Blogs

Museum of the City of New York (MCNY)

By Sheena Owen Jul 9th, 2014

Since it first opened its doors to the public in 1923, The Museum of the City of New York has embraced the past, present, and future of the Big Apple, celebrating the city’s cultural diversity. In 1932, the museum moved to its current location at 1220 Fifth Avenue, a building with stately columns and a towering slate roof.

The Church of Our Lady Immaculate Conception (Guelph’s greatest historical...

By Sheena Owen Jul 3rd, 2014

This Roman Catholic gothic style church was built between 1875 and 1883 using local limestone. Its 200 feet twin towers were completed in 1926. To this day it is one of Guelph’s longest construction projects as it took almost 50 years to complete.

Montgomery Chapel – San Francisco Theological Seminary

By Sheena Owen Jun 24th, 2014

Built in 1897, the Montgomery Chapel was named after wealthy businessman, Alexander Montgomery. It is said; he donated $250,000 in 1889 and another $10,000 in 1891 which was used to build Montgomery and Scott halls. In his Will he also donated another $175,000 to the Seminary.

Roofing slate packaging

By Sheena Owen Jun 9th, 2014

Slates are tightly fitted into a heat treated wood pallet. It’s important that they are braced tightly to prevent breakage during transportation. They are packaged on their edges and never flat. Depending on the size of the slates and pallets, there can be two to three rows of slate.

Orillia Opera House (Gordon Lightfoot Auditorium)

By Sheena Owen Jun 2nd, 2014

The Orillia Opera House, was originally built in 1895 at a cost of $25,000. The building served multiple purposes (auditorium, City Hall offices, Council Chamber, market stalls and a lock up). The auditorium had a balcony similar to those found in formal opera houses in Europe. In July 1915, a fire destroyed most of the building.

Patterned & Multi Colored Roofs

By Sheena Owen May 20th, 2014

A slate roof truly can be as unique as you want it! You may decide on a random width single color, multi-color, graduated, scallop shape, floral pattern, diamond point, hang-down or even incorporate the date the building was made! Each slate roof really is one of a kind.

The eyebrow dormer

By Sheena Owen May 9th, 2014

It is believed that eyebrow dormers date back to the cottage style thatch roofs from the middle ages. This architectural design was brought to North America in the second half of the 19th century by famous American Architect, Henry Hobson Richardson.

Do you have any “snow birds”?

By Sheena Owen Apr 21st, 2014

Now that spring weather has finally arrived and you’ve had a chance to get out to do some gardening and cleanup, you may notice that some of your prize plants have suffered because of snow avalanching off your slate roof this past winter.

27 Princess Street (Kingston, Ontario, Canada)

By Sheena Owen Apr 7th, 2014

Located in historic downtown Kingston, Ontario, this beautiful rounded corner building was designed by noted architect George Browne in 1841. This building has been occupied by piano manufacturer, Weber and Wormwith (1864-1940); The Kingston Vehicle Company (1894-1900) manufactured buggies and spring wagons.