Debunking the Myths About Slate Roofing

By Cayden Wemple. 

Take a look at the comprehensive guide from The National Slate Association to learn about the myths of slate roofing. 

Slate roofing has been used in North America for over 400 years. It’s aesthetically pleasing and durable, but there are some common misconceptions that have arisen about it. This guide from The National Slate Association (NSA) is here to help debunk some of those myths. 

Myth 1: Slate roofs will last forever 

Although they are extremely durable and can last up to 200 years, slate is not immortal. The elements will eventually deteriorate a slate roof. How quickly the roof deteriorates of course depends on where the roof is located. It also is circumstantial depending on how steep the slope is, the quality of the original installation and many more factors. 

Myth 2: No maintenance is required 

All roofs require maintenance from time to time and slate roofs are not excluded. How much maintenance it needs is entirely dependent on how old the roof is and where the roof is located. If the roof is located in a place where there are a lot of hurricanes or other severe weather events, the roof will need to be maintained more frequently. That being said, one of the benefits of a slate roof is that it is easier to repair than a lot of other roofing materials.  

Myth 3: Slate fines found in gutters is an indication of poor-quality slate 

After the first few months of a slate roof’s installation, you may notice that slate fines start appearing. Fines are very small pieces of debris that show up and get stuck on the roof. These are very common and will eventually be broken down and washed away with rain down the gutters.  

Myth 4: There are no longer slate roofing contractors 

Although there are fewer slate roofers now than there were 25 years ago, the craft is far from dead. If you take a look through the National Slate Association's website, you will see a long list of slate contractors by state.  

You can read more about the myths of slate roofing in the guide.