Roofing Slate FAQs

Slate is a fine-grained, foliated and homogeneous metamorphic rock. It is sourced from a natural kind of sedimentary shale rock. The rock consists of a combination of clay and volcanic ash. It is one of the most durable types of roofing material.

Slate roofing is a worthwhile investment for every property owner. Slate roofs are aesthetically pleasing thus can increase the value of your property. It is also known for its longevity, when the roof is installed correctly, it can last for generations and even centuries, hence the reason why it is a worthwhile investment.

Slates come in a wide range of colours, from grey, black, green, purple and many more, if you are interested in sourcing a more unique colour, please contact us to discuss our variety.

The size of slate is largely dictated by the pitch of your roof. The shallower the pitch the fewer the options, also the geographical location of the project can also determine the size of slate due to the weather exposure.

One of the many advantages of roofing sate is that it is very reliable and long-lasting. According to slate roofing authorities, they can last between 75 and 200 years. This means that once you have installed it, you do not have to worry about it for the rest of your life. The amount of time that it lasts depends on the installation and maintenance of the roofing.

Naturally sourced slate roofing is built to last for a very long time. It can typically last for up to centuries. However, the roofs may need to be replaced if they are broken or if they are not correctly installed. You may also need to have the roof replaced if there is excessive flaking. If the roofs are installed well, you will not need to replace them for more than 80 years.

Slate roofing is, without a doubt the most expensive type of roofing. It may cost up to 2000 dollars to replace slate roofing. The cost is justified by the benefits of the roofing, especially the durability. The price is affected by the size of the house.

The most appropriate answer to this question is NO. While slate roofs are famous for their durability; they are not built to be walked on. Walking on the roof could encourage cracking in some of the slates. It is especially ill-advised if the roof is old. During an inspection, practitioners may need to walk on the roofs. During such instances, their contractors have insurance that covers damages that come from walking on the slate roof.

Welsh slate is a highly sought after roofing material because of its durability, beauty and natural quality. Welsh slates are available in either heather (purple) or blue-grey colors but the most popular type is Penrhyn Slate which has a soft bluish purple color with an expected lifespan of more than 100 years.

Yes, all samples are free of charge, this is a great way to get the right colour and texture for your build. (If you are not on the UK mainland there may be additional charges.)

The cost of slate roofs should be representative of the condition of the material and the installation. Local council regulations will also play a big part in pricing as will what is available locally. Costs can vary between associations, providers, etc so it’s difficult to give an accurate answer to this question.  For any enquiries regarding our costs at Yates Slate, please call us on 01200 427711 or email info@yateslate.co.uk and we would be happy to assist you.

Natural roofing slates not only add value to your home, they also offer something in return. Slate roofing is naturally fire resistant and offers high wind resistance. Most slate roofs can last for up to one hundred years or longer with regular maintenance. Even after being broken, the overlapping slates on a slate roof make it harder for water damage to leak into the structure of a house and cause rot in the walls and ceiling – unlike other materials like asphalt or metal that are less protective against water damage.

Slate roofs are attractive roofs that have a bit of an old-fashioned look and feel. They make a home stand out from others in the neighbourhood without being too ostentatious or flashy. They are definitely worth considering as they’ll also bring increased resale value down the line when looking for properties for sale in your area.

Roofing slates are typically fixed to the roof with screws or nails that penetrate into the roof deck beneath. They are nailed in place with either galvanised metal nail heads which look similar to most other types of nails or alternatively by using what is called a “blind nail” which screws down the outside so it cannot be seen.

Blind nails have quite drastic advantages, principally because they are much less likely to create leaks around them when installed correctly. This is because rain water will never form under a slate once it has been screwed down properly since rainwater can’t get under it.