How much heavier are slate roofs compared to standard shingle roofs?

Slate roofs are known for their durability and aesthetic appeal, but they come with a significant weight that differentiates them from standard shingle roofs. On average, slate roofing can weigh around five times more than standard asphalt shingles. This substantial weight is due to the dense, natural stone from which slate is made. When evaluating roofing materials, this difference is crucial because it impacts the structural requirements of the building. Higher weight means that a roof structure must be designed to support that load, which isn't typically necessary for lighter materials like asphalt shingles. Understanding this characteristic helps in making informed choices about roofing materials and assessing the suitability of a building to handle different roofing weights.