Slate Roofs in Omaha: Natural Slate vs. Composite Slate for Your Home

Few roofing materials compare to slate when it comes to timeless beauty and lasting durability. But in Omaha, where hailstorms and harsh winters are common, choosing the right type of slate roofing is more than just an aesthetic decision—it’s an investment in your home’s long-term performance.

As a certified Brava installer, we’ll explain the differences so you can choose between natural slate roof replacement and Brava’s premium composite slate roof tiles to replace your current roof or if you’re building a new home.

The Classic Charm of Natural Slate

Natural slate has been a popular roofing material for centuries, and for good reason. It’s a quarried stone split into thin tiles and installed individually to create a roof lasting 75 to 100 years (or more). It’s fire-resistant and incredibly durable, offering a natural, earthy aesthetic that perfectly fits with Omaha’s historic neighborhoods and modern custom homes.

But it’s not without its challenges:

• Weight: Natural slate is extremely heavy, weighing up to 1,000 pounds per square. This heft often requires additional structural reinforcement, especially for older houses or new homes not designed for such a heavy load.
• Fragility: Despite being durable, slate tiles can crack under impact, such as from hail or falling branches—a common issue in Nebraska.
• Installation complexity: Slate roofs must be installed by skilled professionals with slate-specific experience. Mistakes can be costly and complicated to fix.
• Limited color range: Natural slate comes in beautiful tones, but color options are limited to what’s found in nature. Even finding enough stale with the same color palette can be a challenge.

 

Enter Brava: The Smarter Slate Alternative

Brava’s composite slate tiles offer the elegance of natural slate with modern performance, and they’re built to handle Omaha’s unpredictable weather. Made from a proprietary blend of recycled materials, these tiles are engineered to mimic real slate’s texture, dimension, and color variation while delivering key performance benefits.

Here’s why Brava Slate is an increasingly popular choice for upscale homes in our region:

• Lighter Weight: Brava Slate weighs a fraction of natural slate, usually not requiring structural reinforcement.
• Hail & Impact Resistant: Brava tiles are Rated Class 4 for impact resistance (the highest rating available) and hold up exceptionally well against hail. This is an essential consideration in the Omaha area and can save thousands on annual insurance premiums.
• Authentic Appearance: Brava’s molds are made from hand-split natural slate, giving each tile rich detail and texture. You can also choose from a wide range of color blends to match your home’s aesthetic.
• Low Maintenance: Unlike natural slate, which may shed layers or become brittle over time, Brava tiles resist cracking, fading, and water absorption.
• Eco-Friendly: Made from recycled materials and fully recyclable at the end of their long lifespan, Brava tiles are a green roofing choice.
• Easier Installation: While still requiring skilled installers (like our certified team at Nastase), Brava’s consistent sizing and lighter weight make installation smoother and faster than natural slate.

Which Slate Roof Is Right for You?

Both natural and composite slate roof tiles offer distinct advantages. For most homeowners, composite slate roof tiles are the obvious choice because they provide the elegant look of natural slate without all the headaches.

Homeowners restoring historic homes can still get that authentic quarried stone look with modern-day composite roof tiles. Brava’s slate roof tiles offer a beautiful, long-lasting, and more resilient alternative.

Ready to Explore Your Options?

Whether you’re dealing with storm damage, planning a custom build, or just ready to upgrade your home’s curb appeal, we’re here to help you make a confident choice.

Contact Nastase Contracting today to request a consultation. Let’s talk about your vision, budget, and what kind of slate roof will elevate your Omaha home for decades.