Composite Slate Roofing – A Buyer’s Guide
Composite slate roofing is fast becoming a viable, and popular, alternative to real slate roof tiles. But how do they compare to the real thing? What types of composite slate roof tile are available? And is it the right choice for you and your home? This blog aims to answer these questions.
What is Composite Slate Roofing?
Composite roof tiles are designed to perfectly emulate real natural slate, but without the associated disadvantages. With authentic shapes, colours, and textures, these tiles are indistinguishable from the real thing.
Choosing the Right Slate for Your Roof
There are a variety of different sized composite slate tiles available, from small, lightweight tiles to large format tiles. So whether you have a small, terraced home, or a large, detached house, there should be a composite slate tile for you.
Roof Slate Sizes & Dimensions
There are three main sized composite tiles available. Below is a rough idea of size, but this will differ from manufacturer to manufacturer, so it is important to talk to your contact and ensure you have the right size for your roof.
Lightweight composite roof tiles
- 16 x 8 (400mm x 200mm)
- 16 x 10 (400mm x 250mm)
Standard composite roof tiles
- 18 x 10 (450mm x 250mm)
- 20 x 10 (500mm x 250mm)
Large format composite roof tiles
- 24 x 12 (600mm x 300mm)
How to Measure and Install Slate Roof Tiles
If you are employing the skills of a professional, they will measure your roof for you, ensuring all measurements are accurate and the correct number of tiles are ordered. However, if you do wish to measure your roof yourself, below is a step-by-step guide as to how to do it. But always remember, safety first!
Measuring Your Roof for Slate Tiles
Step 1: Measure Your Roof Area
Firstly, measure the length of the rafter, which runs from the gutter to the ridge line of the roof. Next measure the ridge line length, which runs from one side of your home to the other along the guttering. Always measure twice or even three times to ensure your measurements are as accurate as possible.
Step 2: Multiply by Composite Slate Coverage per m2
Next, multiply the rafter and the ridge line lengths which will give you the size in m2 of one roof face. As there are usually two faces on a roof, times this number by two and you have the m2 of the entire roof.
Step 3: Add Extra for Wastage and Cutting
During your calculations, it is important to note any skylights, chimneys, or other features on your roof, as this may mean you need additional full or half slates. Also, as mentioned above, it is always a good idea to add extra slates to your order in case of damage or accident.
Want a more detailed breakdown? Read our guide on How Many Composite Slates Do You Need Per Square Metre for accurate ordering.
Installing Composite Slate Roofing
Unless you do this for a profession and have the appropriate tools and safety equipment, we would always recommend employing the services of an expert. This will ensure that all safety and building regulations are adhered to, and your roof is finished to the highest standard.
Pros and Cons of Composite Slate Roofing
But what are the advantages – and disadvantages – of choosing composite slate roofing vs tiles.
Pros
- Aesthetically attractive composite slate tiles perfectly emulate the real thing, so you're guaranteed a beautiful, but durable, roof.
- Lightweight - composite slate tiles are extremely lightweight. This makes them easy to handle at height and simple to install.
- Durability composite slate tiles are specifically designed to be durable, providing you with a roof that will last for many years.
- Low maintenance once installed, composite slate tiles are very low maintenance.
- Cost effective compared to natural slate whilst not the cheapest option on the market, composite slate roof tiles are significantly less expensive than real slate roof tiles.
Cons
- Higher initial cost as mentioned above, composite slate tiles are one of the more costly options available. However, their durability means they will not crack, break or chip over time and will last far longer than real slate.
- Potential for fading and staining there is a chance that composite slate tiles may fade or stain over time.
Final Thoughts and Expert Advice
Whether you choose composite slate roof tiles or the real slate tiles is a personal choice. We believe that composite slate roof tiles offer a wealth of benefits over real slate, however, sometimes on the real thing will do! What we can recommend is to do some research before you decide which is the right option for you. If you have any queries and would like to talk to an expert, call our friendly knowledgeable team today on 0800 22 77 77.
