Slate roofing lends a high-end, attractive appeal to any home. Its beauty is unsurpassed when compared to other roofing materials.
Slate has an unmatched sophistication that, combined with its ability to last for centuries, makes it a desirable choice for homeowners everywhere.
But once you’ve decided on slate roofing, you will be faced with decisions. Should you opt for traditional slate, or should you go with modern, synthetic products? Is there another option that combines the best features of both traditional and modern products?
Imitation Slate Isn’t the Same
Synthetic slate, also described as composite, is an imitation of the real thing, typically made of recycled materials. It does offer some benefits that traditional stone doesn’t deliver: It’s lightweight, making it easier to install and therefore cheaper.
On the other hand, while an imitation product is cheaper than traditional stone, it’s still more expensive than asphalt roofing. Plus, it’s newer, so it’s long-term durability is still unknown, making it a riskier investment.
Is Natural Slate the Better Option?
Natural slate is extremely durable if maintained properly, and it is resistant to fire, bringing another measure of safety to your home. No mold will grow on it, and you won’t have to worry about termites or other bug infestations.
Still, traditional slate’s weight can be a lot for some homes to bear, making homeowners worry that their structure can’t handle slate roofing. Thankfully, experienced roofing material manufacturers like GAF have developed products that address these challenges, making slate more attainable, safer and economical for homeowners.
TruSlate Combines the Best of Both
TruSlate by GAF is made of real stone, but unlike traditional designs, the slate shingles do not overlap on a roof’s surface. Instead of having half of the slate shingle tucked underneath the one above it, GAF uses a waterproofing barrier that provides added protection to your roof and is also much lighter. With this material, any roof that is built to code will most likely be able to support the TruSlate system without any added renovations needed.
GAF also sources its high-quality slate from quarries across North America, ensuring the end product is superior to all other brands. The underlayment is made of polyethylene, a material that resists weather extremes and precipitation.
GAF’s slate roofing system’s synthetic underlayment and natural stone offers the best of traditional and synthetic systems, making it a top choice for homeowners looking to make this investment.
Contact the Roof Doctor for more information on the various types of slate roofing systems and find out which option is ideal for your home, based on your location and your home’s size.