The Disadvantages of Slate Roofing

Cost

• The biggest drawback to installing slate roofing is the material's high cost. Some manufacturers suggest slate can cost at least $1,000 per 100 square feet of material. Other estimates advise that 100 square feet of material can cost up to $8,000. It's true that the material will last decades longer than other roofing materials, which is why it costs so much, but many homeowners do not have the money to make a large investment in their roofing material.

Weight

• Another disadvantage to slate roofing is weight. One hundred square feet of slate roofing material can weigh from 800 to 1,500 lbs., depending on the manufacturer. The simple fact is that some residential construction methods cannot support that much weight on the roof. Before you decide to install slate, you must have your roofing structure evaluated by a professional contractor to ensure that it can withstand the weight.

Installation

• With the delicacy and weight of slate roofing, it's no wonder that the slate must be installed by a professional. This will set back your wallet even more because you have to pay for the material plus the cost of labor. Installers can charge hourly or by day and prices vary greatly, anywhere from an extra $1,500 up to $5,000. Because slate is rarely installed, many roofers have little to no experience with the installation procedure and mistakes can occur.

Durability

• The durability of slate roofing must be called into question. While the slate is resilient, withstanding regular weathering, emergency actions on the slate can cause serious damage. Slate is brittle, so stepping on it can easily snap or shatter it. If at any time you need to get up on the roof to do maintenance or repair work, you run the risk of permanently damaging your roof and having to pay a professional to repair it.