Known for its exceptional durability and natural beauty, slate is one of the most popular roofing materials as it promises to improve the look of any architectural style. As a timeless roofing solution, slate boasts fire-resistant, eco-friendly qualities, establishing itself as one of the highest quality roofing materials available.
As opposed to alternative roofing materials which have an average lifespan of 20-30 years, the longevity of slate tiles means the roof’s life expectancy – if constructed properly – is up to 150 years. However, if slate roofing becomes broken or damaged, or is reaching the end of its life, the safety and security of the roof can be compromised.
If the time has come for your slate roof to be repaired or replaced, things may well have changed since this type of work was last carried out on your roof. This article will discuss the key considerations you need to take into account when choosing between different types of slate tiles, including maintenance, fire resistance and discolouration.
1. Low maintenance
As a high density material, slate is completely waterproof, so it will remain intact even during bouts of heavy rainfall. The durability of slate tiles also means that they can withstand extreme weather conditions, as they are highly resistant to alternating temperatures and strong winds, and will not be affected by fungus or mould growth.
All slate tiles which conform with British Standard requirement BS EN 123261 meet the expectation for water absorption and frost resistance, so it’s important you check for these standards when having new tiles fitted, particularly if they have been imported.
2. Fire resistance
Further to being completely resistant to extreme weather, slate is also non-combustible, making it completely fireproof should a fire break out in your home.
It’s worth noting that while the material itself is fire-resistant, the entire roof must be installed by a professional roofing company to ensure it is high quality and remains fully functional throughout its lifespan.
3. Carbonate content
When it comes to choosing between different types of slate tiles, certain slates have a higher carbonate content than others, meaning they are likely to discolour more rapidly.
Therefore, when having the tiles on your slate roof repaired or replaced, you must make sure you check what the carbonate content is with the supplier or installer, as those lower than 20% will take longer to discolour.
4. Installation
Whilst slate is popular for its durable qualities, the key to longevity is an expert installation. After deliberating long and hard over your choice of slate tiles, this can become obsolete if they are fitted incorrectly. Specialist training is required to handle slate roofing installation work, so although it may be tempting to go for the cheapest deal available, it can lead to costly repairs in the long run.
With over 45 years of trading experience, here at Morgan Asphalte we provide skilled slate roof installations and repairs for properties throughout London. We strive for 100% customer satisfaction and provide full insurance cover for all our work, giving you the peace of mind that comes with being in the hands of roofing experts.
From minor repairs on existing slate roofs, to bespoke slate roofing installations, we have the tools and expertise to complete the job, for a service which is second-to-none. To find out more, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team today.