FAQs
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Is it possible to add snow guards to an existing slate roof?
Yes, there are retrofit snow guard solutions made for installation on roofs after they are installed. -
Is there a guideline for maintaining snow guards?
Similar to your slate roof, it is advisable to schedule an annual inspection to examine the snow guards for any damage or issues, particularly after experiencing significant snowfall and ice accumulation during the winter season.
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What are snow guards made of?
Snow guards come in aluminum, zinc, copper, lead-coated copper, brass and steel. Commonly used pad style snow guards are also available in a variety of colors.
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What is the difference between snow guards and snow rail system?
Snow guards are individual pieces which are distributed on the roof. Usually beginning up from the eaves and moving upward. The positioning will differ based on the slope of the roof and the weight of the snow. They may feature a classic pad shape or decorative patterns like flowers, birds and stars.
A snow rail (pipe-style) retention system serves as a robust barrier and more frequently found on commercial properties. These systems consist of various components: pipes, end caps and collars, couplings, and a base plate that replaces a slate shingle. These bar rail systems may consist of one, two or even three railings to prevent snow from avalanching off a roof.
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What is the function of a snow guard?
Snow guards are placed at strategic locations on a slate roof to manage the way snow is held in place to prevent sudden snow slides. Snow retention devices protect your gutters, landscaping and the safety of pedestrians. If you reside in a region that experiences snowfall each winter and your roof has a pitch steeper than 8:12, you might want to think about installing a snow retention system. -
What are the main differences between a semi-weathering gray versus a semi-weathering gray/green?
North Country Semi-Weathering Gray is a rich battleship gray color with some minor dark inclusions that will weather over time. North Country Semi-Weathering Gray/Green is a blend of gray/green or sea green tones. As a natural stone product, a pleasing variance in color from pallet to pallet is to be expected. Blending slate from all pallets is required to avoid any unsightly blotches on the roof. Chlorite minerals produce green slate and carbon the gray tones. Color weathering of buff, brown and tan is due to the presence of calcite and iron compounds and fine-grained iron pyrite in the form of limonite.
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How would you compare the unfading black to the semi-weathering Vermont black?
North Country Unfading Black is a rich blue/black slate. It might be described as a dark charcoal grey. It is offered in uniform thicknesses of 3/16”, 1/4” and 3/8”, and has a smooth texture cleft. This slate is produced in Canada.
North Country Semi-Weathering Vermont Black is predominantly black, containing shades of medium and dark gray in subtle linear markings across the slate. A percentage of these slate will weather to tones of buff and brown over time when exposed to the elements. This slate is moderately more textured than the unfading black and splits best in standard thickness of 1/4”-3/8”.
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What colors are available in roofing slate?
The most common colors are green, gray, purple, and black. As a metamorphic stone you can expect to see a natural range in color from piece to piece. Purple slates can be semi-weathering, and a percentage will weather to tones of brown or buff over time. While the unfading purple slates will have a full range of deep purple tones with the occasional green inclusions. One of the more interesting colors is our unfading mottled purple and green, which varies with an array of light to dark tones.
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My slate roof is old, how can I tell what the original color was?
If you can remove an existing piece of slate, look at the underside as this will help depict the original color. Our technical sales representatives can help provide the closest (new slate) color match by simply looking at a few photographs or sample piece. -
Does the slate color fade?
There are two types of weathering characteristics that are common in natural slate roofing material: semi-weathering and unfading (non-weathering). This is predicated on the slate’s mineral and chemical makeup. When exposed to the atmosphere, a percentage of slates can eventually change to buff and brown hues. A few weeks, months, or years may pass before weathering occurs. It is crucial to remember that the weathering process does not degrade slate in any way, it is just a aesthetic feature. An unfading or non-weathering slate is least likely to change color over time.