Slate is a highly attractive, traditional roofing material, but it can cause a number of issues for homeowners when it comes time to replace their old slate roof or find an appropriate roofing material for an extension. When deciding how to replace or match your old slate roof, there are several options you can consider which each have their own advantages and disadvantages.

New slates

The most obvious solution is to use new slate tiles as these will provide a perfect match for your existing roof. However, slate can be very expensive both as a material and in labour costs as it is harder to work with than more common roofing options such as clay tiles. Slate roofs also tends to be very heavy so if you are constructing a new roof it will probably have to be reinforced to handle the extra weight. You also have to consider where the slate comes from as slate-mining can have a negative impact on the environment.

Installing slate roofs is a specialist job, so it can be harder to find roofers capable of doing a good job. Slate tiles are relatively brittle so can easily be cracked by inexperienced workmen leaving your roof with the potential for leaks.

Second-hand slates

It can be cheaper to source your roofing slates second hand, which also had the advantage that the slates will be pre-worn making them a better match for an existing slate roof. This does mean, however, that the roof is unlikely to last as long and as the tiles are likely to have been thinned by weathering they are even more likely to crack if handled incorrectly during installation. You also have the same issues with weight as with a new slate roof meaning you will still likely have to invest extra in a reinforced roof structure.

Replace your slate without the weight using Metrotile

Metrotile’s lightweight steel roofing is strong, long-lasting and up to seven times lighter than traditional roofing materials such as slate. Our Metrotile Slate range has the appearance of traditional slate tiling making it the ideal replacement for your old, worn out slate roof but incorporates the very best of modern technology and is fully recyclable, making it a more environmentally conscious choice.

Metrotile Slate tiles come with a 40-year weather proof guarantee, meaning they’ll be keeping your home weather-tight for decades to come and can also help with planning permission in conservation areas where slate is the preferred roofing material.

To find out more or to ask for a quote, call Metrotile today on 01249 658 514 or use our contact form for a swift response.