Slate Roofs

Slate roofing is considered to be the "Cadillac" of roof materials. It comes in various grades and colors, and is the perfect topping to an elegant home providing amazing textures and style. Slate is very high-quality and very low maintenance, with a life expectancy of between 75 and 200 years, assuming you install grade S1 slate. Though not the least expensive roofing material available, slate has been used for centuries to create beautiful roofs, renowned for resisting the assaults of rain, wind, and snow. With its inherently unique textures, soft colors and unmatched durability, it is the perfect marriage of practicality and beauty, and will give your home an unparalleled luxury look.

What are the advantages of slate in comparison to other roofing products?

Long life and durability.
Resistance to acid and pollutants.
A fireproof building material.
An impermeable barrier to water.
A highly slip resistant material.
The outstanding insulation from heat and cold.
Highest storm resistance of any roofing material.
Resistance to chipping, cracking and abrasion.
A long life and fireproof roofing material. High strength material.
The warmth and elegance of a natural stone.
Slate is a natural stone and therefore environmentally-friendly.
Many colors including greens, grays, reds, multicolor, etc.
Virtually limitless architectural options.

Why can't a regular roofer repair my slate roof? Why do I need a specialist?

Regular roofers are trained to repair roofs that are covered with asphalt shingles, built-up asphalt, and maybe EPDM. Slate is a very different material to work with, and therefore, to repair. A person who is trained to install and repair slate roofs is really just as much a stone mason as he (or she) is a roofer. The training is very different and the repair work is much more difficult and specialized.

Slate cannot be cut to size and simply nailed down like asphalt shingles. Slate needs to be cut with a specialized slate cutter, which leaves the correct flaky tapered edge. Nails cannot simply be driven through a slate tile - this would cause the tile to split and break. Nail holes need to be punched with a specialized tool which leaves an indent for the nail head to lay flush with the surface of the slate - otherwise water would leak through. The nails are then driven through with a specialized slate hammer.

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