Blogs

Sheena Owen

Sheena Owen began working for North Country Slate on October 12, 1999. Started as the Sales Coordinator and transitioned to a Sales Representative. Daily duties include providing customer service, new business development, inside sales, handling all cross-border customs issues/documentation, arranging shipments, health and safety representation and social media marketing. Sheena graduated from the University of Guelph in 1992 with a BA in English and Drama and in 1995 graduated with a Diploma in Radio and Television Broadcasting from Centennial College. Sheena’s first job was the Executive Producer’s Assistant for TV shows including Robocop, F/X The Series and Nikita. She went on to becoming an Assistant Manager at Eddie Bauer. In her spare time, Sheena enjoys traveling, gardening and hikes with family and friends.

Toronto churches with North Country Slate roofing products

By Sheena Owen Jan 15th, 2018

[caption id="attachment_2729" align="alignleft" width="300"] Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church[/caption] Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church – 202 Park Street This is the fifth oldest church in Toronto and classic example of Gothic Revival architecture. The original church burnt down in 1865 and was rebuilt in 1869.

What are slate roof tiles?

By Sheena Owen Jan 10th, 2018

Slate roof tiles are made of metamorphic rocks which are derived from sedimentary rock of volcanic ash and clay. The mineral composition of slate will determine the color and weathering properties. Hematite produces purple tones and chlorite produces green. Black and gray colors are created by carbon.

What nails are used on a slate roof?

By Sheena Owen Dec 15th, 2017

Most slate roofs use copper nails as they typically last longer than stainless steel and compatible with copper, lead and lead-coated copper flashings. A standard ¼” thick slate will require an 11 gauge nail where a thicker slate will require a 10 gauge copper nail. The nails are available in smooth shank and ring shank.

Lightweight Slate Roof

By Sheena Owen Nov 27th, 2017

When it comes to a traditionally installed slate roof, weights can vary from 650 to 2,500 lbs per square depending on your thickness requirements and design needs. New lightweight systems now offer installation alternatives to meet weight requirements of 550 lbs per square using real natural slate.

When to replace your slate roof

By Sheena Owen Nov 23rd, 2017

A good quality, well maintained slate roof will probably last longer than you live in your home. A big expense up front, but when you consider how long a slate roof will last, that’s money well spent. It pays to examine a slate roof annually and after storms.

Slate roof for shed

By Sheena Owen Oct 20th, 2017

If you want a shed to last for years, why not put a slate roof on it! Created by nature over 500 million years ago, natural roofing slate has been sheltering man from the elements for more than a thousand years. If you do decide to build a shed with a slate roof, you will need to make sure the structure is strong enough to support the weight.

What pitch for a slate roof?

By Sheena Owen Oct 12th, 2017

The slope of a roof is often referred to as the roof’s pitch. Generally a slate roof is not installed on a pitch less than 4:12. As per the NRCA Roofing and Waterproofing Manual (Fifth Edition), they recommend that “roof deck slopes intended for the application of steep-slope materials at 4:12 (18 degrees) or greater”.

What size are slate roof tiles?

By Sheena Owen Oct 3rd, 2017

Slate roof tiles can range in size from 12” (length) x 6” (wide) up to 24” (length) x 12” (wide). Special sizes such as slate-and-a-half can be ordered to reach into valleys, gable ends, hips and dormers.

How roofing slate is produced

By Sheena Owen Sep 18th, 2017

North American natural roofing slate is produced in Vermont, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Newfoundland and Quebec. Depending on the location of the quarry will determine the color of slate.