Although not as tough or long-lasting as stone siding, slate cladding materials are still known for its durability and long lifespan – other products could even last for a good hundred years. The non-porous compositions of slate sidings make it virtually resistant to fire, harsh weather conditions, and chemical damages.

Maintenance of these sidings is not a problem at all.  Unlike cedar sidings – these require regular sessions of sealing and painting to retain its attractiveness – slate cladding needs chemical cleaning only on situations that it develops efflorescence (white and powdery surface staining). Sometimes, efflorescence will go away on its own so you don’t need to spend on maintenance.

Unfortunately for the DIY homeowners, installing these materials is quite complicated. For one, slate claddings are quite heavy, so you can’t really expect that you can work with these by yourself. Precise cutting measurements and the type of installation requires the expertise of a professional to prevent any mistakes.

Despite the good qualities of slate sidings, homeowners are hesitant to use these materials because of the expensive cost. The difference of its price is readily observable if you compare it with other siding materials like cement fiber sidings. But if you really want these on your exterior walls, you need to prepare a big budget for your project.

Most homeowners are really price conscious and would choose to make the mistake of going cheap on their siding materials. If you’re going to buy low-quality materials, you might as well invest on slate sidings because they offer more design and color options, versatile uniqueness, and aesthetic appeal. The long-term benefits of installing slate siding tiles will eventually justify your initial purchase and installation costs. Make sure that you purchase from trusted brands and hire only the best contractors available in your area.