The supply shortage is squeezing roofing contractors, causing prices to rise. However, some are finding ways to stay competitive.

These companies focus on service. They handle insurance, non-insurance jobs and even roof inspections for real estate companies. They may also offer long-term warranties. Contact Roofing Companies Evansville for professional help.

Look for a company that has great branding and a strong website. These are signs that they’re serious about growing their business.

If you’re a new homeowner, it’s important to choose roofing contractors with proven experience. A good way to assess this is to ask for references from past clients and see pictures of completed jobs. The best roofing companies also offer premium warranties.

Many reputable roofing companies will provide you with a detailed estimate and project timeline. The estimate will list both the cost of materials and labor. The cost of materials will vary depending on the type of roof and material selected. It’s essential to have a clear understanding of the costs associated with your roofing project before you sign any contracts. A good roofing contractor will provide a breakdown of all the hard and soft costs, as well as any potential hidden costs.

Some roofers will take advantage of homeowners with little knowledge of the re-roofing process. These unscrupulous companies will typically avoid providing you with a written estimate and instead try to convince you to let them handle your insurance claim. This is a scam, and they should be avoided at all costs.

Roofing companies often provide additional services to their customers that are not directly related to the re-roofing process. For example, some will assist with the application of building permits. They may also provide a dedicated job site support person that is onsite all day to answer questions and interface with the crew. Others will offer extra services such as handling of debris or cleaning up after the job is completed.

Choosing the right roofing company is an important decision that will impact your home’s appearance and value. A good roofing company will have years of experience and will use high-quality materials. In addition, they should be licensed and insured. Finally, they should have a solid reputation amongst the local community. You can find the best roofing companies by searching for reviews and testimonials online. You can also visit their websites to learn more about their services. Lastly, be sure to check whether they offer financing options and warranty information. If you’re not comfortable with the terms, you can always move on to another roofing company.

Customer Service

Roofing companies offer a variety of customer service options. These can include free estimates, financing, and extended labor warranties. Some roofers also provide a job site support person who is onsite all day to answer questions and interface with the crew for the client. Other customer service options include gift cards, coupons, and cash incentives for referrals.

When homeowners are researching contractors, they primarily look for recommendations from friends and family and online reviews. A high-quality website, social media engagement, and quality work are all important for a roofing company to have.

Aside from a strong referral base, a top-performing roofing contractor can increase sales by working with marketing agencies that specialize in generating leads for roofing businesses. Roofing companies that generate positive feedback on review platforms like Yelp and Google are more likely to rank higher in local Map-Pack searches, which influences consumer perceptions of businesses.

To maximize your marketing budget, consider investing in a roofer marketing agency that offers a range of services, such as PPC management, SEO, content writing, and social media management. The best roofing marketing agencies will have a portfolio of clients and case studies to show off their expertise.

A roofing contractor should have a robust insurance policy that includes general liability, workers’ compensation, and equipment insurance. This helps protect your business from damage to life and property, as well as lawsuits.

While some roofing companies focus on repairing or replacing damaged roofs, others focus on new construction. These roofers are more likely to carry out a full replacement project, which may require them to hire a licensed architect and structural engineer to help with the planning process.

The best roofing companies will have extensive experience with sloped and flat residential and commercial roof systems, including EPDM, PVC, modified bitumen, and TPO materials from manufacturers such as Firestone, GAF, and Johns Manville. They will also have experience with siding and seamless gutter projects. They will be able to work with a variety of roofing materials, including metal, tile, shingles, and slate.

Financing Options

Roofing projects can be expensive, and financing options are often necessary for homeowners to be able to afford them. Fortunately, many roofers offer their own in-house financing as well as third-party loan programs. Inquire about what your local contractors have to offer and compare the rates and terms to find the best option for you.

A common financing option is a home equity line of credit. This is similar to a credit card in that it allows you to borrow money as needed up to a predetermined limit, but it uses your home equity as collateral and thus has lower interest rates than traditional loans. Many lenders also offer a streamlined application process that can be completed online in minutes and funds available within days.

Other popular financing options include personal loans and home improvement loans. Some of these are unsecured and require only fair credit or better, while others such as the FHA 203(k) standard loan allow homeowners to refinance their existing mortgage and roll in the cost of a new roof. In addition, the FHA Title 1 loan is a fixed-rate loan for home improvements, and it can be secured by either a mortgage or deed of trust on the property.

Many roofers offer in-house financing through a third-party financial company, and it is always worth asking what their terms and rates are before choosing a particular option. The key is to find a financing option that fits your budget and payment schedule. For example, if you have bad credit and need to finance a roof through a private lender, you may be able to find a better deal through a private lending institution that specializes in helping consumers with subprime credit scores.

If you need to pay off the loan early, there are usually no penalties for doing so. However, it is important to understand that if you default on the loan, your home or other assets could be at risk of being seized.

Reputation

A roofing company that wants to build trust with their customers will have a clear, well-defined brand and website that is easily found in the search results. This is a good sign that they aren’t just trying to rush into the market and make money quickly. They also likely care about being around to support their customers long-term.

A good roofing company will have multiple types of insurance. This includes general liability insurance, workers’ compensation and vehicle insurance. General liability insurance protects the roofing company from damage to life and property caused by their operations. This type of insurance is required in most provinces for any roofing company that employs people. Workers’ compensation insurance covers employees for work-related injuries. Vehicle insurance protects the roofing company’s vehicles and equipment against damage and theft.

Another thing to look for in a roofing company is reviews of their service after the job is completed. If you see a lot of complaints about low quality work or a lack of service after the job is done, this is a red flag that the roofing company might not be invested in their market and just wants to get in and out of jobs as quickly as possible.

You should also be wary of any roofing companies that ask for payment up front for their services. This is a common scam that roofing companies use to steal money from homeowners. They might say that they need a portion of the payment to pay for materials or equipment needed for the job, but once they’ve received this payment they will disappear or do subpar work.

You can avoid this problem by requesting a written estimate from any roofing company before hiring them for your repairs or replacements. It’s also important to choose a roofing company that has good reviews and is licensed in your area. This way, you can be sure that they are insured and bonded against any damages they cause while working on your roof.

Whether defending someone against criminal charges or advocating for an injured client, a lawyer’s work can have a dramatic, life-changing impact. Being a lawyer is a demanding career, but it can also be immensely satisfying.

One key to succeeding in this profession is staying centered by regularly recommitting to your why. This is a vision or core motivation that can help sustain you when the work becomes challenging. Click the https://www.kaapc.com/ to learn more.

Legal advice is guidance from an attorney regarding legal matters and impacts an individual’s rights. It requires significant knowledge of the law and its application to a particular situation. Legal advice is often confidential and protected by attorney-client privilege. The attorney may charge a fee for legal advice but can, in some cases, provide it for free or at a reduced rate.

The legal information a person receives can come from a number of sources, including the Internet and other professionals. However, it is important to distinguish between legal information and legal advice. While anyone can provide legal information with the proper knowledge, legal advice is specific to a particular situation and requires an analysis of the law’s impact on that circumstance.

Only licensed attorneys can legally give legal advice. Individuals who offer legal advice without a license can be charged with engaging in the unauthorized practice of law. This may result in fines or even incarceration in some states.

Legal information can be found in books and on the Internet, but it is best to seek the help of a lawyer for legal advice. This is because the law changes frequently and the consequences of giving or receiving bad legal advice could be serious.

ABA Free Legal Answers is an online walk-in clinic where individuals post a civil legal question and receive brief advice from a volunteer attorney. The program increases access to legal services for individuals who cannot afford a private attorney. Baker Donelson is proud to provide strategic leadership, annual financial contributions, and attorney volunteers to support the ABA Free Legal Answers project.

The ABA Free Legal Answers website can be used by individuals for free or reduced-fee legal consultations with qualified attorneys. Individuals can also ask a general legal question via the site and receive feedback from multiple lawyers on their case. In the United States, an individual can also get legal help from a government agency such as Legal Aid or a free or low-cost legal clinic. Alternatively, an individual can contact a private law firm to have a brief consultation with an attorney.

Negotiation

Negotiation is the process by which two or more parties work to reach an agreement that benefits all of them. It is a form of alternative dispute resolution and may be used in lieu of litigation. Lawyers are often trained to assist clients in negotiations. They can offer advice on strategy, facilitate discussions and draft agreements to resolve a legal dispute. Negotiation is not just for businesses; individuals use negotiating skills to resolve disputes with friends and family members.

Some lawyers specialize in negotiating contracts and commercial transactions, while others have expertise in resolving civil or criminal legal matters. They can also help with personal disputes such as divorces, child custody issues or property division.

When negotiating, the lawyer must keep in mind that the ultimate objective of a negotiation is to reach an outcome that is mutually beneficial. A lawyer must consider not only what is best for the client, but also what is in the public interest. For example, it is unethical for a lawyer to advocate on behalf of a client in such a way that it harms the reputation of the firm or industry.

Skilled negotiators prepare for each negotiation by studying the issue and assessing the strengths and weaknesses of their position. They also prepare for any counter-arguments they expect the other party to make. They usually aim for a high first offer that is within the zone of possible agreement, but leave room to negotiate.

A skilled negotiator can also serve as an advocate for the client and attempt to obtain as many of the desired outcomes as possible. However, this approach can be problematic if the lawyer fails to recognize that the other party is not going to agree to all of the client’s demands.

It is important for a lawyer to be familiar with the law and the facts of the case before entering into negotiations. Lawyers should be able to explain complex legal issues in a clear and concise manner. They should also be able to discuss the relevant laws and regulations that may impact the case. They should also be able to conduct research on their counterpart and the organization they represent. This can give them a strategic advantage and enable them to anticipate the opposing party’s arguments.

Court Representation

A lawyer is trained in the law and the court system and knows what to do and how to get it done. While many legal problems are complex, legal professionals have knowledge that can’t always be obtained through online research.

Lawyers can help you present your case to the court and negotiate a plea bargain with prosecutors or opposing counsel. They have the skills to make your case sound as persuasive as possible, so that you are likely to receive a favorable outcome to your case.

If you decide to represent yourself, the court will expect you to follow all of its rules and procedures for filing papers, presenting evidence, and arguing your case in front of the judge. This can be difficult if you don’t know what to do, and you have to spend a lot of time learning how to do it. Also, if the other side has a lawyer, it can be much more difficult to convince a judge that your position is correct.

There are resources available to help people who have a legal problem and cannot afford an attorney. You may qualify for free legal aid or reduced fee attorneys. You can learn more about these services by visiting our legal aid page.

Another option is to seek the assistance of a volunteer attorney program in your county. The New York City Family Court Volunteer Attorney Program, for example, provides brief legal consultations to unrepresented parties in Family Court matters, such as child support, custody and visitation.

In addition to these programs, most courts have self-help centers where you can get information and help with filing court documents. Some have court forms that are available for download on their website, and some have staff who can assist you with the filing process.

Most courts have access to past cases that you can use for reference, but it usually costs a fee to get copies of the files. You can also get access to previous cases on PACER, which is part of the federal court system and allows paid public access to case filings.

Research

Legal research is a critical component of a lawyer’s job, and it involves sourcing information that can be used in legal arguments or filings. The process can be complicated and time-consuming, and it requires careful consideration of legal issues and a wide range of resources.

Effective legal research starts with identifying the scope of a project and then creating a plan. The most important aspects of this process include establishing what information is needed, setting research goals, and choosing the most relevant search terms. Lawyers must also ensure that any sources of law they use are current and accurate, as laws change over time.

Ultimately, lawyers conduct legal research to support the arguments they present in court or during negotiations with clients. This can involve examining legal precedents, drafting documents, and gathering evidence for cases. The goal of legal research is to provide a clear and comprehensive picture of the legal landscape so that a lawyer can make well-informed decisions.

One of the most challenging aspects of legal research is interpreting complex laws and regulations. Even experienced attorneys can struggle to understand the legalese that is often used in written opinions and legal codes. This makes it essential to find research resources that can break these complex laws down into a more easily understandable format.

The scope of legal research can vary depending on the reason for conducting it. For example, regulatory compliance is a more straightforward process than case preparation, which may require a broad range of information to support an argument.

In addition to ensuring that a lawyer has the right information for a case, it’s vital for a lawyer to have access to the most advanced tools and technologies available. For example, AI-powered software can help streamline the legal research process by automating repetitive tasks and creating a workflow for each case. This frees up a lawyer’s time so they can focus on high-value activities, such as analyzing documents or negotiating contracts.

Another useful tool is a legal research citator, which automatically searches for and pulls in related cases and legal materials from a specific source of law. It can also check if a lawyer’s research is thorough by highlighting any gaps or inconsistencies. This can be especially helpful when researching foreign legal systems, as the language and terminology is often unfamiliar to lawyers.

License Plate Security Camera are the perfect way to keep tabs on what happens at your home or business, even when you’re not there. They can help prevent financially devastating robberies and other breaches at these locations.

Wired systems typically require extensive installation, with wires running from one location to another. They are also more susceptible to power outages than wireless options.

Are you sick of squinting at blurry, questionable security footage? Blurry and low-quality security camera footage isn’t just annoying; it can also be detrimental to your home. It can make it hard to identify faces or license plate numbers.

The reason behind a security camera’s video quality is complex, but it comes down to the sensor size and resolution, frame rate, lighting conditions, and the type of internet connection used. Typically, the lower the resolution and frame rate of a security camera, the more likely it will produce poor image and video quality.

High-quality security cameras are generally more expensive than low-quality ones, but a small increase in price can mean the difference between a clear, crisp image and grainy, pixelated footage. The higher the resolution, the more detail the security camera will provide, and it will be better able to detect faces and vehicle license plates from a distance.

Choosing a security camera with a higher resolution can also save you money in the long run, as it will require less storage space and bandwidth for data transmission. The minimum resolution for a good security camera is 1080p (Full HD), but 1440p or 2K is ideal if you’re looking to monitor larger areas and have more detailed monitoring needs.

Lighting conditions play a major role in video quality as well, as many low-quality security cameras struggle to capture images clearly when light is limited or inconsistent. For a sharp, detailed image, choose a security camera with a large lens and a high megapixel count, as well as one that has infrared technology to ensure night vision is crystal clear even when the lights are off.

Audio Quality

Security camera audio isn’t just a nice-to-have feature. It can be critical for a variety of applications, from remotely tuning in to two-way communication with visitors. However, as with other security equipment, the quality of your security camera’s microphones and speakers can be negatively impacted by environmental conditions or a lack of proper maintenance.

How to Test for Security Camera Audio

The first step in determining whether a particular security camera has sound capabilities is checking the device’s technical specifications online. Most models will clearly state if they have microphones and speakers within their product description. Another way to check is to physically inspect the camera and look for a hole in its front or back side, which indicates the presence of a microphone.

Many different environmental factors can affect the clarity of security camera audio, including ambient noise, vibrations, and interference from nearby objects. Luckily, several common issues can be easily remedied by implementing preventive measures.

For example, it’s important to place cameras in a position where they’re not in close proximity to wind or other sources of vibration. Using noise-canceling microphones and adjusting sensitivity settings can also help minimize unwanted background noise. Moreover, utilizing microphones that have advanced noise reduction algorithms can ensure that your recordings are focused on nearby speech and activity cues rather than ambient environmental noises.

Another way to improve audio quality is ensuring that your cameras are properly connected and powered. Insufficient connections and power supplies can produce a lot of unwanted noise during recording, which can degrade the overall quality of your video footage. Choosing professional camera connections that utilize high-quality ethernet cables, instead of HDMI or auxiliary, can prevent unwanted noise from affecting your recordings.

Motion Detection

Security cameras are often equipped with motion sensors that can send an alert to your mobile device when movement is detected. This can be used to keep an eye out for trespassers on your property or inside your home. It’s also an effective tool for catching burglars in the act, especially when combined with alarms and lights.

Security camera systems can record video or images of the area around a camera and store them to a local storage server or on an external hard drive. They can be accessed remotely over the internet and have options to enable features like geofencing and voice command arming and disarming. They typically connect wirelessly or via multiple cables and only activate when they detect movement or sound.

When choosing a security camera, look for one with a wide field of view to capture more of the surrounding environment. The ecobee SmartCamera, for example, has a 180-degree field of view and automatically pans to follow the action as it happens. Some models can distinguish between different types of movements, such as people, cars, and inanimate objects. Others have person detection capabilities, like the ecobee SmartCamera, which can detect a human body and automatically focus on that person with a panning feature.

Most models use PIR (passive infrared) sensors to power their motion detection. These are able to detect motion based on temperature changes, which is a more reliable method than using ultrasonic sensors, which can be impeded by home furniture or walls. Other sensor technologies can be used in security cameras, such as radar or thermal imaging. Radar works by transmitting radio waves and then measuring the reflected signals to identify objects. Thermal imaging sensors are able to see through darkness, but they don’t provide as much detail as visual cameras.

Night Vision

The night vision capabilities of a security camera are crucial for monitoring areas that don’t receive a lot of natural light. In these situations, the camera will use infrared to illuminate the area, allowing you to see what’s going on. This can help deter criminals and ensure that any suspicious activity is caught on video.

Night vision devices typically have an objective lens, a light-sensitive sensor and blocks of electronic image processing. The latter transforms the reflections of the observed object into an electric signal, which is then transmitted to the display. These devices can also be equipped with integrated infrared illuminators based on laser diode or LED.

Digital night vision devices have different image resolutions – the higher the resolution, the better the device is able to capture details of the observed object. Resolution is defined by parameters of the optic elements of the device, quality of the sensors used and displays, as well as the quality of electronic circuitry solutions implemented in devices.

In addition to resolution, it is also important to consider the maximum usable field of view (FOV). This is measured in degrees and defines the distance that can be observed at a given point on the screen, which allows for a clear identification of objects at different distances.

Lastly, it’s a good idea to look for a security camera that uses AES encryption to protect your footage. This will prevent any unauthorized viewing of the footage and protect your property. Also, be sure to check for any history of data breaches with the manufacturer before purchasing.

Cloud Storage

Cloud storage capabilities of a security camera enable users to remotely access recorded footage via the internet, eliminating the need for on-site hard drives and reducing maintenance costs. Unlike DVRs and NVRs, which connect to a physical hard drive, cameras that record to the cloud send video data to servers located off-site, which can reduce lag times caused by Wi-Fi outages or other issues.

A camera with cloud storage can be accessed by authorized users from any location using an Internet-connected device, including mobile phones and tablets. This feature enables real-time monitoring and rapid response to incidents, especially when security staff are not on site. In addition, some camera manufacturers allow multiple users to view recordings with various levels of permission ranging from read only to admin.

Unlike on-site DVRs or NVRs that have a fixed storage capacity, camera cloud recording allows users to easily scale their data storage needs. This scalability helps businesses manage their surveillance budget and avoid expensive hardware purchases or overpaying for data capacity.

The ability to upload data to a remote server also improves disaster recovery by eliminating the risk of losing footage from local devices. In addition, many providers of security camera software and services offer redundancy features, storing data in multiple locations to eliminate the possibility of downtime due to hardware failure or natural disasters.

Some camera cloud systems also offer advanced search and analytics capabilities, allowing users to quickly locate specific footage segments using the date and time of capture or by searching for objects within captured images. Users can then view or download the video to use as evidence or for training purposes. In order to maximize the benefits of camera cloud storage, it is important to regularly check that the platform is working correctly and ensure that all software and hardware settings are up-to-date.

Choosing the right roof will add protection and enhance your home’s aesthetic. A good roofing contractor will help you decide what type of roof you want, and will provide prompt and professional installation services.

Metal roofs have a natural aesthetic and can complement many different types of homes. Properly installed metal roofs with the recommended insulating materials are also energy-efficient and quieter during rainstorms. Click the Website to know more.

1. Shingles

Shingles are a common roofing material that boosts a home’s curb appeal while safeguarding it from the elements. They are available in a variety of colors, designs, styles and textures to complement a home’s architectural style and climate conditions. Understanding the pros and cons of shingle types helps homeowners select the best option to elevate a roof’s aesthetic without compromising protection.

Roofing shingles are made of a base mat of organic felt or fiberglass that is covered with asphalt and mineral granules. The granules, which come in a range of colors, protect the underlying material from solar radiation and increase fire resistance. The granules also help to reduce heat transfer, adding insulation value to the shingles. The final layer is a topcoat of resin and acrylic, which helps the shingles resist sun damage and enhances their color and durability.

Prior to shingle installation, the roofing surface must be clean and free of debris. A tarp should be placed over any landscaping to prevent shingle and nail fragments from leaking onto plants or soil. Tools such as a scoop shovel or roofing shovel are essential for careful removal of existing shingles and nails. The roof must then be thoroughly cleaned with eco-safe cleaning solutions to remove algae growth and stains.

Once the underlayment and drip edge are in place, start laying shingle courses from the eave. Install starter shingles (typically upside-down shingles with tabs cut off for the first course) and IKO’s EdgeSeal or Leading Edge Plus to seal the edges of the roof and increase wind resistance.

When installing a new shingle, nail it in place using roofing nails that are compatible with the type of shingle you’re installing. Nails that are too short or driven into the roof decking can cause shingle blow-off and seal failure, so be sure to follow suggested nailing instructions for each roofing project.

1. Metal

Using metal is one of the most common roofing options and there are many styles to consider. The material itself is typically galvanized steel, aluminum, copper, or tin and may be formed into either standing seam panels or snap-lock panels. There are also two types of fastening systems: exposed or concealed. A quality installation is critical since the thermal movement of a home is not kind to very thin exposed fasteners.

A traditional choice, standing seam metal roofing is characterized by interlocking panels that create a distinct appearance. It offers durability, weather-tightness and often a lower installation cost. Snap-lock panels, on the other hand, offer a more traditional look and are available in several different panel profiles. The color choices for these types of roofs are a little more limited than other roofing materials.

Because it reflects more sunlight than shingles, a metal roof can cut down on the amount of heat that leaches into or radiates out of a building. This can result in energy savings of up to 40%. However, it’s important to note that this type of roof requires adequate ventilation for proper function.

Historically, custom builders have used metal to add architectural interest to a bay window. Now, remodeling contractors are beginning to make metal a top choice for additions or reroofing projects. But it’s still a more expensive option than asphalt shingles and because of this, production builders tend to pass on installing these roofs. But Black believes that as consumers become more aware of the durability and new styles of metal, production builders will start embracing this option. This is particularly true as they become more comfortable with the idea of paying for a roof that will last 50 years or more.

1. Wood

Wood is a traditional material that’s been used for building and roof covering for decades. It’s known for its strength and durability, and it’s able to withstand moisture.

However, wood needs to be treated with protective coatings and sealants to maintain its longevity. It also is prone to rot and algae, which requires regular maintenance. It’s also flammable, so it is not recommended for homes in or near wildfire-prone areas.

Using wood for your roofing exterior will give your home a more natural, rustic look. It pairs well with stone walls and features, and the dark colors of a wood roof will add to the dramatic appeal of your home.

If you want to go with a wood roof, it’s best to use structural panels such as plywood or OSB. These sheets are glued together with waterproof heat-cured adhesives to provide superior strength and stability. They transfer lateral loads to the walls of your home, preventing them from bending or sagging. Exterior plywood is available in a wide variety of grades, but we recommend CDX plywood for roofing. This product is composed of the two lowest – yet still great performing – grades of plywood, A and B.

Oriented strand board is another popular choice for sheathing roofing. This engineered wood is produced by gluing small bits of wood together and compressing them very tightly. Unlike plywood, OSB can be cut on-site, which makes it more affordable than other types of sheathing. However, OSB is more susceptible to moisture damage. It takes longer to absorb water than other sheathing materials, and the edges may swell when exposed to moisture. While manufacturers have addressed this issue by introducing a special edge sealant, it is still an important factor to consider when choosing OSB for your roofing project.

1. Slate

Slate is a natural, aesthetically pleasing roofing material with exceptional resilience. It’s a long-lasting option that requires almost no maintenance, is fireproof and waterproof, and offers a high degree of thermal insulation.

Slate, a metamorphic rock, is composed of quartz, sericite and minerals from the chlorite group. It forms when sedimentary rocks are subjected to intense geological forces during mountain building, which cause them to change shape. The resulting slate is fine-grained, foliated and layered. It’s often used as a roofing surface, especially in the UK where it was first used as a roof covering around 1300 A.D. It’s also popular as flooring, billiard table tops, blackboards, tabletops and tombstones. Because of its low water absorption index, it’s resistant to frost damage and breakage.

To install a slate roof, a skilled contractor cuts the slates to length and width. They’re also cut on a bias for the valleys on the roof and to size for the side-wall transitions. Small offcuts are often used as shims to level floor joists. Skilled contractors use chalk lines to mark where the slates should overlap, which ensures rainwater can’t seep into the structure.

Slate is expensive to buy and install. It’s also a very heavy material and requires heavier than usual roof framing. For these reasons, it’s usually reserved for houses that will remain in the family or be restored to their original splendor. Modern synthetic slate substitutes are available but, as a whole, are a poor replacement for natural slate. They may cost less to purchase and install, but they have much lower longevity and do not provide the same insulating and aesthetic properties. They aren’t recommended for houses that are subject to 125 mph wind gusts.