Blogs

Natural Slate Siding for commercial and residential construction

By Sheena Owen Aug 16th, 2017

For years European countries have used slate as a natural siding because of its appearance and longevity. North American architects that specify natural, eco-friendly products should consider slate siding when designing a home that’s built to last. Although the initial cost may seem expensive, one should consider the life span of natural slate and its benefits.

New Mansard Slate Roof for the Historic Wheeler-Kohn House – 2020 S...

By Sheena Owen Aug 14th, 2017

Built in 1870 for Calvin Wheeler a banker and former President of the Chicago Board of Trade, the house changed hands several times. After sitting vacant for years and threatened with demolition, the current owner purchased the property for $10,000 in 1997.

Restored Texas Courthouses with North Country Unfading Black roofing slate

By Sheena Owen Aug 10th, 2017

In 1836, Texas won its independence from Mexico. Courthouses were built immediately and communities grew around them. The courthouses were a symbol of democracy, pride and strength. By 1881 a boom in courthouse construction saw 150 built by 1920. Texas has more historic courthouses than any other State.

Roofing Slate Thickness

By Sheena Owen Aug 2nd, 2017

[caption id="attachment_2556" align="alignleft" width="225"] North Country Unfading Black slate, 3/16"[/caption] The most common thickness is ¼” and weighs approximately 935 pounds per square when installed with a 3” headlap.

Bel Air Mansion – original home of Captain Charles Ewell – 14513 General...

By Sheena Owen Jul 24th, 2017

Built in 1740 as the family home and tobacco plantation of Captain Charles Ewell. Ewell’s home was regularly visited by Thomas Jefferson and George Washington. Built on the stone foundation of the old fort, it is also believed that the bricks used were imported from Scotland on the tobacco ships.

Alderson Train Depot – Alderson, West Virginia

By Sheena Owen Jun 26th, 2017

North Country Slate recently supplied our unfading black roofing slate for the Alderson Train Depot restoration project. Originally built in one week by the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway (C & O) in 1896, it is very similar to the other C & O depots built between 1890 to 1914.

The Broadview Hotel – 106 Broadview Ave., Toronto, Ontario, Canada

By Sheena Owen Jun 9th, 2017

Built in 1891 for Archibald Dingman at a cost of $25,000, the building then known as Dingman Hall, opened its doors in 1893 as a gathering place for local politicians, sports clubs, music lovers and local organizations. At the time, Archibald W Dingman, was a principal at Pugsley, Dingman& Co a Toronto based soap manufacturer.

McGill University (Montreal, Quebec, Canada)

By Sheena Owen Mar 17th, 2016

McGill University is the oldest in Montreal. Founded in 1821 thanks to the generous bequest of prominent Scottish merchant, James McGill, who drafted a petition in 1787 to improve Montreal’s education system. In 1884 women were allowed to attend classes at the university.

Toronto Silver Plate Building (now known as The Fashion House Condos) – 570...

By Sheena Owen Jan 8th, 2016

Built in 1882 for James A Watt’s Toronto Silver Plate Company, the building is a classic example of a late 19th century industrial building; 4 story rectangular shaped, red brick cladding, stone trim, and slate gable roof. The company was the first in Canada to manufacture silver plated products and remained in business until 1929.

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