neatly organized.
2. Random Width Slate Roof
If you find the previous style too boring because of its uniformity, you can always go with a random width slate roof style. This style has a variable width, with the length and thickness usually sharing the same measurement as the standard version. Having the same length makes it easier for the slater to lay down the tiles, but at the same time, the variety in width makes the style more interesting and attractive.
You should go with this style if you want to enhance your slate roof’s aesthetic appeal by adding a degree of sophistication.
3. Patterned Slate Roof
For a patterned slate roof to be truly effective in improving the aesthetics of your roofing system, it has to be incorporated into a standard slate roof. When compared to a painting, the patterns are the image on the painting itself, while the standard slate roof is the canvas.
A pattern is not only restricted to different shapes but also can constitute different colors. You may choose to have accents such as geometric shapes, floral patterns, or even words or names. If you’re going for this style, be sure to ask your roofing contractor if they have any existing catalog you can choose from.
4. Mixed Color Slate Roof
An offshoot of a patterned slate roof, a mixed color slate roof can be laid out in a pattern of its own or follow a standard style. The important thing is that it uses a variety of colors to produce an artistic effect on the roof. However, if you want to get the most out of this style, you should incorporate it with a random width installation. While any number of colors is possible, most homeowners use only up to four colors, and some only use as little as two.
In a neighborhood where the houses usually end up looking the same, a home with a mixed color slate roof can make it truly stand out.
5. Staggered Butt Slate Roof
A staggered butt slate roof is the opposite of random width. Instead of having uniform lengths and variable widths, this style is the opposite – uniform widths with varying lengths. This style creates a “hang-down” effect on the roof’s overall appearance.
Even if the slate tiles you purchased have the same length, a master slater can lay them down in such a way as to make them look like their lengths differ because of the non-uniform butt line. There is no set standard for the amount of stagger, so you have complete freedom on how dramatic you want the effect to be.
6. Textural Slate Roof
A textural slate roof style can help you achieve an authentic rustic appeal for your home. Getting this crude and countryside effect requires using slate tiles of different varieties of widths, lengths, and thickness, as well as having rough and rugged surfaces. As the tiles have varying measurements, it creates a rough-hewn appearance, with randomly missing butt corners.
7. Graduated Slate Roof
A graduated slate roof is quite common in traditional houses in the United Kingdom and Scotland but not as common in the U.S. Apart from its timeless and sturdy appeal, this style offers additional functionality not usually found in other types. The widest and longest slates are installed at the eaves, while the rest of the tiles are “graduated,” with the shortest and narrowest closer to the top of the roof. This process creates an effective way of diverting water away from your home.
If you’re looking for a more traditional look that goes well with the timeless appeal of slate tiles, then a graduated slate roof is a great choice.
Pros and Cons of Slate Roofs
The following are some of the key advantages of installing slate roofing over other types:
- Design: If you want a timeless and exquisite design for your roof, choosing slate roof tiles is the best option. With recent improvements in materials, you may now choose from a wide range of colors and styles.
- Durability: A properly fitted and well-maintained slate roof can last more than 100 years. It can tolerate considerable temperature changes and can even withstand stormy weather.
- Recyclable: Even though manufacturers get natural slate from non-renewable quarries, the slate tiles can be recycled. Thus, it helps reduce the environmental impact of producing fresh slates.
The following are some of the downsides of slate roofs:
- Installation: Installing a new roof is a huge undertaking that is best left to the professionals. It can be overwhelming and complicated to install a slate roof. Therefore you should look for a local roofing contractor with extensive expertise installing this type of roofing system.
- Weight: The total weight of all slate tiles can be really heavy. While it can provide you with peace of mind that your roof can resist heavy winds, the structure of your home must be strong enough to sustain it.
- Cost: Because of its numerous advantages and the complexities of installation, the cost of installing this type of roof is not to be underestimated. Nonetheless, the benefits exceed the drawbacks.
Cost of a Slate Roof
When allocating a budget for your new roof, you need to consider other factors aside from the material cost. The installation and labor costs, additional materials, and the roof’s design and angle can all contribute to its overall cost.
Expect to pay between $8,410 and $25,825 for the slate roof alone. If you have a large roof to replace, it might go up to as much as $45,000. Also, keep in mind that if your home requires additional structural support to accommodate the slate’s weight, it will also affect the total cost.
If you want a more in-depth explanation, check out this slate roof pricing guide.
How Do You Know If a Slate Roof Is Right for You?
Not everyone can install a slate roof on their home. There are different factors you must consider first before committing completely to such a huge home project. Here are some things to think about to determine if a slate roof is right for you:
- House structure: Slate tiles are heavy. If you think about the number of tiles you need to cover your roof, you can easily imagine how heavy the entire roof system would be. And your house needs adequate structural support to bear its weight.
- High cost: While the slate tiles themselves are already premium priced on their own, the cost of installation, as well as other factors, such as retrofitting the house, can all add up. You need to have enough budgeted to support the project to completion. To be sure, you can ask several local roofing contractors for a free quote.
- Specialized installation: Not all roofing companies can handle a slate roof installation, more so for individual roofers who can only do simple roof repairs. You need a roofing contractor with the experience, tools, and knowledge to install a slate roof.
- Home ownership: The longer you reside in your home, the more return you’ll get from your investment. Remember that a well-cared-for slate roof can last up to 150 years.
- Classic aesthetic: This type of roofing material, especially synthetic slate roofing, is unfading and long-lasting. Once you’ve finalized the design and material for your slate roof, your home will have the same style for a long time. So unless you’re comfortable with its aesthetic design, you should invest in another type, like metal roofing, instead.
- Roof style: Not all roof styles and pitches can handle heavy roofing materials like slate. And if you’re going for a flat roof, you would be better off using a different type of roof shingle that doesn’t have to be installed at an angle.
If you believe you have no issues with any of these factors, then there’s no problem using slate shingles for your roof replacement.
FAQ About the Different Slate Roof Styles and Shapes
Yes, a slate roof can add value to your home – primarily because of its durability and long lifespan. Its elegant aesthetics also help boost a home’s curb appeal. Compared to a home with asphalt shingle roofing, you can undoubtedly get a higher price for a home with a slate roof.
No. In fact, one of the benefits of a slate roof is that it requires very little maintenance. While having a slate roof checked twice a year is best, an annual roof inspection is usually enough to identify potential issues.
Yes. Since a slate roof is a metamorphic rock that’s both waterproof and fireproof, this roofing option could help lower the cost of your insurance premium.
Choose a Slate Roof Style That Aligns With Your Preferences
If you’ll be living under the same roof for the rest of your life, it’s better to have a slate roof system installed. As such, it’s paramount to choose the style of roof you’ll feel happy about for a very long time – and this list of slate roof designs can help you pick the right one for your home. Ready for your new roof replacement? Connect with local roofing companies to assist you with this worthy home investment.
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