Slate roofing has carved a niche in the commercial and residential roofing arena. Choosing a slate roof means owning long-lasting, elegant, and highly functional roofing that you and your family can enjoy for generations to come.
There is no telling how long slate roofs will last, but as long as you take care of it, it will be a roof that you are proud to own for years, and it will outlive you.
What are the Benefits of Slate Roofing?
Slate roofing is the smartest choice if you live in a place frequented by rain and snow, like Lexington, MA. There are several reasons for this, and they include the following:
All-weathers
Thanks to their naturally water-resistant characteristics, slate roofs stand well in winter and summer.
This is certainly something to be valued, as it can help you save money and time in an unexpected storm. It also stands up pretty well to high temperatures.
Fire resistance
When it comes to fire resistance, slate roofs are unmatched. This is because of their ability to withstand extremely high temperatures, excellent insulating properties, and natural fire-proofing material, making it difficult for flames to stick on the roof’s surface.
In addition, slate roofing is not known to crack under pressure and heat the way concrete tiles do.
Durability
You can bet that your slate roof will last longer than all other roofs – thanks to its durability and weather resistance, allowing it to support heavy snow loads without any problem!
Energy efficiency
Slate roofs are highly energy efficient. The combination of the material’s ability to insulate the heat and its uniquely rough surface that allows maximum water evaporation, gives it an advantage over other materials. It is no surprise that slate roofs are a favorite among homeowners.
UV resistance
A natural slate roof will not fade like other roofing materials, providing a long-term solution for protecting the house from sun exposure.
Wind resistance
A natural slate roof is slightly heavier than other roofing materials, making it less likely to lift off in a high wind. So, during a storm, it is more likely to remain intact.
Sound insulation
Slate roofs are typically very thick and heavy, so they do an excellent job of insulating against sounds from outside and other parts of the house. This insulation means that your home will feel quieter overall and will make sleeping easier at night without distraction.
Strength
Slate is a naturally strong material, so a slate roof should withstand even the most extreme weather conditions. Since slate roofs don’t rust or rot, they should last for hundreds of years without maintenance.
Environmental friendliness
Because slate is a natural material, it is typically much better for the environment than roofing materials made of other synthetic or non-renewable materials.
Easier maintenance
Slate roofs are generally straightforward to maintain, as they never need repainting or replacing.
As slate does not rust, rot, or fade like other roofing materials, there is no need for frequent and expensive repairs. Slate roofs can last for several hundred years with no further investment.
Cost-effective
While slate roofing has a higher initial cost than most conventional materials, its long life typically pays back the cost over time.
How Much Do Slate Roofs Cost?
Because of its unique qualities and super durability, slate roofing can be costly.
However, with this high cost should come the peace of mind that it will last you and your family for generations.
Slate roofing averages $640 to $1300 per square (100 square feet). An average 3000 sq feet roof can cost about $38,000, which may sound like a lot, but a good slate roof can last up to 150 years or even more. This means you will get your money’s worth over time.
This means that slate roofing is a practical and long-term investment, and as such, you should make sure to consider it before changing your roofing material.
Working with The Right Roofer
Slate roofing is not just about beauty and practicality. It is an investment for life. That’s why you must rely on a qualified, experienced, reliable slate roofing contractor who will help you find the right roof and materials to fit your budget and needs.
Lexington, MA, has a good number of roofing contractors. While some are great at their job, others are not so good.
To help you avoid falling into the trap of an unqualified or inexperienced roofer, here is a list of things that you must consider to be sure that you are getting quality roofing services from a reputable company:
1. Reputation and experience
A good roofing contractor should have an excellent reputation for providing quality roofing services for many loyal customers.
That way, customers can verify the level of service they offer and their workmanship. Of course, a good contractor should also have some years’ worth of experience in the field.
2. References
Ask the contractor to provide you with a list of previous clients so that you know their work and what they can do for you.
It’s also advisable to ask the contractor for references from other customers so that you have a chance to inspect their work and see what their previous customers experienced.
3. Contractual obligations and services
Before contracting with them, check if the roofing contractors comply with all applicable laws and regulations, particularly those related to workers’ rights, health, safety, and other essential requirements.
4. Insurance
Ensure the contractor has proper insurance to cover his services while working on your home. If unsure, make sure to ask for proof of insurance from him before you hire him.
5. Payment and payment schedule
The contractor should provide you with a written contract detailing the total cost or price, a program of payments, and all other obligations and liabilities between you and the contractor in case there is any dispute or disagreement in the future.
Which Companies Offer the Best Slate Roof Services in Lexington, MA?
We have seen the benefits of slate roofing, the cost, and how to choose the best contractor. To make your work even easier, we have handpicked the top 3 slate roofing contractors in Lexington, MA.
We’ve highlighted their services, service areas, and what makes them ideal. Check them below:
1. Top Pick: The Twelfth Century Slate Roofing
Twelfth Century Slate Roofing is a leading slate roof service provider specializing in high-end roofing services.
They provide exceptional commercial and residential roofing services to the residents of Lexington, MA.
As one of the premier slate roofing contractors in the area, they have a team of highly skilled, licensed, and insured professionals who are committed to providing high-quality slate and copper roofing services. They offer professional slate roofing services, such as:
- Slate Roof Design
- Slate Roof Planning
- New Roof Installation
- Roof Finishing
- Slate Roof Replacement
- Copper Roofing Services
- Installation and Repair of Roof Gutters
- Slate Roof Maintenance
- Slate Roof Inspection
- Flat roofs
- Missing Slate Tiles Replacement
- Broken Slate Replacement
Their years of experience and excellent reputation have earned them the trust of thousands of happy customers.
They top the list because:
- They have a long experience in the field.
- They won Angie’s List Super Service Award
- Better Business Bureau accredits them
- They are members of the Slate Roofing Contractors Association of North America and the National Slate Association
- They have a 5-star rating on yelp
- They are a fully insured company, saving you the headache of hiring another contractor to handle their insurance.
- Their prices are highly competitive, and they offer free quotes.
– They have excellent customer service
— Their products are top-notch and are manufactured in the US.
2. Runners Up: Richard Roofing
Richard Roofing and Painting is a highly-recommended slate roofing company in Massachusetts, offering professional, cost-effective, and quality services.
They are an excellent choice for both commercial and residential clients in Lexington, MA, because of their flawless reputation, excellent work ethics, knowledge of the field, and experienced workforce.
The company specializes in the following:
- Slate roofing
- Tile roofing
- Metal roofing
- Shingle roofing
- Asphalt/rubber roofing repairs
- Gutter and chimney repairs
- Skylight installation
What makes them ideal is that:
- They are fully insured, protecting you against possible loss.
- Their guarantee is among the best in Lexington, MA
- Their prices are competitive and reasonable.
- They deal with reputable brands
3. Third Place: Raboin Roofing Company
Raboin Roofing Company is another leading roofer in Lexington, MA. They are a locally-owned roofing company with several years of experience.
Having started in 1922, this company has tons of valuable knowledge and a highly motivated team.
They back their work with solid warranties, giving you confidence that they will deliver outstanding results.
They offer superior service in:
- Slating and waterproofing
- Copper roofing
- Roof chimney services
- Roof inspection and analysis
- Roof Repair
- Skylight installation
- And more
Raboin Roofing Company is ideal because:
- They are fully insured, protecting you against any damage caused by their services.
- Their years of experience and expert workforce ensure a quality service
- They offer a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee.
- They offer excellent customer service, fast and dependable quality, affordable prices, and reasonable guarantees.
- BBB accredits them.
Bottomline
Slate roofing has a lot of benefits that outweigh the cost. But you should hire professional installers to get the most out of your slate roofing system.
You cannot go wrong with any of the three contractors we have highlighted. They offer excellent customer service, fast and dependable workmanship, affordable prices, and reasonable guarantees.