Have you ever considered installing slate roofing on your Hunterdon County, NJ home? The use of slate as a roofing material dates back hundreds of years. Slate was initially considered a pre-engineered building material that is resistant to insect infestation and fire. Today, like in the past, slate has the same characteristics, with the exception that it also has a cachet or mystique not associated with other types of roofing materials. Slate roofing even has such an appeal that replica slate roofing made of rubber and other synthetic products is sometimes used. Hunterdon County slate roofing can be a great way to set your home apart from the others.
Hunterdon County Slate Roofing | What Exactly is Slate Shingle Roofing?
True slate roof shingles are 100-percent natural stone with no additives. Just like you would quarry granite straight from the earth for a countertop, slate roofing is quarried in the same way. Slate is characterized by the way light reflects off it at a certain angle. This is due to slate tile’s high mica content. Slate with up to 40% mica content has been found. So, not only does its unique appearance come from the stone’s texture—but also from the low-level sheen, as well. This makes it very appealing as a roofing material
Slate’s cleavage abilities are one of the primary reasons for its superior roof-tiling quality. Consider a decent piece of slate, like a deck of cards. Slate is made up of many layers, and these layers may split apart like the individual cards in a deck of cards since it is a sedimentary rock.
Slate roofing in Hunterdon County, NJ requires installers who are experts at working with slate. Because of this, not all companies in the area can install slate roofing.
Slate Roof in Hunterdon County NJ | Pros and Cons of a Slate Roof
Pros of Installing a Slate Roof in Hunterdon County NJ:
Attractive appearance:
A slate roof is pleasing to the eye. Slate shingles go well with most types of conventional house style.
Highly durable:
One of the best qualities of slate roofing in Hunterdon County is its durability. If left untouched, the slate material can last for up to 100 years. Slate is also not appealing to insects such as termites or carpenter ants. Due to being a dense stone, it absorbs little water which would otherwise cause rot in a house. When installed correctly, water will shed off of the roof.
All Natural & Eco-Friendly:
Slate roofing, like all natural materials, is one of a few that may be classified as 100 percent natural. Slate roofing is one of the few natural materials that can be called 100% pure. Along with cedar shake, slate roofing has no additives. It’s entirely genuine and completely natural. This also makes having a Hunterdon County slate roof eco-friendly.
Fireproof:
As a stone, slate is fireproof. This alone does not protect a home from burning since the deck below and all side elements are susceptible. But it does protect a home from burning due to sparks or embers landing on the roof.
Cons of Installing a Hunterdon County Slate Roof
High in Price:
The high cost of the slate materials, plus the installation charges, make Hunterdon County slate roofing a difficult purchase for some homeowners. Costs for installed slate roofs vary. In some cases, slate roofing costs between $1,000 to $2,000 or more per square installed.
Weighs Very Heavy:
Slate shingles weigh significantly more than other roofing materials, often four times as much. A square of slate shingles can weigh up to 800 to 1,000 pounds compared to only 200 to 250 pounds for conventional composite shingles. The extra cost needed to reinforce the roof before installation is usually what dissuades customers.
Upkeep can be Expensive:
Though maintenance needs are reduced with slate shingles, when maintenance is required it can be expensive. Homeowners can find it difficult to repair slate shingles, so professional services are required.
Is a Hunterdon County Slate Roof Right for You?
Slate shingles are extremely long-lasting. If you want to stay in your house for at least 30 years, a slate roof may be the best option since the cost will amortize over that time period. Slate shingles may be more expensive than their future resale value for shorter periods of ownership.
If you’re simply interested in the look of a slate roof, consider reusing rubber old tire slates. synthetic slate roofing is composed of up to 80 percent used tires and other post-consumer rubber materials, making it one of the more eco-friendly materials available. Synthetic slate has the texture of natural Slate and even its thickness without any of the cons. Synthetic slate roofing is less heavy than real slate. Recycled rubber slate shingles are not fireproof, but they are considered to be fire-resistant. Natural slate may fracture; synthetic slate roofing is very flexible and rarely breaks.
Looking for an Experienced and Professional Slate Roofing Contractor to Install a Slate Roof in the Hunterdon County, New Jersey Area?
If you’re searching for a professional, experienced, and reputable NJ roofer who specializes in all types of slate roofing, check out LGC Roofing today! LGC Roofing is a family owned and operated roofing contractor that has been serving the New Jersey area for over 30 years! We are full service NJ roofing company handling both residential & commercial projects, large and small. Whether you need simple roof repair or complete roof replacement, we are your top quality NJ roofer. We are fully insured and licensed to do roofing and siding work in New Jersey. We are certified to install variety of roofs from shingle to cedar shake to slate. Our service areas in the Hunterdon County area include: Clinton, Flemington, Pittstown, Alexandria, Tewksbury, Lebanon, Milford, Califon, East Amwell, High Bridge, Kingwood, Bloomsbury, and many more. If you’re looking for more information, you can contact us today at (609) 712-8157 or visit our home page.