Rubber Slate Roof Tile Overview: Slate Roofing Specialists In Chicago
Materials and Composition of the Rubber Synthetic Slate Roof Tile
The main components of rubber roofing material are:
- Under factory conditions, car tires are processed into fine crumbs of different shapes, qualities, and fractions.
- EPDM is an ethylene-propylene-diene monomer synthetic rubber that improves UV, ozone, and high/low-temperature performance.
- Other characteristics included in the material of TPO are thermoplasticity, strength, flexibility, and lightweight.
- Added inorganic material and colorants in the form of fillers and pigments offer the tiles the requisite mechanical strength and stability of dimensions along with the required color.
This solves the environmental problem of recycling car tires, and their metal parts are extracted and handed over for scrap metal. Quite relevant for the Chicago suburbs and Chicago Metropolitan Area, isn’t it?
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What are the Pros of Recycled Rubber Slate Roof Tiles in Chicagoland?
This material can be compared to soft roofing due to the fact that they have related components. Among the main advantages of this synthetic roofing product can be distinguished:
Save Money Without Sacrificing Style – The Way of Roofers in Chicago
Almost everyone wants to save money when installing a new roof and goes through different options – Rubber slate, DaVinci slate, or maybe not slate at all? In this case, the cost of real slate is quite low and affordable, so you don’t have to worry. For close-to-me roof contractors, rubber roof slate is a great shot to be more polite to nature and to Chicago people.
Eco-Friendly and Sustainable
At first glance, rubber tiles cannot be safe for the environment. It’s rubber, it’s harmful! But it is not quite so simple. Indeed, recycled rubber is employed in roofs, so these roofs are eco-friendly and support the preservation of natural resources.
Weatherproof and Durable
Rubber slate tiles are also immune to the effects of rain, snow, hail, ultraviolet radiation, and temperatures. Rubber is not threatened by fungi, moss, and other microorganisms. Finally, chemistry – rubber is not subject to corrosion and most chemicals.
Beautiful and Universal
On the one hand, we very rarely see our roof, but on the other hand, it determines the overall appearance of the house. Modern near-me roofers offer a wide range of colors and shades. That is why any homeowner can perfectly match the material to any building facade. This makes rubber roof shingles the best way to achieve the aesthetic of slate while benefiting from a more cost-effective and durable material.
Are There Any Cons of Rubber Slate Roofing Shingles?
To make the right choice between the types of slate for Chicago suburbs and Chicago Areas, it is worth knowing the disadvantages of rubber slate shingles:
Durability Problems in Chicago
IL manufacturers have not yet studied the actual service life of rubber slate, so there is only approximate data – the roof will last 50 years or more. The rubber is quite soft, so you should avoid damage by sharp objects and strong temperature changes.
Aesthetic Differences from Natural Slate
Externally, this material is wave-shaped sheets made of rubber and fabric waste, with the mandatory addition of fiberglass. Unfortunately, during production, it is impossible to replicate the real appearance of natural slate.
Composite Slate Susceptibility to Fire
All products made of rubber are subject to burning, even from a small hearth of flame, and unlike, for example, from ondulin, rubber slate is more fire hazardous since the composition of the former in modern production is always added antipyrine.
Odor of the Rubber Slate Tile
During the first weeks after installation, it is recommended to ensure good ventilation of the room under the roof. When exposed to ultraviolet light, some components of the rubber slate can oxidize, which can also cause odors.
Composite Rubber Roof Installation Guide
Look at the basic steps for a successful installation of rubber shingles slate in Chicago:
- Preparation – Firstly, you should check the condition of the roofing battens. It should be flat, clean, and strong. Also at this stage, all the tools are prepared: a screwdriver, a sharp knife, self-tapping screws (30 x 4 mm stainless steel), a tape measure, a crowbar, metal scissors, and chalk.
- Marking and start of installation – Draw a vertical line from the center of the roof. On this line, at the height of the first row of tiles, draw a horizontal line. Next, start laying the tiles from the ends of the roof along the drawn lines. It is important to leave a 6 mm gap between the tiles for thermal expansion. Fix each tile with self-tapping screws.
- Continue with the installation – Continue laying the tiles in rows, alternating them for better sealing. Carefully align each tile with the level.
4. Finishing – Treat all joints and fixings with a special sealant to ensure waterproofness. Cover the screw heads with decorative elements or paint them in the color of the tiles.
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Maintenance and Care of Real Slate Rubber Roofing
As for the operation of such a roofing, in the process of its service life practically does not arise any problems, as long as the material itself is of high quality. Repair such a slate – no problem at all, because it is suitable for most of the products produced today for soft roofing.
First, regular inspections of rubber slate shingles are important to detect early signs of wear or damage in Chicago suburbs and Chicago Areas. We recommend conducting a review twice a year, in spring and fall.
Second, use a soft brush or low-pressure washer to clean, avoiding harsh chemicals. Keep gutters and downspouts clean to ensure proper drainage and avoid damage to the roof edges.
Thirdly, trim tree branches overhanging the roof to avoid damage during storms or strong winds. In cold climates, you should also take measures against the formation of ice dams which can cause leaks. The last one is a well-known pain for the Chicago area.
Fourth, avoid walking on the roof as this can damage the rubber synthetic slate tiles. If you must climb on the roof, use safe methods and equipment.
Last, use professional Illinois roofing contractors near me from time to time to inspect for underlying issues and other complicated maintenance tasks.
Rubber Roofs VS Synthetic & Natural Slates
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Case Studies of Best Roofing Made of Rubber
Rubber slate roofing tiles are becoming increasingly popular for roofing residential areas in Chicago and commercial buildings due to their advantages. Look at some examples of incredibly successful projects:
Calgary, Alberta
A local roofing company has installed its rubber roofing tiles on numerous homes in Calgary. Beaumont Shake and Rundle Slate are particularly popular in this region.
Auburn, Washington
A roofing contractor has installed Euroshield tiles on several historic buildings. Rundle Slate has helped to preserve the architectural integrity of these buildings.
Denver, Colorado
Vancouver, British Columbia
A local contractor installed Euroshield tiles on various residential projects. The composite slate tiles are made from recycled tires.
Conclusion
Well, we hope you now know everything about rubber slate roof tiles in Chicago. To summarize, if durability, environmentally friendly, and easy to install are some of the qualities you are looking for then rubber slate tiles are the best choice for you. However, if you are looking for maximum fire resistance and a wide range of colors, you should consider other roofing options. Keep in mind that rubber shingles that look like slate are an economical and durable alternative to the old world slate. Besides, these roofs are incredibly beautiful, so why delay? Contact us today for a local consultation and get your dream roof!
