Natural slate is among the longest-lived roofing materials on the market, with service lives that can exceed a century when properly installed, but its price and laying technique place it in a different segment from conventional tile.
Why it lasts so long
Slate is a metamorphic rock practically waterproof and inert to atmospheric agents, which doesn't degrade from UV radiation or freeze-thaw cycles as other porous materials can. Properly fixed, its durability exceeds that of ceramic or concrete tile by a wide margin.
Laying: nailed, not rested
Unlike tile, slate is fixed nail by nail onto boarding or battens, with laps calculated according to the pitch and climate zone (more lap in areas of strong wind or snow). This technique demands more specialised labour than laying tile, which is reflected in the final cost.
When the extra cost is justified
It is recommended in building refurbishment where heritage-protection regulations require keeping the original material, in high-end construction where extreme durability is a priority, or in very demanding climates (snow, strong wind) where its behaviour is superior to other materials.
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