Installing slate roof
The use of slate roofs has been done for hundreds of years. Previously, only natural slates were used, but today there is also a wide choice of artificial slates. What exactly are slates, how does maintenance and installation of a slate roof work? These topics are discussed on this page.
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Why choose slates on your roof?
Using slates for your roof gives an authentic look to your home or property. It is a common type of roofing on old and/or monumental properties in downtown areas, for example. Slates are also widely used on roofs with lighter roof construction, as the weight of slates is very light. Today, there is a wide range of different materials, colors, shapes and types of slates to make your roof the best fit for your home, office or commercial building.
Different types of slates
For centuries, slates have been used as roofing materials for homes and properties. In the past, only natural slates were used. Today, there is also the choice of artificial slates. Both types are available in square and rectangular versions. But what are the properties of these different types of slates? You can read about that here:
Natural Slates
Natural slates are made from natural stone. This natural stone comes from various quarries in America, Asia, Africa and Europe, among others. Because each quarry produces its own type of stone, the color and shape of the slates can vary. Because it is a natural product the slates will never be identical to each other and that is what gives a natural slate roof its unique and authentic look. Natural slates are a lot more expensive to purchase than artificial slates, but in return they last a very long time.
Biggest advantages natural slates:
- Natural look;
- Requires little to no maintenance;
- Very long lifespan (75-100 years);
- Good resistance to weather and temperature changes.
Biggest drawbacks natural slates:
- Differences in quality or execution may occur (natural product);
- Expensive investment relative to other types of roofing.
Artificial slates
Artificial slates are also called fiber cement slates because they are produced from fiber cement. Artificial slates are a widely chosen type of roofing material due to the wide range of sizes and colors of artificial slates as well as their cheaper purchase price than natural slates. Fiber cement slates are produced in factories and are therefore identical in material and size. This ensures a tight and even appearance of the roof. Because the artificial slates can be laid in different ways, all types of roofs can be made using artificial slates.
Biggest advantages artificial slates:
- Large selection of sizes and colors of slates;
- Resistant to wide temperature variations;
- Cheaper than natural slates;
- Can be attached in various ways (horizontal, vertical, diamond, half-brick bond, double coverage etc.)
Biggest drawbacks artificial slates:
- Significantly shorter lifespan than natural slates (25-35 years);
- More modern look than natural slates.
Cost of having your roof slated
The cost of having your roof(s) slated depends mainly on the area of your roof and the type of slate you choose. When slating your roof with artificial slates, the price is considerably lower than with natural slates. A small overview of the costs for slating your roof:
| Type leien | Gemiddelde prijs per m2 | Levensduur |
|---|---|---|
| Kunstleien | € 60 – € 70 per m2 | 25 – 35 jaar |
| Natuurleien | € 100 – € 115 per m2 | 75 – 100 jaar |
*The above prices are an average price for guidance. Would you like to know exactly what you will pay for having your roof slated? Then ask us for a free, no-obligation quote.
Slate roof cleaning and maintenance
A slate roof requires a little more roof maintenance than, say, a tile roof. A coating is applied to the slates to protect against moisture, dirt, mosses and algae. With exposure to different weather conditions and wear and tear, the coating is damaged and the slates will become more susceptible to absorbing moisture. As a result, slates become an ideal substrate for algae and moss growth. This unwanted green growth should be cleaned using a pressure washer and moss killer. Therefore, it is smart to have this done by an experienced roofer who will do the cleaning efficiently and professionally for you. The specialists at Roofers 24/7 will provide an intensive cleaning of your slate roof(s). After cleaning the slates, the slates are re-treated with a coating and our professional ensures that your slate roof is once again optimally protected for years to come.
Want more information about having your slate roof cleaned and maintained? Contact the professionals at Roofers 24/7 for more information or to schedule an appointment!
Slate roofing and asbestos
An older artificial-slate roof may require an asbestos assessment. Colour, size or visible fibres cannot reliably establish whether asbestos is present. A brand name or date alone is not enough to justify working on suspect roofing without investigation.
Laat vóór boren, breken, reinigen of verwijderen beoordelen of deskundige inventarisatie nodig is. Neem niet zelf een monster. Wanneer gecertificeerde verwijdering vereist is, hoort die bij een gecertificeerd asbestbedrijf. Wij presenteren asbestsanering niet als een eigen dienst.
Read the Dutch government asbestos rules. Once the existing material has been assessed, replacement roof covering can be discussed.
Would you like a no-obligation quote?
How is a slate roof laid by Roofers 24/7?
Installing a slate roof is a very specialized job that requires the necessary knowledge of and experience with slates. At Roofers 24/7, we employ specialized roofers who are fully versed in slate roof installation. We call these colleagues our slate roofers.
How our slate roofers go about installing a natural or artificial slate roof:
- Old slates are removed from your roof;
- The laths to which the slates were attached will be removed;
- The roof penetration is installed;
- Vapor barrier (foil) is placed on the roof boarding;
- The old insulation is retained, renovated or reinstalled;
- Place double slats on the subroof;
- New slates are placed on the slats and fastened with asphalt nails.
The choice: tiles or slates?
Both tiles and slates are both widely used as roofing materials. They each have their differences and advantages and disadvantages. The most notable differences between slates and tiles are:
- Price difference: Having a slate roof installed is a lot more expensive than having a tile roof installed.
- Weight difference: There is also a significant difference in the weight of these types of roofing materials. Slates are many times lighter than tiles and therefore better suited for roofs with light roof construction.
- Labor intensity and labor time: Having slates installed is a much more intensive and lengthy job than installing tiles. Laying a slate roof is a specialty and takes more time and labor.
- Storm resistant: We see more damage to roofs with tiles, than to slate roofs, in severe storms with strong gusts of wind.
- Roof shapes: With slate roofs, significantly more types of roof shapes can be achieved than with tile roofs.
Have slate roof installed by a professional roofing company
The roof your home, commercial building or factory hall is not only to protect the property, but also has a major impact on the energy bill you pay each month. So the roof is an important piece of value to your property. Are the slates on your roof outdated or would you like to have an entirely new slate roof installed? Choose quality, choose the professional roofers at Roofers 24/7. Our specialist slate roofers possess the necessary experience and knowledge to breathe new life into your slate roof.
Request a free slate roof quote
Dakdekkers 24/7 provides a quotation tailored to the work discussed. Ask us to explain the proposed repair, included work, timing and any possible additional costs. Request a no-obligation quotation by emailing info@dakdekkers247.nl, using the contact form or calling 06-40125121.
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