Tags: Roofing, Replacement, Slate, Installation
Montgomery County, Maryland is full of classic homes, and slate is the roofing material of choice for historical, high-end properties. Chevy Chase, Kensington, Bethesda and Silver Spring are just a few of the oldest cities in the area. Many homes date to the earliest days of the United States, and slate is an ideal choice for architectural roofs. Slate is made from a natural stone and is the top-of-the-line roofing material. The product lasts for years with little regular maintenance and is one of the best-looking products on the market. The longevity of slate makes it an ideal choice for classic homes, and Victorian properties in the area were often built with slate roofs.
Architectural Appearance
Homeowners in the Montgomery County area are sure to appreciate the finished looks of slate. Because the product is mined from natural rock sources, it has a look that is unrivalled in the roofing industry. Slate usually comes in a dark gray color, and a variety of different designs can be used to create an individualized roof. Shades of different colored slate are commonly used in the industry. Slate routinely comes in green, black, purple, red and gray. The sheer assortment of colors lends the roofing material to a number of different finished designs.
Durability
Slate is one of the most durable products on the market, and some Kensington homes have had slate roofs for more than 75 years. Because the product is obtained from quarries and cut by hand, it is one of the strongest products on the market. Slate does not decompose like cedar shakes and is generally one of the strongest roofing materials. Slate is also highly resistant to fire. Unlike cedar shakes and wooden shingles, slate withstands fires and has saved numerous homes from utter destruction. Since slate has one of the longest lifespans, it is actually a very affordable roofing material for Montgomery County homeowners.
Minimal Maintenance
Several different roofing materials are used in Chevy Chase, Kensington and the surrounding areas, but none of them are as maintenance free as natural slate. Because slate is used in high-end installations, it is essential to trust a Montgomery County roofing contractor that is a specialist. Slate needs to be hand cut to match a roof’s angles. In addition, the material is a natural stone and is easily broken by an errant footstep. Slate requires little in the way of routine care, and most homeowners pay no attention to their roof for decades.
Montgomery County, Maryland homeowners are sure to realize a number of benefits from a slate roof. The material is one of the best and has a lifespan that is more than 75 years. Slate is mined from rock sources and cut to thin tiles that are fastened with nails. For an aesthetically appealing roof, slate is one of the best choices and has often been used on classic homes in Bethesda, Silver Spring and Chevy Chase. Many Victorian-style homes in the area have slate roofs that have lasted since they were first built nearly 100 years ago.
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