Pros And Cons Of Various Roofing Materials

Local experts discuss the pros and cons of various roofing materials.

- Rachel Maus

1. SLATE

Seen in many of St. Louis’ older neighborhoods, including St. Louis Hills, slate gives homes classic beauty and charm. A natural stone, slate is most often found in shades of gray but is also available in purple, green, and red tones, as well as a combination of hues. Dan Hagerty, founder of Old World Roofing Company, says slate is ideal for St. Louis homes because of its strength and longevity. As with tile, the durability of the material is in part because of its weight—100 square feet of slate weighs an average of 750 to 800 pounds— and, as we’ve seen, those sturdy older homes bear the weight well. Slate roofs have a lifespan of at least 75 years, he adds, with only minimal upkeep required for the first 50.

2. COPPER