While man made slates are typically cheaper and easier to install they only tend to last for around 20 years.
Slate roof lifetime.
Slate tile manufacturers offer warranties ranging anywhere from 50 years to a lifetime and should a slate tile ever break it can easily be replaced.
Durability and low maintenance.
The biggest downside to slate tile roofs.
A slate roof will easily last over 100 years which is at least double of what other roofing materials can offer.
For fibre cement roof slates the life expectancy is a little shorter at around 50 60 years.
Typical life for pennsylvania slate roofs is 40 50 years.
For people who do not plan to ever sell their home the incredible longevity of slate is a highly desirable benefit.
Life expectancy of ribbon slates.