What is a common drawback of slate roofing?

• A. Weight (dead load) and debris falling danger during vertical ventilation ops
• B. Easy to install
• C. Lightweight
• D. Low cost

Answer: (A)

Slate roofing carries a significant drawback because of its weight. The dead load from a slate roof is substantial, meaning the structure must be built or reinforced to support that heavy natural material. On top of that, slate is brittle and can crack or shed shards, creating a dangerous debris fall hazard for anyone working on or near the roof during vertical ventilation or other roof-access operations. This combination of high weight and safety risk during maintenance is the key reason slate is seen as a drawback. In contrast, descriptions like being easy to install, lightweight, or low cost don’t fit slate, since slate is known for being heavy, labor-intensive to install, and relatively expensive.