Moreover the installation process is significantly labor intensive.
Slate roof pros cons.
The main concern for many builders concerning the slate roofs is the cost of the slate as a material.
Slate has an average weight of 800 to 1 500 pounds per square.
In some cases reinforcements can be used on weaker buildings to support the roof.
While a slate roof is built to last these tiles can be rather fragile.
Although that cost may pay off in the long run some homeowners can experience sticker shock at first.
The other concern is the complexity of the fitting process.
If a non professional climbs on your roof and walks around you may end up needing to replace some tiles.
This is especially helpful when selling your house as it can help you command a higher price than a comparable house with an asphalt roof.
Slate is a quite heavy material.
Slate roofs require too much dedication and attention as well as expertise allowing the few builders who can handle it to charge exorbitantly.
Slate is also fragile and can crack easily when too much pressure is applied which can make it difficult to walk on the roof.
Slate itself is a sleek strong product that commands more on the open market than other roofing materials.
The main detraction of a slate roof is its cost.
Slate is not cheap.
This is not very common but slate roofing is expensive so the cost savings is the most logical explanation for why the roof was covered with slate on the front side and asphalt shingles on the back side.