Slate Roofing Background
Slate is a natural stone extracted directly from the earth. It has the unique characteristic of being split into perfectly flat, thin layers. Slate roofing is manufactured and produced by hand using traditional methods in a five step process. This process consists of procedures such as cutting, sculpting, splitting, trimming, and hole punching. After this, it brings us to the manufacturing process. At this stage of production, large, irregular blocks taken from the quarry are cut and shaped with a saw across the grain in sections. These sections turn out to be slightly longer than the length of the actual finished roofing slate. Due to its long production process and the convenience of other roofing materials, slate roofing is becoming a lost art. It is important to find reputable and experience craftsmen for this type of roofing as many contractors can be inexperienced to this type of knowledge and skill. Finding professional roofing companies in orange county that are experienced can be hard, but Atkins roofing can do the job!
Slate Roofing Types
The main selection in slate roofing is natural slate roofing or natural slates. Natural slate roofing has been protecting and adorning buildings for over a thousand years. These high quality slate materials are naturally slip-resistant, stain-resistant and non-absorbent; in addition, it is especially at home in the kitchen and bath. Natural quarried slate has proven for a long time as a serviceable and adequate waterproof roof covering. Their longevity because of its toughness is not their only beneficial quality. Because of their unique look, durability and style, natural stone veneer wall panels are perfect for adding a distinctive and unique look to any interior room or exterior project. The one-of-a-kind look and appearance works well and accompanies other building materials nicely including plaster, wood, wallboard, granite, slate and marble.
Slate tiles are mostly used on older homes, but it is possible to have them installed on new houses. With the successes of slate roofing and its uniqueness, producers and manufacturers have created other related goods that are exciting stone product lines. These types of goods often include interior parts such as: Veneer Wall Panels, Flag Mats, Cobble Mats, Mystic Circle Mats and many other exciting stone as well as slate products.
Other types of slates includes: black diamond slate, sbardella slate, greenstone slate and vermont natural slate. Depending on the kind of slate, slates change color through weather and these are no exception. It is recommended to look at before and after photos for possible changes of hues for that particular slate, prior to your final decision. Old fashioned slates and unfading slates are also available as well. It all depends on your preference and taste.
Advantages and Benefits for Slate Roofing
Slate roofing, with its natural look and rigidness, created a unique look for any home. A slate roof bestows a very characteristic charm on a property as it can easily create a very rich, colorful, hand-crafted look that merges with the overall appearance of a house. Though installation is tough, many homeowners will still pay the extra expenses for this unique roofing material. In addition, this type of natural stone thrives out in the elements. This makes it the perfect choice for roofs, walkways, garden paths, entryways and stairs. A concise slate roof specification and knowledgeable application will yield a slate roof that will last a long time.
Little maintenance is required as it is very long-lasting; in fact, some say that a slate roof will last from 75 to over 100 years.
The durability and longevity of this type of roofing material is greatly appreciated. One could consider a slate roof installation to be a lifetime roof as a quality system with precise installation can reach up to 75 years of service life. Slate is an extremely resistant material that does not fade in the sun. There is an extensive palette of varying shades of blues, greens, browns and blacks.
It is environmentally friendly. Unlike other type of roofing materials like epdm liquid rubber roofing or hot mop flat roofing, natural slates do not release dangerous substances and manufacturers do not need to make declarations on this issue.
Unfortunately, like many roofing materials, there is always a downside. For slate roofing and slate tiles, the one major factor is that slate is a very costly material. It takes time to cut and shape resulting in more man-power, energy and machinery to modify and install. Also, not everyone can install slate roofing as it has to be installed by slate roofing specialists……..Atkins Roofing is an experienced Slate Roof installer!
I learned a lot about slate roofing by reading this article. I really like how you explained that “Slate roofing, with its natural look and rigidness, created a unique look for any home. A slate roof bestows a very characteristic charm on a property as it can easily create a very rich, colorful, hand-crafted look that merges with the overall appearance of a house.” I have never used slate roofing services before but it is cool to know that using these services will help to get the roof that you have always wanted.