Your Roofing Project in Chicago – Is a Metal Roof Worse or Better than Slate Roof?
When choosing the right roof material, materials like slate and metal are often considered for roofing projects because of their durability, aesthetic appeal, and long-term value. That’s why we’re going to take a closer look at the slate roof vs. metal roof pros and cons. Slate roofing products are arguably the most attractive, long-lasting, and distinctive, but they are costly and cumbersome to fix. A metal roof is long-lasting, functional, and lightweight, which means it is cheaper for many people as compared to other roofing materials. But what to choose and what is the best for your home in Chicago?
Metal VS Slate Roof – Factors to Consider When Deciding Between Metal and Slate Roofing
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Slate Roof VS Metal Roof Cost
Have you ever thought about roof types near you? Both slate and metal are premium materials in Illinois that have their advantages and disadvantages. However, there is a significant difference between slate roof vs. metal roof prices.
Slate Roof Costs
Slate roofing is traditionally considered one of the most expensive options. The cost per square meter of slate roofing can range from $10 to $30. Such a wide range of prices is explained by the variety of slate types (natural or synthetic), their quality, and installation difficulties. For example, natural slate, which is considered to be more durable and aesthetically pleasing, is much more expensive than its synthetic counterparts.
In addition to the cost of the material, the payment for the local work of roofers in Chicago Neighborhoods or Chicago suburbs has been a bigger part of the price. Slate roof installation in Illinois is a labor-intensive process that requires high qualifications. Therefore, the cost of working close-to-me roofers can be up to 60% of the total budget.
Metal for Your Roof Costs
Metal roofing in Chicago is a more affordable option compared to slate. The price per square meter of metal roofing ranges from $5 to $17. The cost depends on the type of metal (steel, aluminum, copper), sheet thickness, and additional coatings. For example, a copper roof will be much more expensive than a steel roof.
Metal roofing is also less work-consuming than slate roofing since the installation of a metal roof will cost less than that of a slate roof. For Chicago suburbs, it’s a good news. However, for complex roofs with a large number of elements (mansards, conical roofs), the cost of installation may increase.
Slate Roof vs. Metal Roof Reviews About Durability and Lifespan
Slate roofs are made of natural stone and a such roof can last from 75 to 200 years, depending on the quality of the material and proper installation. High-quality slate can last more than 100 years with proper care.
Metal roofs are made of materials such as steel, aluminum, or copper and can last from 30 to 50 years, and some types even up to 70 years. Metal roofing is generally less durable, but is resistant to fire, wind, and water, making them suitable for various climates. Roofing installers near me can advise about materials and their state.
If maximum durability is important to you, then close-to-me Chicago slate roofing is the best choice. If you are looking for a more affordable option with good performance characteristics, then you should pay attention to a metal roof.
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Slate Roof vs. Metal Roof Pictures – What About Aesthetics?
Appearance: You need to consider when choosing roofing materials in Chicago community areas. To compare the appearance and attractiveness of these materials in detail, you should pay attention to these nuances:
Color
Slate has natural shades of gray, green, purple, red, and black. It is possible to create unique color combinations, for example, permanent purple or green.
Metal has a wide range of colors, more than 40 standard shades, and the possibility of ordering individual colors.
Texture
The natural split surface of each slate tile gives the roof depth and expression. This natural texture creates a sense of strength and durability.
Metal roofing can have a smooth, rough, or textured surface. This allows you to create a variety of visual effects.
Shape
The standard shape of slate tiles allows you to create a variety of patterns on the roof: horizontal, staggered, and diagonal laying.
Metal roofs are available in the form of sheets, panels, or modules of various shapes, which also allows for the creation of complex geometric designs.
Patina / Imitation
Over time, a natural patina forms on the slate, which gives the roof a noble look and emphasizes its natural origin.
Modern metal roofs can imitate other materials such as tiles or slate. Certainly not 100%, but the imitation can be quite high quality (of course, it is more expensive).
Roofing Styles in Chicago
Slate roofing is ideal for buildings in a classic, historical style. It adds solidity and prestige to the Chicago area building.
Metal roofing is suitable for buildings in any style: from classic to modern. It can be both an element that emphasizes the overall style of Chicago suburb building and a bright accent.
Installation Process – Which is Better in Chicago, a Slate or a Metal Roof?
Let’s see what the difference is. First, let’s look at the features of slate roofing installation in IL:
- Heavy, requires a solid structure.
- Requires special skills and experience.
- Fragile, requires careful handling.
- Expensive because of the material, work, and possible reinforcements.
Secondly, metal roofing:
- Lightweight, requires less structural strength.
- Requires precision and sealing.
- Can be noisy, and requires insulation.
- Usually cheaper and faster to install.
However, not everything is so clear, because, in the long run, slate roofing is the most profitable option. Therefore, we advise you to choose this more expensive material, because it will delight you every day and decorate your home for more than 100 years.
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Metal Roofing VS Slate Roofing Maintenance – Compare Metal and Slate Roofing Needs
Chicago slate faces challenges such as shifting or missing slates due to bad weather, breakage due to aging or weather conditions, “nail disease” (rusting of old nails), delamination of slates due to natural aging, and damage to the edging due to rust. Metal roofs can have leaks due to poor installation or weather conditions, corrosion due to moisture or seawater, deformation due to thermal expansion, fading and chalking of paint due to UV radiation, scratches, and damage during installation or from debris.
General tips:
- Inspect the roof regularly.
- Replace damaged elements.
- Clean the roof and gutters.
- Use quality slate and metal roofing materials for repair and protection.
- If necessary, contact a professional roofing contractor.
Environmental Impact of Slate and Metal Roofing
Traditional roofing is considered quite environmentally friendly due to the natural origin of the material. Slate is a kind of stone which is extracted from quarries. However, the extraction of the material and transportation of the same may have some adverse effects on the environment. On the other hand, the durability of slate roofing (more than 100 years) reduces the need for frequent roof replacement and production of new materials.
Metal roofing can also be quite environmentally friendly, especially if it is made from recycled metal. Metal roofs are durable and can be completely recycled at the end of their service life. Besides, they are commonly very energy-saving as they help to minimize the penetration of sun rays and warm temperatures indoors. For near-me roof contractors, eco-friendly questions could be a little bit closed, but the actual priority of Chicago clients’ roof quality is still.
Conclusion
Comparison between slate and metal roofs is one that will define the appearance of your house, how long it will last, and the amount of money a homeowner is willing to spend. As you already know, both materials have their advantages and disadvantages. Slate roofing is traditional and has an exquisite appearance and is expected to endure a long time on your roofs. It is also immune from both extreme weather conditions and regular wear and tear hence rarely needs replacement. However, metal is cheaper and easier to install. So, please, it’s essential to consider the main disadvantages and benefits of slate roofing and metal, and contact us if you have any additional questions about the next roof for your home!
