5 Most Popular Roofing Materials

Roof Shingles - Jan 15,2011 - No Comment

When it comes to roofing materials, there’s a mind-boggling array of choices to pick from and that often leaves new home owners confused.

So to help cut through the clutter and zero in on the most popular options, here’s a list of the 5 most popular roofing materials. See which one best fits your needs.

1. Asphalt Shingle

This is the cheapest durable option that’s around today, making it easily the most popular roofing material that has a dominant market share. Asphalt shingles come in various styles, most popularly as roof shingles.

2. Wood

Wooden roofing is expensive, but stylish. The major drawback is fire hazards. Cedar, rosewood and pine wood constructions are popular in certain parts of the world, especially when wood is easily available.

3. Metal

Metal roofing material is expensive yet very long lasting, with typical metal roofs lasting as long as 30 to 50 years. Available in a range of styles and colors, metal roofs are gaining popularity.

4. Tile and Cement

Not too common because of their considerable weight, tile and cement roofing materials do find a place on the top 5 list for good reason. They are durable and relatively inexpensive.

The fifth popular roofing material is one that’s so long lasting that homes built using it are a century old – and their roofs are being re-used for new buildings, with the expectation that it’ll last for another hundred years!

Learn about it and more about roofing materials in this report.

Installing Roof Shingles – A Simple Guide

Roof Shingles - Jan 08,2011 - No Comment

Installing roof shingles isn’t very complex or difficult. It isn’t easy or hassle-free either. If you’re thinking about installing roof shingles for your home or office, then this guide will be of some help and guidance in explaining the steps and showing you what you’re in for. Knowledge is power, and reading this will keep you well informed about how to install a shingle roof.

First of all, your current roof needs a close and expert inspection to identify areas of damage or rot. Applying a new asphalt shingle roof over a damaged roof frame will only lead to fresh problems down the road. Indications that the wood may be rotting are areas that sag and an uneven surface of the underlayment. When rotten wood framing is a possibility, the safest and least expensive solution is to tear off the existing cover and then install new roof shingles.

Another reason why you may have to tear off your old roof is if it has two or more layers already. In this case, adding a further layer of shingles over it may cause the load to become so high that the supporting infrastructure cannot support it, causing the roof to break or sag again.

Tear Off Before Installing Roof Shingles

In case you identified enough reason to tear off your older roof before installing roof shingles, then you will be exposing a lot of damage that’s hidden under the older shingle layer. The right tools will help get the job done swiftly and efficiently. Stripping tools including a roofing shovel with teeth, a heavy pair of gloves and safety equipment are necessary. Place a thick tarpaulin sheet to collect the old shingle pieces as they are ripped off the roof.

Gardens can be damaged during this tear off process, and it is worth taking some steps to safeguard them beforehand. If the tear off is only going to affect a part of your roof, then it can be a relatively simple and quick job. But if the entire roof needs to be torn off, then a sequential process must be followed. Workers who are engaged in a roof tear off need to wear a safety anchor and take other precautions against falls and injury. Knowing how to use the safety equipment is an important part of installing roof shingles.

If your roofing contractor attempts to do this job all alone, insist upon someone being along to help. While safety equipment can prevent serious injury, they may still leave you in uncomfortable and unusual positions (such as hanging upside down on the side of your house!) and will need help to get untangled from the harness. Having helpers can significantly enhance the safety of this work.

Installing Roof Shingles Over Tar Paper

Rotten parts of the older roof are removed and replaced. Long nails from the old roof deck must be meticulously extracted, or nailed back in. Tar paper is the next to be installed. Adding ice and water dams along the eaves is an important step. Tar paper is laid on with an overhang of around half a foot, extending all the way to the crest of the roof and over the ridge to the other side.

Roof trim and flashing come next. Using nails at regular intervals help securely fasten the roof framing to the wooden base. Vents and chimneys need special flashing and modifications while installing roof shingles. Doing all this correctly will prevent leaky roofs in the future.

How Much Asphalt Roofing Shingles Will You Need?

Before ordering bundles of roof shingles, you will need to make a rough estimate of the roof area. If you read our report about this, you’ll know that it roughly takes 3 bundles of shingles to cover a square of roof. When ordering your asphalt shingle packs, be sure to get a few extra because of the chance of damaging a few during installation.

While installing roof shingles, be sure to assemble and use the right tools. A nailing gun will simplify the task of fixing the shingles to your roof frame. Caulking guns make it easier to crimp and bend roofing caulk. Gloves for construction use protect against accidental injury. Eye and ear protection is important for workers who are constantly exposed to the noise from power equipment. None of these tools are absolutely mandatory for installing roof shingles, but they streamline and simplify the chore and make it easier to do.

How To Go About Installing Asphalt Roof Shingles?

To give some direction and orientation, the contractor will run colored string from one point to another and draw chalk lines that indicate where the rows of shingles will be fixed. Otherwise it is easy to get misled into laying the tiles in a crooked manner which gives a very ugly appearance to the roof. It also affects the degree of protection against water damage, as leaks can occur between imperfectly positioned shingles.

The first row of roofing shingles is important. Typically the work begins at the bottom edge of the roofing deck, with a full shingle placed with “feet up” and covering the gable and starter trim, in alignment with the string or chalk lines drawn up initially. The shingle is nailed into place, affixing each shingle with 4 nails. In high wind areas, this may be increased to 6 nails per shingle for better protection.

The next shingle is installed beside it, taking care that there is no overlap. The successive rows will overlap to provide a watertight seal, so there is no need to have the individual shingles overlap as well. Carry along until the other side of the gable is reached, and the excess (if any) may be trimmed using a knife.

The second row of installing roof shingles involves making a vertical cut of the shingle and removing 6 inches off it. This is to ensure the second row creates horizontal overlap over the first row, as well as vertical overlap that provides a tight seal against the elements. The other rows are done in exactly the same way.

As you approach the ridge, you may need to trim the last row of shingles to fit nicely. Then repeat the process on the other side of the roof, until the shingles meet up at the ridge. If there are any vents in the way, you can install ridge ventilation to assist air outflow and avoid the build up of heat beneath your roof. You can cut out holes in a shingle to accommodate a single vent using a circular saw. Make sure the fit is snug and secure to prevent later leaks and water seepage.

Installing Roof Shingles At The Ridge Cap

Now that you’re at the apex of your roof, you can cover the ridge cap using pre-cut shingles that are shaped correctly, or modify your own shingles by cutting square sections. Start on the side of your roof that faces away from the wind. Bedding the ridge cap in cement can hold it in place and prevent leaks by sealing off gaps. Nails to hold the ridge cap in place need to be half an inch longer than the rest.

So installing roof shingles is a relatively straightforward process. However it requires special tools and training, and a certain degree of expertise and experience, in order to do it safely and well. For more detailed information about how to go about installing roof shingles, explore a few more online resources and consult with a qualified roofing contractor who will guide you right.

Compare Roofing Shingles : What You Should Know?

Roof Shingles - Dec 20,2010 - No Comment

If you don’t compare roofing shingles before making a decision about which kind to order for your building, you could be losing a lot of money. That’s because in today’s world of extensive options for choosing roof shingles, you simply need to stay informed about the latest developments and compare roofing shingles manufacturers and their wares before you order any roofing material. Otherwise, you could not only pay more for inferior quality items, you could even be risking the safety and durability of your roof.

Roofing shingles prices fluctuate wildly in the marketplace, and with so many diverse brands and products to choose from, this task becomes ever more important to home owners like you. But take heart. Your reward from carrying out this due diligence will be rich indeed. So that makes the time and effort invested into your research worthwhile.

How To Compare Roofing Shingles of Different Types?

There are various types of roof shingles and comparing them can be difficult unless you focus on specific features. Metal shingles are often considered advantageous over other options like wooden shingles and asphalt shingles. That is primarily because metal shingles are less expensive. Another factor is the wide range of sizes and colors in which metal shingles are available. But even if these benefits mean it is easier to find metal shingle roofing material that is suitable for most kinds of buildings, they are likely to degrade over time and become less shiny and the veneer undergoes a change in color.

Compare Fiberglass Roof Shingles

Fiberglass roofing shingles prices are pretty constant and on the lower end of roofing shingles prices. They are less expensive than metal shingle roofs as well as being simpler for installation even by non-experts. Fiberglass shingles come in many colors, shapes and patterns. They are preferred roofing material for both homes and office buildings. Fiberglass shingles that are specially treated with AR become resistant to fungus and mold growth.

When compared to other kinds of shingles, the only serious drawback to fiberglass material is the lack of durability. Their average lifespan is between 15 and 30 years in contrast to metal roofing which lasts 20 to 50 years.

How About Slate, Wood and Tile Roofing?

While metal roofing shingles made of copper and aluminum are distinct, they at least share the common feature of being metal roofing material. But how do you compare roofing shingles made from slate to those from wood and tile? Well, again you need to focus on specific features.

Take longevity, for instance. Slate shingles last up to one hundred years, and beat out all other types on this one factor. But the durability and long lifespan come at a cost. Slate roofing will not be affordable to home owners of many kinds. And to install a slate roof takes professional help. Again, expense is higher because of the need to hire a pro.

When you compare roofing shingles of other types, such as wood roofing shingles, but use a different metric like fire-hazard, then they fall down because wood is inflammable. But consider the aesthetic element of wood roof shingles and you’ll see they rank higher because they give any building an ornate and stately look. Durability again is variable as compared to other roofing shingles, with wood roofing shingles lasting around 20 years on average.

In similar fashion, tile roofing shingles appear cheaper because of their lower manufacturing cost. These plastic shingles are also lighter than other types. But these advantages fall down when you compare them on other areas like durability and resistance to extreme weather conditions. Clay tiles are a specific kind of tile shingles which are harder to install but fire resistant.

When you compare roofing shingles, you’ll notice that all the diverse kinds still have many things in common. For instance, they all have durability measured in decades and are resistant in the same way to weather elements. Cost and other features differ greatly, though, and these should be the issues that you consider carefully before making a final choice.

Five Steps To A Reliable Roof Shingles Estimate

Roof Shingles - Dec 17,2010 - No Comment

Have you ever wondered about what goes into making a roof shingles estimate that’ll tell you exactly how many shingles you’ll require for a roofing job? It isn’t too complicated. You can take either of two routes to estimating your roof’s surface area, and then apply a simple formula to arrive at your roof shingles estimate.

Roof Shingles Estimate – Determine The Number of Shingles Needed

Roofing shingles come packed into bundles. You can order them by the bundle, or the square. Shingles are wrapped in plastic or paper and bundled into sizes that are convenient for a single person to carry comfortably. Heavier shingles will contain fewer shingles per bundle, and therefore require more bundles per square. Three bundles of 3-tab shingles typically can cover a square of roof.

When you start a roof shingles estimate, the first thing to do is determine how much of your roof needs to be covered with shingles. This can be estimated using the measurement method, or others like the sheet-count approach. More complex projects and re-roofing require different approaches.

Roof Shingles Estimate by Measurement Method

One surefire way to determine how many bundles of roof shingles you’ll need is to hop up on the top of your building and actually measure each and every plane. If the building is made of rectangular planes, this is a relatively straightforward task. You’ll simply have to measure the length and breadth, and then multiply them together. But with steep roofs, you will not be able to walk on them to carry out the measurements and must rely on more indirect approaches.

First, compute the floor area of your building. Add in a little extra for overhang of your roof. Using a pre-determined formula, and making allowance for the slope (pitch) of your roof, you can multiply the area by a “correction factor” that’s dependent upon the slope of the roof and arrive at a reasonably accurate measurement of the roof area.

Roof Shingles Estimate by Shingle Count Method

If the previous shingles are still intact and haven’t yet been stripped, then you can estimate the roof area through measurements of the eaves on each roof plane. You may even choose to estimate that by counting tabs along the eaves and edges, and keeping in mind that each tab is a foot long.

Once you’re done, count the numbers of rows of shingles from eaves to ridge. Each shingle is exposed for 5 inches, which means a 5 course layer will measure 5X5 inches, or just over 2 feet. Knowing the length and breadth through this computation, you can tell how much of the roof needs to be fixed or installed.

For more about roof shingles estimate, don’t miss the full report here.

Metal Roofing Materials – Everything You’ve Ever Wanted To Know

Roof Shingles - Dec 10,2010 - No Comment

For hundreds of years people around the world have used metal roofing materials for buildings. Metal roofing is durable, strong and lasts for a very long time. Metal roofing materials can hold up to very extreme weather conditions over prolonged periods. As technology improves and metallurgical advances kick in, metal roofing has grown even better and more desirable as a roofing choice.

The initial expense of having a metal roof installed is higher than other options. But on the positive side is the fact that metal roofing materials provide advantages by way of aesthetics and functionality. When you factor these in, you’ll realize the overall expense of a metal roof is actually lesser than with other alternatives. That’s why you’re seeing an increasing demand for metal roofing materials for both office and residential buildings alike.

There are many different kinds of metal roofing materials. Each type of metal roofing system has specific characteristics. An eye-catching array of color choices can be made available by the simple expedient of coating the metal roofing materials with paints and alloys. Texture and appearance of the roof can also be altered, which gives the additional advantage of improving mechanical properties of the roof material itself. This helps make the metal roof better resistant against corrosion or water damage.

From a purely aesthetic viewpoint, metal roofing materials provide range, depth and diversity that helps set your building apart from others in the neighborhood. It also delivers unique benefits. Metal roofing materials cost differs from one locale to another, and will be impacted by the specific kind of roof being installed. No two roofs are the same. Make good comparisons before making your choice, but also be aware that you’ll have to put in some time and effort into the learning and research process in order to understand metal roofing better.

Metal roofing may comprise galvanized steel, aluminum shingles, or copper (which is often quite expensive). Metal roofing not only lasts long (30 to 100 years is usual), it is also resistant to fire damage, looks attractive in appearance, and can let you design a roof in one of many different styles and finishes, to match the rest of your house. Design innovations with metal roofing materials like 4-way interlocking mechanisms helps make them even more resistant against wind and weather injury.

You can learn more about metal roofing materials in a detailed report on the various pros and cons. Read it here.

Metal Roof Tiles – 10 Reasons To Choose Metal Roofs

Roof Shingles - Dec 03,2010 - No Comment

Metal roof tiles have been steadily gaining ground as manufacturers have come up with really attractive shingles, tiles and sheets in roofing options. They have designed to look like natural wood shake, slate roofing and other tiles adding to the attractiveness of these roofs. We have listed some of the key reasons why metal roofing tiles is an option worth considering.

Long life

Asphalt roofing shingles may be cheap and attractive but it needs replacement in 15 years or less. Some last upto 20 years but this is only in very rare cases where the roofer has done a great job of installation and the homeowner has taken good care of his roof. Metal roof tiles on the other hand last for several decades. Most metal roofs come with guarantees of 50 years. Practically they can last for much longer.

Light Weight

The metal roof tiles are light-weight and hence easy to handle and install. Roofers can easily lift the tiles to the required height and work on the roof. Also, there is no need to structurally reinforce any part of the roofing to accomodate these tiles

Low Maintenance

All roofs need proper maintenance for trouble-free and long-life. Some roofs need more maintenance than others. Asphalt needs more while metal and slate roofs need less. Metal needs to be guarded against scratching and indentation due to impact. Make sure that no trees are close by which can cause these problems.

Energy Efficient

Metal is an energy efficient roof. The metal roof tiles help keep the home cool in summers and warm in winters as the roof is good conductor of heat. This helps save energy. Your electricity bills are lower compared with other roofs.

Weather Proof

Metal roof tiles are good with all types of weather. Sun, snow, rain or hail does not affect these tiles. They are can withstand strong winds, heavy snow fall, harsh sunlight and rain and are not affected by it. You can safely sleep in the night knowing that your roof is immune to harsh weather conditions.

Metal roof tiles have been steadily gaining ground as manufacturers have come up with really attractive shingles, tiles and sheets in roofing options. They have designed to look like natural wood shake, slate roofing and other tiles adding to the attractiveness of these roofs. We have listed some of the key reasons why metal roofing tiles is an option worth considering.

Long life

Asphalt roofing shingles may be cheap and attractive but it needs replacement in 15 years or less. Some last upto 20 years but this is only in very rare cases where the roofer has done a great job of installation and the homeowner has taken good care of his roof. Metal roof tiles on the other hand last for several decades. Most metal roofs come with guarantees of 50 years. Practically they can last for much longer.

Light Weight

The metal roof tiles are light-weight and hence easy to handle and install. Roofers can easily lift the tiles to the required height and work on the roof. Also, there is no need to structurally reinforce any part of the roofing to accommodate these tiles

Low Maintenance

All roofs need proper maintenance for trouble-free and long-life. Some roofs need more maintenance than others. Asphalt needs more while metal and slate roofs need less. Metal needs to be guarded against scratching and indentation due to impact. Make sure that no trees are close by which can cause these problems.

Energy Efficient

Metal is an energy efficient roof. The metal roof tiles help keep the home cool in summers and warm in winters as the roof is good conductor of heat. This helps save energy. Your electricity bills are lower compared with other roofs.

Weather Proof

Metal roof tiles are good with all types of weather. Sun, snow, rain or hail does not affect these tiles. They are can withstand strong winds, heavy snow fall, harsh sunlight and rain and are not affected by it. You can safely sleep in the night knowing that your roof is immune to harsh weather conditions.

Recyclable

Metal roof tiles are 100 percent recyclable. This is environment friendly as you not adding more waste in the form of roofs that needs frequent replacement and the old roof being sent to the landfills. Metal can be re-used and so there is no need to send it to landfill. Also, it lasts much longer than standard asphalt roofs.

Corrosion Resistant

Galvanized steel metal roof tiles are resistant to corrosion. Similarly many other metal roofs are actually alloys of two or more metals to help make them stronger, tougher and resistant to corrosion. This helps the roofs to last longer.

Increases Resale Value

The addition of metal roof tiles to a home instantly increases its curb-appeal and its resale value. This is a indeed a great investment for the homeowners to make in their homes.

Insurance Discounts, Energy Incentives

As metal roofs are weather resistant and also fire-proof homeowners can avail of discounts on insurance premiums. As these homes are energy efficient, they can also get incentives from the government.

High Initial Cost But Low Overall Cost

In the short the cost of metal roof tiles are high but in the longer term considering its long life and very little need for replacement often, the cost savings are substantial in the long term. This helps the homeowner to recoup his costs over the life of the roof as it has few maintenance issues and the cost of maintaining it is also low.

Apart from the above obvious advantages there are other reasons why metal roof tiles are a preferred. Businesses and industrial buildings prefer metal roofs for the their long life, sturdiness and light-weight nature. Business houses can’t afford too many off-days to fix and maintain roofs. So, installing problem-free metal roofs is a great option for them and also for homeowners.

Metal roof tiles are 100 percent re-cyclable. This is environment friendly as you not adding more waste in the form of roofs that needs frequent replacement and the old roof being sent to the landfills. Metal can be re-used and so there is no need to send it to landfill. Also, it lasts much longer than standard asphalt roofs.

Corrosion Resistant

Galvanized steel metal roof tiles are resistant to corrosion. Similarly many other metal roofs are actually alloys of two or more metals to help make them stronger, tougher and resistant to corrosion. This helps the roofs to last longer.

Increases Resale Value

The addition of metal roof tiles to a home instantly increases its curb-appeal and its resale value. This is a indeed a great investment for the homeowners to make in their homes.

Insurance Discounts, Energy Incentives

As metal roofs are weather resistant and also fire-proof homeowners can avail of discounts on insurance premiums. As these homes are energy efficient, they can also get incentives from the government.

High Initial Cost But Low Overall Cost

In the short the cost of metal roof tiles are high but in the longer term considering its long life and very little need for replacement often, the cost savings are substantial in the long term. This helps the homeowner to recoupe is costs over the life of the roof as it has few maintenance issues and the cost of maintaining it is also low.

Apart from the above obvious advantages there are other reasons why metal roof tiles are a preferred. Businesses and industrial buildings prefer metal roofs for the their long life, sturdiness and light-weight nature. Business houses can’t afford too many off-days to fix and maintain roofs. So, installing problem-free metal roofs is a great option for them and also for homeowners.

10 Reasons Why Concrete Roofing Tiles Are Best For Your Home

Roof Shingles - Nov 28,2010 - No Comment

Concrete roofing tiles are made from simple ingredients like cement and sand. The colors are added to manufacturing process in order to get a variety of beautiful shades to choose from. In fact cement being a versatile medium it is easy to come up with vast range of designs that are unique and popular. Concrete makes it simple to come up with a variety of tile profiles and colors. At the same time it also makes it simple to make them all quite cost-effective.

Strong And Tough

Tiles made with the extrusion process result in strong, tough and dense products suitable for a number of roofing needs. The tiles are molded and colored and finally sealed off using a sealant. This protects the tiles from plant life taking hold on the tile. The salt and other deposits seen on cement walls are also avoided by sealing off the concrete roofing tiles with effective sealants. Made from special grade sands and cement the tiles are designed so, they don’t absorb water more than 10 percent of their body weight. The strong and durable cement used in tiles actually become stronger with age.

Accessories

There are a number of complementary products that come with concrete roofing tiles. These help complete the look of the roof. As the colore and shades match exactly with the roofing tiles you will be able to make a style statement with your new roof.

Great Value

Concrete roofing tiles provide value for money. They are attractive yet affordable. Their long life combined with their affordable prices make them an attractive combination. The roof can last the whole life-time of the house if installed and maintained properly.

Versatility

They are also suitable for a variety of weathers conditions. It is suitable for every kind of climatic zone. Rain or snow, sun or frost, hail or wind concrete can take all these in its stride. Snow easily slides off the smooth concrete surfaces. Rain and sun don’t damage concrete like other materials. The product can be used in temperatures ranging from 0 degrees to 120 degrees.

Choice Of Colors

You can choose from huge selection of colors and shades in these tiles. The choice also includes colored tiles where a surface coating of the requisite shade is applied or the color-through concrete roofing tiles in which the pigments are introduced into the cement and sand mix during the tile making process.

Long Life

Concrete roof tiles are long lasting and durable roof. They come with 50 year guarantee. If installed properly these can last the life-time of the home. However the installation process is tough and time consuming. Special care needs to be taken about the underlayment which most often needs replacement ahead of the tile roof.

Repair And Replacement

Unlike other roofing materials concrete roofing tiles are easy to repair and replace. Care should be taken when walking on the tiles as they get easily damaged. Care should also be taken when handling these tiles which are susceptible to breakage especially the light ones. Better is to opt for the heavier concrete tiles as they cost much less and are also sturdier. But, this might need special reinforcement for the roof structure to take on the extra load.

Wind Resistant, Hail Resistant, Fire Resistant

Being heavier these tiles can withstand any amount of wind related damage. They don’t get blown away in strong winds if nailed properly and anchored correctly. They are resistant to hail damange too. They have class A rating as far as fire resistance goes. They are extremely safe roof and are immune to air-borne fire/spark accidents.

Beauty And Home Value

Concrete roofing tiles are beautiful and attractive. They make your home stand-out and instantly noticeable. It improves the curb-appeal of your home and increases its resale value. If you are in the market to re-sell your home it is fairly easy to sell it as both in value and attractiveness your home will score higher points than other homes in the neighborhood.

Apart from all the above advantages one of best benefits in going for concrete roofing tiles is that they are so low-maintenance. Being all-weather proof they hardly require any protection from the elements. A little routine maintenance will go a long-way in giving a trouble-free service for the life of the home.

Slate Roofing Tiles – Beauty Down The Ages

Roof Shingles - Nov 21,2010 - No Comment

Mention slate roofing tiles and you are instantly reminded of those majestic images from the past of huge mansions and elegant exteriors. Something exotic, something unimaginable for ordinary folks. But, it is no longer true. Slate roofs are no longer the preserve of the rich and the famous. Modern homeowners with money to invest in their homes can easily afford to have slate as roofing option of choice. No, you don’t have to be satisfied with fake slate or rubber slate, You can the real slate roofs for ordinary homes.

Slate is expensive roofing option. It is above the budgetary limits of most homeowners except the very determined. There is no rule that states that slate is the best roof for all regions and seasons. In fact slate may be quite unsuitable for a many homes and situations. Here we will discuss both the advantages and shortcomings of slate roofing tiles as an roofing solution.

Slate is a stone product and is mined from quarries of sedimentary rock. The slate roofing tiles are cut to size and thickness from pieces cut from the rock surface. The roofing can be identified by the way the light hits the surface of slate. Slate contains a high amount of mica which reflects sunlight and gives off a shiny appearance. Some slate roofs have up to 40 percent mica.

Slate is nothing but sedimentary rock formation and hence, it’s easy to take out slivers of it to make slate roofing tiles which go on our roofs. The different layers of rock can become tiles. Imagine a pack of cards and each layer as one card. In the United States you get slate from states like Vermont, New Hampshire, Virginia, Kentucky, China, Arkansas and Brazil. The best slate are Welsh. These have some great properties which make them excellent as roofing materials. They are durable and not in the least affected by weather extremes. They weather extreme temperature changes with ease. They are resistant to acids, alkalis and other chemicals.

The natural color of slate does not fade even on exposure to harsh rays of sun and it does let water to affect it either. They have life-spans of 100 years or more, their look absolutely great on any building, especially on heritage and old style architecture and it is not very expensive considering their long life-span.

The slate roofs that come from Welsh region have been known to be re-used even after 100 years or more. The roof itself does not fail in these cases, it is the timber underneath that gives way and the slate is carefully removed and relaid once the supporting structure is put in place. Some of the oldest roofs that last more than 400 years were removed and reused. Projects that are considered monumental like museums, art places or places of public importance usually prefer this material because of its quality and long life. Welsh slate roofing tiles is also not as fragile as slate from other areas and hence does not break or crack easily.

Slate installation is not an easy process. It needs special skills to do a proper job of slate roof installation. Slate roofing tiles have to be handled carefully by the slate roofing contractor who is interestingly enough called a slater. The slates have to placed one by one along the pitch of the roof. It is craft that is passed on by the older generation to the new usually from father to son in the olden days. Slate is a strong roof but it is fragile and can break if walked on or handled carelessly. The process of installation is slow but experienced can do from 100 square feet to 200 square feet depending on difficulty levels of the roof.

The cost of installation for slate is not easy to fix as there are number of factors that keep changing like location, size of the roof, type of slate roofing to be installed, experience and expertise of slate contractor. According to a slating expert he charges betweem $10 and $30 dollars per slate. The costs vary wildly and for every square installed the cost can range from $1000 to $2000 dollars or even

Apart from being beautiful, attractive and durability slate roofing tiles are low maintenance roofs. They last long without giving too much trouble to the homeowners. Slate is natural stone, it does not rot, rust, warp, curl or attract insects.