Metal roofing vs natural slate roofing

A great comparison guide to the pros and cons of metal roofing vs natural slate roofing.

There are many things to consider when picking roofing materials for a home. Each material has its own pros and cons with some being more relevant to certain homeowners than others. Two premium material choices are natural slate and metal, and the comparison of metal roofing vs. natural slate roofing weighs on the minds of many homeowners.

While both are quality roofing materials, there are a few key differences between them that can be deciding factors when picking a material, from durability to roofing cost. QualitySmith can help you to answer these burning questions.

Natural slate is a great choice for those looking for an upscale look that is still natural in appearance. Versatile and durable, slate can be laid in several patterns and comes in several sizes and colors. With a very long lifespan, a slate roof needs very little maintenance, offers great fire protection and is immune to destructive insects and rotting.

While slate appears to be a solid choice, there are a few cons of the material:

• The gorgeous look of natural slate comes with a price. Slate itself is very expensive.
• The extra support that is sometimes needed is quite costly.
• Working with slate shingles can also be a challenge, as they are very heavy and can be broken by improper care and handling.

Metal roofing

Metal roofing vs natural slate roofing by bitznbitez (was lucias_clay) on Flickr Metal roofs are sleek, attractive choices that are slowly creeping back into style for residential roofing. Made of aluminum or coated steel, metal shingles are durable and fire retardant. Another bonus of a metal roof is that it requires very little maintenance.

Metal roofing is also energy efficient, as the metal reflects the harsh rays of the sun, blocking heat transfer into the attic of the home.

However, like slate roofing, metal roofing can be expensive. Compared to slate roofing, metal roofing is much lighter and does not require additional support. Metal can also be installed right over an existing roof. This handy ability entirely eliminates the costs of disposing of roofing materials and having an existing roof removed.

While these key bits are certainly pros of metal over slate roofing, there are a few cons that should be considered:

• Some metal roofs require painting or other finishing every few years to maintain their color and appearance. If this maintenance is delinquent, the roof can become discolored or chip, creating an unsightly eyesore.
• Metal roofs can also be dented, which may be an issue in areas that receive heavy hail.
• A similar issue may be noise, as metal roofs can be quite loud in certain weather conditions.

Despite how simple the project at hand seems, a homeowner should always get a roofing estimate from a qualified professional. This estimate can help a homeowner make the final choice between the two, as it gives a more precise cost of materials as well as how much it will be to install it on the home.

A savvy homeowner should also research a roofing warranty for the project. With roof prices sky high, protecting the investment is a must, regardless of who wins in the metal roofing vs. natural slate roofing showdown.