Blogs

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.

Unfading Red Roofing Slate at Craigdarroch Castle – 1050 Joan Crescent,...

By Sheena Owen Aug 22nd, 2017

Craigdarroch Castle in Victoria, British Columbia was built between 1887 to 1890 for wealthy Vancouver Island coal tycoon / Scottish immigrant Robert Dunsmuir. It was built on a hill overlooking the City of Victoria and stands out for its beautiful steeply pitched unfading red slate roof with terracotta ridge and hip caps.

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