Pros and Cons of Rubber Slate Roofing

Slate roofing is one of the most luxurious roofing products available on the market today. It’s sleek, modern, and classically refined. It’s also sturdy and lasts forever! However, all this goodness comes with a hefty price tag, one that often lands outside the range of possibilities for many homeowners in Omaha.

Luckily, players in the roofing industry have responded to the demand for this aesthetic by developing a myriad of products that mimic the look of slate. Rubber slate roofing is one option used by many homeowners and favored by roofers for its ease of installation. 

If you love the look of slate but want a less expensive alternative for your roof replacement in Omaha, consider the pros and cons of rubber slate roofing. These are brought to you by Shamrock Roofing and Construction, one of the area’s leading roofing companies.

The Positives

Here are a few of the biggest benefits of rubber slate roofing.

Less Expensive

One of the most significant and consumer-friendly “pros’ ‘ of slate’s rubber alternative is its reduced cost. Depending on the manufacturer, rubber slate runs anywhere from $7.00 to $12.00 per square foot, while natural slate averages around $13.00 per square foot — and that’s on the lower end of the pricing spectrum! In addition, slate’s rubber doppelganger is easy to install and can be done quickly for homeowners in a pinch. It’s the perfect solution for a roof replacement resulting from storm damage or renovations during a buy-and-flip situation. 

Durable and Long-Lasting

While less money and shorter installation time give rubber slate a significant boost in the minds of consumers (not to mention your roofing contractor in Omaha), this roofing material has even more benefits. Rubber roofs are incredibly durable and resilient, outlasting asphalt by a significant margin. Rubber slate roofing boasts a life expectancy of approximately 50 years if well maintained. It also comes with a Class 4 impact rating, which means it’ll stand up to Midwest hail storms, ice, and snow with no problem. These features are highly appealing to Omaha residents who know that extreme weather conditions can be an issue throughout the year. 

Environmentally Friendly

For those who are environmentally conscious, rubber roofing is made of recycled tires, which means the roof can be recycled again when it reaches the end of its life.

The Downside

Of course, there are drawbacks to everything. Here are a couple of reasons why rubber slate roofing may not work for you.

Fewer Color Choices

Unfortunately, slate rubber tiles don’t work for every homeowner. While the installation process is relatively easy, there are a few conditions that must be met. You’ll want to have an inspection with a local roofing contractor in Omaha to ensure your home is compatible before moving forward. In addition, rubber roofing may not work for you if you’re set on a particular color; rubber slate comes in a limited color palette. Many homeowners prefer to customize their rooftop to suit their personal taste and style, and sometimes rubber slate just doesn’t measure up. 

The Smell

Rubber roofs smell funky. Similar to a new-tire smell, a rubber slate roof will smell bad for a while after installation. The odor will eventually go away — and of course, it’s up on the roof, so it isn’t as noticeable as you might think. But this is still an issue for some homeowners.

Need Help Deciding if Slate Rubber Roofing is Right for You?

Deciding on the right roofing material for your roof replacement in Omaha can be an overwhelming process. If you need help navigating the choices, Shamrock Roofing and Construction is here for you! We’ve been in business for more than 40 years, so we know a thing or two about roofing. Contact us today to ask questions or schedule a free roof inspection for your new rubber slate roof. We can’t wait to get started!