Roof Tiles & Slates

The Difference Between Tiles and Slates

Good quality roof accessories are not only essential for providing a sturdy roof structure for homeowners but are also important for rainwater management and weather damage. The most commonly used roof materials are roof tiles and slates. However, many homeowners often confuse the two. 

ArchiPro provides detailed information on roof framing and lining to ensure the best suitable materials for homeowners, which are also budget-friendly. 

Slate roofing can add a luxurious finish to homes and are great for maintaining traditional homes' overall vintage interior. In addition, since it's durable and has a life expectancy of about 25 years, homeowners do not need to worry about getting their roofs replaced often or engaging in regular repairs. 

In contrast, roofing tiles are preferable if the target is to create a more modern, contemporary. They are available in different colours and designs, and it’s possible to get bespoke options depending on the buyer’s unique requirements. 

What is a Slate Roof?

A slate roof has multiple, overlapping roof tiles that are sturdily attached to a roof. If installed properly, slated roofs can last for 100 years or longer. Slate roofs can be made out of slate tiles or other roofing materials. The only downside to slate roofs is that since it is a highly specialized field of roof installation, homeowners will require dedicated professionals and experts for its installation. 

Slate roof tiles are quite popular for all properties, including residential, commercial, and educational institutions. 

To get started, let's look at some common types of materials used to manufacture slate roof tiles. 

Concrete Slate Roof Tiles

Concrete roof tiles are the most popular slate option and have been used for roofing materials for centuries. The mixture of sand, water, and cement makes it a good wind and water resistor. It can also protect against inclement weather, including roof hail damage. Concrete tiles are usually moulded in factories into different shapes and sizes.

Metal Slate Roof Tiles

Metal roofing is a perfect alternative for homeowners who want the slate roofs to have a metal covering for added protection and durability. Metal roof tiles come in various shapes and sizes and can be fabricated with additional materials such as aluminium, copper, and steel. 

Asphalt Slate Shingles

A slate roof with a little bit of customization can be achieved with slate shingles. Homeowners interested in installing asphalt shingles should consider designer roof shingles and shakes. These come with deep cuts and bold shadows to enhance the roof structure and render a more aesthetic appeal – all at a much lower cost. 

Membrane Roofing

Membrane roofing is used for a sturdy, watertight covering for ponds, tanks, and RV's. It is most commonly used to protect building interiors. Membrane roofing materials are made of thermoplastic, a similar PVC material, or synthetic rubber.

Clay Roof Tiles

Clay roof tiles, as the name suggests, are made by moulded clay baking. The quality of these tiles is determined by their density, which means the duration and temperature of baking. These tiles are available in various colours that include yellow, white, brown, and even orange. Terra-cotta or Spanish tile roof is one of the most common coloured clay roof tiles that offers high insulation and durability.

Solar Roof Tiles

An excellent alternative to traditional solar panels is the solar roof tiles. These tiles are part of the roof itself instead of being installed via racking systems. They serve as a sustainable option in major renovation or new construction projects since the solar array and roof installation can be joined into a single component. 

3 Things To Keep In Mind During Slate Roof Installation

Avoid Metal-On-Metal Overlapping Of Tiles

Usually, copper is often used for metal slate roofs. However, homeowners can choose from aluminium and stainless steel too. Regardless of what metal is used, ensure that all tiles are consistent during installation to avoid galvanic corrosion. This means that homeowners have to make sure their contractors do not overlap metals because it can be detrimental to the health of both layers. This is also one major reason why the metal coverings of slate roofs are the first to fall off. 

Use Of Proper Equipment And Technique

Proper technique is very important when it comes to installing a slate roof. Experienced contractors will always choreograph the project so that construction workers do not have to walk directly on the roof. To achieve this, they usually use roof jacks – mini scaffolds from where workers can work. 

The equipment that contractors and workers should use are slate cutters, hooks, rippers, and hammers. Although not necessary, equipment like these shows how prepared workers are for the roofing project. Experienced roofers should also know how to avoid sudden changes of colours in roofs. 

The Benefits Of A Slate Roof

Some reasons to choose slate roofing tiles are as follows:

Energy-efficient: Slates are perfect for roof frames and lining as they are dense and can keep the house cool in hot weather conditions. The dense slates can prevent warm air from escaping through the roof and maintain house temperature in cold weather. 

Environmentally-friendly: Slates are made of clay, concrete, or natural stone, making them more environmentally friendly. It’s also possible to add additional metal roofing, but they begin with naturally occurring material. 

Low maintenance: Slates, unlike roofing panels, do not require ongoing maintenance. Beyond loose tiles or cracked tiles, there is no other maintenance that a slate roof or clear roofing would require. 

When it comes to enhancing the longevity and durability of your roof tiles and slates, it's crucial to prioritise the selection of appropriate roofing systems and accessories. These essential components work in tandem to not only protect your roofing materials but also to bolster the overall performance and lifespan of your roof.