When your commercial building needs a new roof, McDonald & Wetle helps you determine what type of roof is best. We have many options for flat and sloped roofs, and one of our most popular types for sloped roofs is natural slate tiles.
Benefits Of Natural Slate Roofing
For historical or high-end commercial buildings, natural slate roofing is a popular option. Slate roofs are appropriate for commercial buildings with 4-in-12 slopes or greater, and this type of roofing material has several benefits.
- Longevity: Slate roofing is one of the longest-lasting materials available. In general, slate roofs last around 100 years or more.
- Appearance: For historical buildings, slate roofing has a bespoke appearance that provides a distinctive texture and beauty that many business owners and customers alike.
- Fire Resistance: Compared to other roofing materials, slate is more fire-resistant, a favorable quality for commercial buildings
- Low Water Absorption: The rate of water absorption for slate is quite low, making it virtually waterproof and very resistant to frost damage and breakage due to freezing temperatures.
- Low Maintenance: Since slate roofing is so durable, the amount of upkeep required for slate roofs is minimal. Typically, only a professional visual inspection is needed every few years or so.
- Eco-Friendly: If your customers value sustainability, then slate roofs fit in with that mindset — when your slate roof does need to be replaced in a generation or so, those tiles can be repurposed for other projects.
- Energy-Efficient Properties: Slate is an energy-efficient roofing material, as it helps keep your business cooler during the summer and warmer in the winter, which can help contribute to lower energy bills and ensure your customers are comfortable during all seasons of the year, whether you’re located in Seattle or Portland.
Many Color Choices Available
Natural slate roofing comes in a variety of different colors depending on the decor and outside appearance of your commercial building. Choices may include green, purple, red, gray, or blue, among many others. These slate tiles also come in a variety of grains and thicknesses. Some varieties even get better with age as they develop an appealing patina surface.
Types Of Commercial Buildings With Slate Roofs
While traveling all around Seattle and Portland, you’ll likely see slate roofs on many types of commercial buildings, including:
- Museums
- University buildings
- Courthouses
- Churches
- Libraries
The Roofing Type That’s Best For Your Business
Since slate is a much heavier material compared to other roofing types, it’s important that your commercial building has a reinforced roof deck so it can support the weight of the natural slate tiles.
At McDonald & Wetle, we can help your business decide which type of roofing makes sense for your business and its needs, whether it’s slate tile roofing, composition, built-up, eco-green, or even solar options.
Contact McDonald & Wetle For Your Commercial Slate Tile Roofing Project
Whether you’re building a new business or looking to replace the roof on your current building, McDonald & Wetle can help see your project to its completion. We’ve been in business since 1921 helping our commercial clients in the Portland, OR, and Seattle, WA, areas build sturdy roofs that stand the test of time. Contact us today to find out how we can help: call our Portland office at 503-667-0175 or our Seattle office at 253-589-8999.