The North Country Slate 2025 Slated for Excellence Project of the Year Awards celebrate outstanding craftsmanship, innovation, and design in North Country Slate-supplied slate roofing projects. This page highlights the year’s award winners and notable mentions, recognizing the contractors, designers, and teams whose exceptional work exemplifies quality, durability, and timeless beauty in natural slate. Explore the projects that set the standard for excellence in 2025.
The Trinity Award (0-25sq):
Winner: J&M Roofing LLC
Project Name: Private Residence
Project Location: Erwinna, PA
Contractor:
Installer: J&M Roofing LLC
Color/Size: 14sq North Country Unfading Gray & Unfading Black 16” x 8” x ¼” Special Trim
Brief Project History: The Isaac Stover House in Erwinna, Pennsylvania, is a striking example of early American craftsmanship and rural Bucks County heritage. Constructed in the 19th century, the home reflects the region’s rich architectural traditions, showcasing sturdy masonry construction and timeless design details that have allowed it to endure for generations. Its historical and architectural significance led to its inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places in the 1990s, formally recognizing its importance within the community and the broader history of Pennsylvania.
In keeping with its legacy, the home recently underwent a careful roof restoration to preserve its historic character. The original slate roof was replaced with North Country Unfading Gray and Unfading Black natural roofing slate, selected for its durability and traditional appearance. Each piece was precisely trimmed to recreate the distinctive roof pattern, honoring the craftsmanship of the original installation. Complementing the slate work, all metal detailing was completed in lead-coated copper, ensuring both longevity and historical authenticity. The result is a roof that not only protects the Isaac Stover House for generations to come, but also faithfully preserves the integrity and beauty of this treasured historic landmark.
Notable Mentions: European Roofing & Sheet Metal (Philippe Pollien)
Project Name: Cabin In The Woods
Project Location: Indianola, WA
Installer: European Roofing & Sheet Metal (Philippe Pollien)
Color/Size: 5.75sq Unfading Black 14” x 8” x ¼” Special Trim
Brief Project History: North Country Unfading Black natural roofing slate was the chosen material for this garden porch to harmonize with the hand-carved carpentry. The traditional, rustic nature of the carpentry provided the direction for selecting a suitable roof, and North Country Slate roofing shingles are well documented for its use in such heritage and artisanal projects. The installation utilized 1 ½” cedar boards as the substrate, which facilitates a high-quality, smooth application. To maintain the traditional aesthetic and avoid metal flashing, the client requested a special “faitage en lignolet” (lignolet ridge), a classic French technique where slate is carefully overlapped to create a seamless, weather-tight, and highly traditional ridge detail.
The Carrick Award (25-50sq):
Winner: Precision Construction & Roofing
Project Name: Private Residence
Project Location: Peoria, IL
Contractor:
Installer: Precision Construction & Roofing (Grant Olson & team)
Color/Size: 45sq North Country Semi-Weathering Purple 16” x 8” x ¼”
Photographer Credit: Precision Construction & Roofing (Matthew Melrose)
Brief Project History: North Country Semi-Weathering Purple slate shingles were specified on this historic Peoria, IL home originally built in 1891. This system features oversized Yankee gutters with copper downspouts, a custom double-roll ridge, four handcrafted terminals, and copper flat seam detailing. 4 different types of terminals were used on this copper-filled masterpiece. 130+ year old slate roof brought back to life with the help of the right team & the right product!
Notable Mentions: FSR Contractors
Project Name: Meadowview
Project Location: Carmel, IN
Contractor:
Installer: FSR Contractors
Color/Size: 45sq North Country Semi Weathering Grey 18” x 12” x ¼-3/8” & 18” x 10” x 1/4—3/8”
Brief Project History: Natural slate was selected for this project because it remains the gold standard in premium roofing materials for longevity, beauty, and performance. This 1938 residence was originally constructed with slate, copper, and EPDM roofing systems, and it was essential that the replacement respected the architectural integrity and historical character of the home. The turrets and curved sections demanded specialized slate shaping and installation techniques, while the valleys and gables required flawless alignment and copper integration. These features transform the roof into a defining architectural element rather than just a functional system.
Project Name: Berkeley
Project Location: Baltimore, MD
Installer: Roland Slate Service Co
Color/Size: 34sq North Country Unfading Black 18” x 12” x ¼
Brief Project History: All but one face of the main roof on this 1937 home was replaced with North Country Unfading Black natural slate roofing shingles. Flat-seam copper swoop and a small flat-seam copper radius, all fabricated with 20oz. copper was also replaced. The original slate on this home was heavily deteriorated and replaced with new natural slate shingles because of the exceptional beauty and consistency it brings to a finished roof. Beyond aesthetics, its dense, durable composition provides confidence long term performance that is promised to clients. Once the challenges of this project were addressed, chalk lines were made for the slate installation process. This home had a unique layout, with dormers that divided the roof in multiple sections, which can make it difficult to keep slate courses aligned as the roof rises above those areas. This method allowed the installer to keep all slate courses aligned as the installation progressed, resulting in clean, straight lines and a balance, uniform appearance across the roof.
Precision Construction & Roofing
Project Name: Private Residence
Project Location: Rockhill, SC
Installer: Rafael Casia, Grant Olson & Ed Robinson & team (Precision Construction & Roofing)
Photographer Credit: Precision Construction & Roofing (Matthew Melrose)
Color/Size: 27sq North Country Unfading Black 18” x 10” x ¼” Special Trim
Brief Project History: Originally built in 1901, this private residence was due for an upgrade, which included a brand-new North Country Unfading Black natural slate roof. Precise craftsmanship from start to finish, this project is one for the ages! By clipping the corners of each slate shingle, this “beaver tail” pattern gives this home not only a unique aesthetic, but long-term durability from the most premium roofing product on the market. Built to last for another 100+ years!
The North Country Award (50-75sq):
Winner: Kammerling Construction
Project Name: Morris Butler House
Project Location: Franklin, IN
Installer: Kammerling Construction (Chad Kammerling & Team)
Color/Size: 61sq North Country Unfading Black 20” x Random Widths x 1/4”
Brief Project History: The Morris-Butler House in Indianapolis is a distinguished example of Second Empire architecture, built in 1865 during the city’s post–Civil War growth. Located in the historic Old Northside neighborhood, the home reflects the elegance and ambition of the era, with its mansard roof, ornate detailing, and stately presence. Over the years, it has become one of Indianapolis’ most recognizable historic residences and is now protected and stewarded by Indiana Landmarks, ensuring its preservation for future generations.
As part of ongoing preservation efforts, the original slate roof was recently replaced with North Country Unfading Black natural roofing slate. The material was carefully selected to match the existing slate as closely as possible, maintaining the home’s historic character while providing long-term durability. This thoughtful restoration honors the architectural integrity of the Morris-Butler House and reinforces its standing as an important piece of Indiana’s heritage.
Notable Mentions: Precision Construction & Roofing
Project Name: Rumbough House
Project Location: Asheville, NC
Installer: Adam DuBose & Brian Lemke (Precision Construction & Roofing)
Photographer Credit: Precision Construction & Roofing (Matthew Melrose)
Color/Size: 76sq North Country Unfading Black 18” x 10” x ¼”
Brief Project History: When Hurricane Helene tore through Asheville, NC in 2024, it left this historic home with severe roof damage. It was replaced with North Country Slate natural slate roofing shingles, a premium roofing material, giving this home a brand-new lease on life. This roof is a work of art that will protect and inspire for generations to come.
The Hundred Year Roof Award (75-100sq):
Winner: Precision Construction & Roofing
Project Name: Stratford Towers
Project Location: Asheville, NC
Installer: Precision Construction & Roofing (Rafael Casias, Adam DuBose & Brian Lemke
Photographer Credit: Precision Construction & Roofing (Matthew Melrose)
Color/Size: 92sq 5 Colour Blend of North Country Purples, Greens, Greys, Semi-Weathering Grey/Green 18” x Random Widths x Varying Thicknesses from ¼” – 1”
Brief Project History: This one-of-a-kind roof consisted of multi-widths, multi-thicknesses and multi-colors to breathe life back into Stratford Towers in Asheville, NC. Varying thicknesses from ¼” to 1” gave this 5 color blend home the facelift it deserved! This home has hosted presidents, dignitaries, and some of the most influential guests to ever pass through, and now it is protected with a roofing system built to last generations. The craftsmanship here is elite: graduated slate courses, copper wall copping, valleys, flashings, custom chimney caps, and every detail executed with precision by the talented roofing team at Precision Construction & Roofing.
Notable Mentions: Ruff Roofers
Project Name: John Hopkins University School of Education
Project Location: Baltimore, MD
Installer: Ruff Roofers & Team
Color/Size: 103sq North Country Unfading Black 20” x 10” x ¼”
Brief Project History: The John Hopkins University School of Education renovation project was a complete renovation of the interior and exterior of the building. This included the roof replacement of the entire 103 square existing roof, the 67 square flat roof, and 500ft of custom-fabricated gutter. The building was originally built in 1907. New slate was installed to maintain the historical significance and appeal of the building. The age and condition of the building created a dip in parts of the roof, which would cause an unacceptable variation in the slate exposure and greater chance of breakage. This challenge was addressed by the installation of an additional layer of sleepers and sheathing specifically crafted to level out the roof. Additional structural repairs were made on the underside of the roof framing. The project was highly detail-oriented and required the installation of slate at a wide variety of roof transitions, including slate to gutter, slate to flat roofing, and slate to flat seam metal roofing. Extensive scaffolding was required to access the 4-story building, on a busy road in the city centre with public sidewalks. All challenges considered, this project was another North Country Slate success!
The Slated for Excellence Award (100+sq):
Winner: Donovan Roofing & Construction
Project Name: White House Retreat
Project Location: St. Louis, MO
Installer: Donovan Roofing & Construction (Mike Donovan)
Photographer: @shotop_aerial_photography
Color/Size: 314sq North Country Unfading Green, Unfading Mottled Purple & Green, and North Country Purple in 18″ x Random Widths x 1/4″
Brief Project History: The White House Retreat slate roofing and copper restoration was a highly specialized project that blended historic preservation with modern craftsmanship, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Mississippi River. One of the primary challenges was the extremely tight access, combined with the need to carefully coordinate work around the retreat’s silent schedules, requiring precise planning and respectful execution at every stage. This project was truly unique due to the extensive custom copper work designed to faithfully mimic the original early-1900s aesthetics. Highlights include hand-twisted copper gutter bracket hangers, fully custom-fabricated copper dormers, and an exceptionally intricate custom copper steeple, each element meticulously crafted to honor the building’s historic character. The slate roofing featured a carefully curated random 3-color blend, mixed to perfection to create a monolithic appearance that respectfully updates and enhanced the original roof’s visual presence, all while complementing its timeless riverfront setting.
Notable Mentions: Precision Construction & Roofing
Project Name: Wise County Courthouse
Project Location: Decatur, TX
Installer: Andy Doan (Precision Construction & Roofing)
Photographer Credit: Precision Construction & Roofing (Matthew Melrose)
Color/Size: 110+ North Country Unfading Black 20” x 10” x ¼” (20” x 12” x ¼” for the turret)
Brief Project History: North Country natural slate shingles were selected to restore the Wise County Courthouse roof in an effort to match the original roofing material during its construction in 1865. Historical records and early postcards from 1909 and 1910 confirm that the courthouse was originally roofed with dark Bangor slate, as specified by architect Hames Riely Gordon. Although a Ludowici terra cotta clay tile roof was installed in 1943 and later on repaired, the restoration team’s goal was to return the building to its authentic architectural intent. During the process, intact sections of the original slate were discovered beneath the later roofing system. These findings allowed the team to confirm color, texture, and material composition, ensuring the replacement slate matched the original color as closely as possible. The building’s complex roof geometry, steep slopes, and prominent bell tower required extensive planning and a high level of craftsmanship all while adhering to strict preservation standards. Weather conditions also played a role, whereby work had to be carefully phased around rain and potential sever weather to protect the structure and maintain installation quality. The finished roof blends seamlessly with the historic structure, appearing timeless rather than new; an essential hallmark of successful preservation work!
The Lightweight Slate Award:
Winner: CJP Roofing Ltd
Project Name: Private Residence
Project Location: Toronto, ON
Contractor: Napier Valley Construction
Installer: CJP Roofing Ltd
Architect: Ian Robertson Design Inc.
Color/Size: 143 squares of SlateTec Unfading Black in 14″ x Random Widths x 1/4″
Photographer: CJP Roofing Inc
Brief Project History:This private residence in Toronto originally featured a traditional cedar shake roof that had reached the end of its service life. The homeowner sought to elevate both the aesthetic and long-term performance of the home by upgrading to a natural slate roof—while maintaining the existing structure and engineered load capacity.
To achieve this, the team selected the North Country Slate Lightweight Roofing System. This innovative system allowed for the installation of genuine natural slate without requiring structural modifications, preserving the home’s original framing and engineering. The result was a seamless transition from cedar shake to a timeless natural slate roof, delivering enhanced durability, fire resistance, and architectural distinction—while ensuring an efficient and straightforward upgrade process.
The Heritage Award:
Winner: Jaynes Sheet Metal
Project Name: Hudson Athens Lighthouse
Project Location: Hudson River
Installer:
Color/Size: North Country Unfading Black 14” x 7” x ¼”
Brief Project History: Located in the middle of the Hudson River, just 100 miles from New York City, the Hudson-Athens Lighthouse has warned boaters and mariners about the mud flats and sandbars in the area since it was first commissioned in 1874. The lighthouse, which was originally one of more than a dozen on the Hudson River, is one of only seven remaining. The National Trust of Historic Preservation placed the Hudson-Athens Lighthouse on its 2024 list of the country’s 11 most endangered historic places.
North Country Unfading Black slate tiles were specified to match the aesthetics of the historic lighthouse. Quarried in Quebec, these slates are 14” x 7” x ¼” and trimmed to “diamond points” to match the original design. One of the biggest challenges was getting the slate tiles safely to the lighthouse. Pallets of slate tiles weigh nearly 3,000 lbs. each. While delivering them to a job site is generally very easy, it gets much more complicated when the job site is in the middle of a river. The slate was carefully shipped to the site, unloaded and stored onsite, before being carried up the scaffolding to the roof. In addition, the project required lots of flashing and detail work around the curved dormers and eaves on the lighthouse.
Notable Mentions: AE & Son Contracting
Project Name: Alpha Ave Townhomes
Project Location: Toronto, ON
Installer: Archie Kirkpatrick & Team (AE & Son Contracting)
Color/Size: 8sq North Country Unfading Black 16” x 8” x ¼”
Brief Project History: Alpha Avenue in central Toronto is in a neighborhood known as Cabbagetown. The neighborhood is unique in that it is part of the largest continuous area of preserved Victorian housing in North America. The area, named for the Irish immigrants who lived there in the late 1840s said to be so poor that they grew cabbage in their front yards, is today a community of restored Victorian era row houses, gourmet shops, upscale boutiques, pubs and restaurants. After 136 years of exposure to the elements and severe weather in Toronto, the original slate roofs on the row houses were badly deteriorating and well past their effective service life. The four-week project included extensive detail work around dormered windows as well as copper flashing. Fortunately, 90 percent or more of the wood substrate and underlayment was still in good condition and could be reused. AE & Son installed new slate tiles with copper nails, which will not rust and deteriorate like the original steel nails when exposed to the elements, and the natural slate will stand up well to the harsh weather conditions common to Toronto.
Notable Mentions: The James Myers Co.
Project Name: USMD BARC 2 & BARC 5
Project Location: Hyattsville, MD
Installer: The James Myers Co
Color/Size: 142sq North Country Unfading Black 20” x 12” x ¼”
Brief Project History: A recent roof restoration project at the U.S. Department of Agriculture campus in Beltsville, Maryland focused on preserving the historic character of two prominent government buildings. The project involved the complete replacement of aging natural slate shingles on both structures, ensuring the integrity and longevity of the roofs while maintaining their traditional appearance.
North Country Unfading Black roofing slate was selected for its proven durability, timeless aesthetic, and ability to closely reflect the original material. By replacing the existing slate with high-quality natural stone, the restoration supports the long-term preservation of these historically significant buildings, safeguarding their architectural heritage while providing reliable performance for decades to come.
