When you're looking to install a new roof and your budget is flexible, that means your choices aren't limited and you can consider premium roofing materials like slate. A slate roof comes with several features that make it a valuable addition to your home. Here are a few reasons why slate is one of the best roofing materials.

Long-Lasting

A slate roof is made from natural stone and it's the longest-lasting roofing material you'll find on the market today. According to Roofing Calculator, it's not surprising for a slate roof to last over 100 years, which is at least double the lifespan of some other roofing materials. For instance, according to Bob Vila, an asphalt roof can last as long as 20-30 years. Therefore, you can think of this roofing material as a "forever" investment. Once you install a slate roof, there's generally no need to buy another roof down the line. Your slate roof will continue to provide adequate protection for your home for generations to come.

Numerous Style and Color Options

There are basic roofing slate colors like black, blue-black, gray, and green. However, there are many more color options to choose from, so you'll be pleased to know slate isn't a dull roofing material. You can also find a wide range of slate roofing types, such as patterned slate roofs, multi-colored slate roofs, natural roof slate, Spanish slate, and Welsh slate. Each option will give your home a unique appearance. With so many options, you should be able to find a slate roof that matches your preferences, your home's architectural style, and its exterior design. The right option will enhance your home's curb appeal and make it more attractive.

Energy-Efficient Materials

A slate roof can be very energy-efficient, thereby helping you lower your energy costs. Slate roofing's energy-efficient performance comes from the fact that it has good insulating quality. That means it'll reduce your energy use in all seasons. For instance, when it's summer, a slate roof will insulate you from the heat of the sun, which keeps your home cooler. It also gives your HVAC system less work to do, so it consumes less electricity. Given how long-lasting slate roofs are, the reduced cost in your utility bills can add up to a significant amount in the long run.

Environmentally Friendly

Besides making your home more energy-efficient, slate roofing can also shrink your carbon footprint. Remember, slate is a natural stone that doesn't require a lot of processing, which makes it environmentally friendly. In addition, slate roofs don't have to be discarded frequently, unlike asphalt shingles, which have a considerably shorter lifespan and end up in landfills. Replacing your roof fewer times generally means fewer carbon emissions are released into the environment. The good news is that even when you have to replace a slate roof, it's possible to reuse the slate, so there's very little roofing waste.

Low-Maintenance

Keeping your slate roof is easy, especially if you involve professionals. Scheduling a professional annual roof inspection and maintenance is crucial to ensuring your roof lasts a long time. A professional maintenance inspection will check for and fix leaks and other minor issues to prevent expensive repairs. A comprehensive inspection will involve inspecting the slate tiles, gutters, downspouts, chimneys, and roof decking. Beyond checking for issues like damaged tiles and clearing accumulated dirt and debris, you'll find that a slate roof requires very little maintenance.

Added Home Value and High ROI

Overall, a slate roof is a big investment that can provide even bigger returns. Whether you're planning to stay in your home or you want to sell down the line, you can benefit from a slate roofing installation. A slate roof can improve the value of your home, meaning that you'll have more equity, which comes in handy should you decide to take out a loan for one reason or another. If you're planning to sell, then a slate roof is a great investment that can impress knowledgeable buyers. This can help you secure a higher asking price or sell your home quickly.

If you're considering slate roofing, these associated benefits should be enough to convince you that you're making a wise investment. Despite the higher upfront costs, a slate roof is worth investing in since it offers a high return on investment. Feel free to contact Phil's Main Roofing LLC anytime to learn more about the benefits of slate roofing or to get an estimate for your roofing project.