The Pros and Cons of Rubber Slate Roofing
Rubber slate roofs can offer many different looks to your home but it can take some time and effort before you can enjoy the best of rubber slate roofing. Although it is an easy material to work with and fairly inexpensive, there are a few rubber slate roofing pros and cons to consider. Pros are that this material is easy to work with, waterproof and can withstand high winds. Cons are that it can be a bit noisy under certain conditions and depending on your area of installation, noise may be an issue.
When looking at rubber slate roofing material, the most important factor is making sure it is dry when it is needed. The roof must be completely dry throughout the entire installation process including any taping or sealing that is done. Professional installers are recommended and quite difficult to locate. An alternative to synthetic slate shingles is the improved alternative slate synthetic rubber. This material mimics the look of real rubber slate roof shingles.
If your area of installation does not have the luxury of professional installers, then using rubber slate roofing tiles can give you a similar look as a slate shingle roof installation. The rubber tiles resemble slate in many ways including the look of ridged seams on the rubber. These seams give a rubber look that makes rubber slate roofing tiles perfect for those areas that are not suited for synthetic rubber slate roofing tiles.
Rubber slate shingles can be installed to mimic slate in many ways. The cost of the rubber tiles will be more than the actual slate shingles. Cost is usually determined by the size of tiles you need, the amount of installation needed, and if you would like the tiles to have a finish. There are different finishes available for rubber slate roofing. Each finish will help give the roofing a distinct look. The price will usually be more expensive than regular slate shingles due to the added finish.
The final cost will depend on the actual size of the rubber slate roofing tiles you order. A standard three inch tile will cost much less than a six inch tile for the same project. Depending on the number of tiles you need will determine the cost. Also depending on the size of the job will depend on the cost as well.
One of the pros about rubber slate roofing is that it can be installed on virtually any type of roofing surface. It will give the look of slate but will be more durable and last longer. It can be placed over other types of roofing and will not damage them. Another pro is that it is more affordable than slate shingles which can be quite expensive and difficult to install.
The down side of rubber slate roofing is that it does not look very real. You can get around this problem by adding fake rock or dirt to the finished look. Also, since the tiles are more durable they will wear out slower than regular slate shingles and eventually need to be replaced. If you are installing over concrete, it will need to be sealed well to prevent water damage.
Overall, rubber slate roofing looks great and is a great alternative to slate shingles. It costs less and lasts longer than regular shingles. Some rubber products are fake so make sure they are not glued together or they will look different than real shingles. They are easy to install and are available in a wide variety of colors to add an authentic look to any home. For those wanting a roof that is durable, reliable and looks great rubber roofing products have a great look and can easily be installed.