There are many factors to consider when choosing a roofing material to use. In this blog we will discuss all of these to determine whether you should be opting for metal roofing or slate roofing, which includes cost, durability and aesthetics.
Article Contents
Metal Roofing
Metal Roofing Sheets are commonly used for a variety of applications including agricultural, industrial and residential. Cladco Steel Roofing Sheets come in a range of contemporary Profiles, Colours and Coatings to suit alternative requirements and styles. If you choose to use metal roofing materials you will benefit from longevity, low maintenance and aesthetics; which we provide further information on below.
Alongside our Metal Roofing range we supply Flashings in an array of designs, as well as Accessories for your roofing project.
Our Roofing Sheets are cut to custom lengths in our warehouse and rolled to your preferred Profile. We also provide an online Roofing Calculator to help you estimate your material costs.
Slate Roofing
Slate roofing is often chosen for its aesthetic appeal as it offers a traditional style. This kind of roofing is durable and can last a long period of time, if installed correctly by specialised installers.
There are several types of slate roofing available, including natural, artificial and bitumen.
One of the main drawbacks of using slate for your roof is that it is prone to damage from extreme weathers and can loose tiles easily, so it is vital that your roof is installed by a specialist.
Durability
When it comes to choosing a roof for your building project, durability is one of the most important factors to consider. Your roof will face a range of weathers that will test its strength, so you will need to be confident that it can stand the test of time.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofing is one of the top roofing choices for durability, predominantly Steel Roofing. Cladco Roofing Sheets are made from galvanised steel and come in a variety of Coatings that will enhance your roof’s lifespan and durability.
Slate Roofing
Slate roofing is renowned for being a long-lasting material for roofing, if maintained appropriately.
The longevity of a slate roof depends on which type you choose, quality of installation and maintenance. You can be rest assured if you pick a slate roof that it will last many years and as a traditional material it never goes out of style.
Cost
You may be replacing your roof due to unprecedented circumstances, or you may just be renovating your home; either way it is probably on your mind how much your project will cost. Besides the initial cost of materials you will have to consider installation and maintenance costs as well.
Metal Roofing
The cost of metal roofing materials can vary depending on the type of metal and the size of your project. Cladco Roofing Sheets start at £9.40 per sheet (0.5mm plain galvanised). Prices fluctuate depending on the thickness and Coating you’ve chosen. After initial material and installation costs, there will be little to no maintenance costs following this.
Slate Roofing
You will likely have to spend a bit more on upfront costs for slate roofing, as it is one of the most expensive materials for roofing. Although, it will last a lot longer than others, making it a long term investment. A single slate may cost approximately £2-£4, and a square metre coverage can cost anywhere between £60-£200.
Installation
Installation is a big part of embarking on a roofing project and if you are not a roofer yourself you will likely need to hire one. Ease of installation and the time it will take to complete depends on which type of roof you are choosing and how big your building project is.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofing sheets are relatively simple to install compared with other materials. Ease of installation depends on each individual roofing project. Average sized homes with a basic roofing structure will be uncomplicated to install, whereas more complex designs of roof will require more time and skill.
Slate Roofing
Installing a slate roof is more complicated, as each slate tile will need to be installed individually. It is recommended to hire a specialist installer for this job as slates can be tricky to install, it is very important for them to be safe and secure so that they do not fall off in strong winds.
Aesthetics
Aesthetics of your roof can be subject to personal preferences. Some people may prefer more traditional roofing styles where as others may want a modern style.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofing can be used to achieve a multitude of aesthetics; industrial, contemporary and agricultural being a few. From small shed roofs to large industrial buildings, you can utilise Cladco Roofing Sheets in many ways. Depending on your style preferences, you can choose from a range of colours, from Goosewing Grey to Olive Green. Choose to blend in with your surroundings or to stand out with a bold colour.
Slate Roofing
If you are looking for a traditional and elegant roofing material, slate roofing is a great option. You can use slate for a variety of roof designs to make your design unique and full of character.
Slate tiles are usually a shade of grey and can come with undertones of purple, red and green. This roofing material is great for blending in with natural surroundings due to its texture and colour.
Maintenance
Some materials of roofing may require more maintenance and upkeep than others and this may influence your buying decisions. Roofing maintenance can be anything from cleaning debris from the surface to repairing missing or broken tiles.
Metal Roofing
Maintenance for metal roofing is mostly minimal and not costly. One of the most efficient maintenance tasks for keeping your Cladco Roofing Sheets clean and immaculate is clearing away any debris, such as leaves and branches. Doing this regularly will ensure a longer life span for your roof. You can also wash off any marks left by debris to ensure they do not leave lasting damage.
Slate Roofing
To keep your slate roofing maintained it is vital to have regular inspections to identify any damages that can be fixed, This will prevent any lasting damage to your roof. It is recommended to keep your slate roof free of mildew and mould by cleaning it with a thick bristle brush. These steps will ensure your slates will last a substantial about of time. If you cannot complete maintenance yourself, you may need to hire someone to carry this out.
Conclusion
Choosing a roofing material is a big decision, especially when it is for your own home. The factors we have discussed are the essential points to consider when making this decision.
Personal preferences play a big part in whether metal roofing or slate roofing is the best choice for you, as well as what kind of project you are undertaking. Both roofing materials have benefits for different reasons, making this blog a handy guide to their differences.
If you are undecided as to which roofing material to choose, take a look at our Tileform Roofing Sheets. This is a Steel Roofing material that is rolled to replicate the look of classic tile roofing. These Sheets are coated in a GreenCoat® Mica BT Coating and come in three colours.
For more on our Roofing Sheets, head to our Roofing Help and Advice where we have all the information you will need to make your decision.
