real Slate Roof vs. Synthetic Slate Roof – Which is the Best for You chicago home?
Slate is a natural and strong material that is derived from natural stone and is mostly used in Illinois roofing applications. Indeed, it is characterized by a special appearance and is highly resistant to weather conditions. On the other hand, synthetic slate is a modern alternative material that imitates the appearance of natural slate. But how to choose between these two options? Read on and make the right choice for your new roof in Chicago!
Real Slate Roof vs. Synthetic Slate Roof – Which Material is Better?
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Real Slate Roof vs. Synthetic Slate Roof Price
In order to properly analyze the cost of both types of shale, it is worth considering the local initial cost and long-term impact. Natural slate is more expensive at the start, with installation costs in Chicago ranging from $10 to $30 per square foot. Synthetic slate is more affordable, with installation costs ranging from $9 to $12 per square foot.
So for a typical residential roof of 1500 square feet, we get the following calculations:
- Natural slate: $15,000 – $45,000
- Synthetic slate: $13,500 – $18,000
However, it’s worth thinking ahead. Natural slate has a higher initial cost but can last for more than 100 years, resulting in significant savings in the long run.
Synthetic slate, on the other hand, has a lower initial cost and can last about 50 years. Therefore, in the long run, natural roofs are more profitable.
Durability Differences Between Natural and Synthetic Slate Tile
Durability is another quality we consider when looking for anything, including roofing material. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of its ability to withstand weather conditions, wear and tear, and durability. Roofers close to me know exactly what Chicago suburbs and Chicago Areas need, so you should contact us first for advice.
Natural Slate Roofing Tiles
Natural slate is known for its excellent resistance to various weather conditions. It does not soak water thus it is not affected by rain, snow, or ice and it does not craze when it is subjected to freezing and then defrosting. Besides, this material is quite resistant and does not break as a result of receiving powerful blows, for instance, hail. Although it can be brittle and fragile if mishandled, its overall resistance to daily wear and tear is exceptional. Quite good for Chicagoland, isn’t it?
Natural slate is non-combustible, so you will get an additional level of safety for your building and will be able to reduce insurance premiums. With proper care, natural slate can last over 100 years and often outlast the life of the building.
Synthetic Slate Roofing Tiles in IL
Synthetic slate is designed to mimic the weather resistance of natural slate. It is resistant to moisture, UV, and temperature fluctuations, but may not be as durable as natural slate in extreme conditions. Synthetic slate is more resistant to impact, such as hail, and does not break as easily as natural slate. However, over time, it can lose color, curl, and undergo other types of wear and tear.
Synthetic slate is usually fire-resistant, but this indicator can vary depending on the materials used in production. In addition, synthetic slate lasts from 20 to 50 years, which is shorter than natural slate.
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Aesthetics in Chicago roofs – Real Slate Roof vs. Synthetic Slate Roof Pictures
What about the natural slate vs synthetic slate appearance? Natural slate has been used for centuries and is known for its unique appearance. Each tile has unique variations in color, texture, and veining, which creates a distinctive and elegant look. Illinois roofers near me know it perfectly and can see it in cozy Chicago suburbs and urbanized Chicago Areas. Synthetic slate can also be very beautiful and offers a wide variety of colors and styles. It can mimic the look of natural slate or have a more modern design.
In terms of colors, natural slate is available in shades that depend on the place of extraction – gray, black, green, purple, and red tones. Synthetic shingles can be made in any color, which gives more flexibility in design compared to natural slate. For a roofing project, synthetic slate provides the versatility to achieve a desired aesthetic while potentially lowering costs and installation complexity.
Natural and Synthetic Slate Installation Process by Roofing Contractor
Natural Slate Installation
- Preparation – Before installing natural slate, it is necessary to assess the strength of the roof, as this material is heavy. It is also important to ensure proper ventilation and insulation. The best solution would be to invite roof installers close to me for roof condition analysis and safe repair.
- Installation – Natural slate requires special skills and precision during installation. Each tile must be properly sorted, pierced, and fixed. There are various fixing methods, such as nailing and using hooks, which are suitable for roofs with a pitch angle of more than 25º.
- Challenges – The natural slate is very heavy and fragile, which makes it difficult to install. It also requires the involvement of professional craftsmen and can be more expensive due to the cost of materials and labor.
Synthetic Slate Installation
- Preparation – Check the flatness of the roof before installing synthetic slate. It is important that the roof has the correct slope for drainage.
- Installation – Synthetic slate is lighter and easier to install. It can be fixed with standard nails or screws using conventional tools such as pneumatic nail guns.
- Challenges – Synthetic slate can be vulnerable to impact and needs to be installed precisely to ensure an airtight seal.
Key Differences in Maintenance and Care of Each Type of Slate Roof
Any roof needs to be maintained regularly, with regular inspections, debris removal, and timely calls to a professional roofing company for repairs.
So keep in mind that the roof should be checked annually, or preferably twice a year, for cracks, damage, and shifting tiles. Synthetic slate is less likely to require repairs, as it is usually simply replaced with a new one when its lifespan expires. But natural slate should be monitored more closely in order to repair it in time because, with proper care, it will delight you for more than 100 years. Chicago roofer installers near me can prove it.
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Is a Natural Slate or Synthetic Slate Roof Environmentally Friendly?
Let’s look at specific facts about the environmental friendliness of both slate roofing materials.
Natural slate shingles:
- Environmentally friendly material extracted from nature.
- It has high strength and durability.
- Requires less energy for production.
- Can be reused and recycled.
- Can have a negative impact on the environment during extraction.
Synthetic slate shingles:
- Made from synthetic materials.
- Requires more energy to produce.
- May contain harmful chemicals.
- It has less strength and durability.
- Can be partially recycled.
Natural slate is a more environmentally friendly and sustainable option due to its natural properties, durability, and recyclability. Synthetic slate, although it has some environmental benefits due to the use of recycled materials, generally has a higher environmental impact due to more complex production processes and a shorter service life.
Conclusion – Natural VS Synthetic
So, natural or synthetic slate to replace your roof in Chicago? To summarize, natural slate is suitable for those who are not limited in funds and are looking for durability near you. On the other hand, synthetic slate is suitable for those on a tight budget. Thus, the choice between natural and synthetic slate roofing depends on your needs, budget, and preferences. We also recommend that you check out real slate roof vs. synthetic slate roof reviews from homeowners, as real examples and reviews are more visual and help you make an informed choice. Hopefully, you now have a clear picture of these two great materials. If there are still any other concerns that you would like to raise, then feel free to reach us. Please do not hesitate to contact our specialists, they will be glad to assist you.
