Ludowici Clay Roof Tiles
In 2024, North Country Slate expanded its premier specialty roofing product offerings and became the exclusive distributor of Ludowici architectural...
Natural Slate Roof Shingles Tiles
Lightweight Slate Roofing
North Country Lightweight Slate Roof System provides a 100% natural slate roof to be installed at a reduced weight. It’s that simple.
Slate Shingle Cladding
We have supplied our natural slate exterior cladding and siding to countless homes, hotels, schools, and commercial buildings.
Slate Shingle Tools & Accessories
Offering a complete supply of specialty slate roofing tools, nails, repair hooks and snow guards for the installation and repair of slate roofs.
The Benefits of Slate Roofing Shingles
A North Country Slate roof is at the top of the list when considering specialty roofing products. Its benefits and aesthetics are endless.
Discover The Durability Of Vermont Roofing Slate
Nestled in the gentle hills of the Temiscouata region in south-eastern Quebec Canada; and in the rolling hills of the Green Mountains of Vermont; lies the finest natural slate deposits found anywhere in the world. As well as producing the most durable slate shingles, these mineral rich deposits also yield a unique color palette found nowhere else on earth. Worked to produce roofing slate tiles for over a hundred years, in many cases by families with generations of experience, the quarries here have a proven track record for quality materials and fabrication that has found markets for their products around the world.
Traditional Roofing Slate Colors
The rich black slates from Quebec Canada are favorably compared to the once famous Monson slates produced in Maine, having a smooth texture and slight luster. Quarried and manufactured by the largest roofing tiles slate producer in North America, these slates, readily available from inventory, are also an excellent quality and color alternative to the best blue black slates ever produced in Pennsylvania and Virginia.
In the United States and Canada, the black slates from this single quarry have been the roof covering of choice for some of the most treasured historic buildings and luxury custom homes in North America. They have also earned global respect and are exported to England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, France, Belgium, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and elsewhere around the world.
The well-established quarries of Vermont produce the traditional North American colored roofing tile slates for sale in greens, grays, purples, mottled purples, blacks, gray/blacks and reds. In many cases, these colored slates are available with both unfading and weathering color characteristics.
Vermont slates have been used extensively on college campuses, government buildings, houses of worship, in residential neighborhoods and on the most magnificent homes across the continent for over a hundred years. They have no equal in the world for quality, color, and longevity and have earned the respect of the global market as well.
These two prolific slate regions produce natural roofing slate tiles for sale with no equal and without compromise!
FAQs
Why is slate a great roofing option?
A high-quality ASTM S-1 rated natural roofing slate will provide a service life of over 75 years. Slate was created by nature over 500 million years ago. Evidence shows the first home to have a slate roof was in North Wales which dates back to 1300 AD. It is important to do your research on manufactured products and how long those companies have been in business. Many sell composite, synthetic (plastic) slates to mimic the beauty of natural quarried slate. If they’ve been in business for 10 years and offer a 50-year warranty, where is the historic evidence? A natural slate roof requires very little maintenance, is resistant to chemical pollutants, fireproof and unaffected by freeze/thaw cycles.
Are slate roofs worth it?
Your home is one of your biggest investments, that’s why choosing the right roofing material is a significant decision. Your roof not only protects your family and belongings, but it can also add curb appeal and by selecting a slate roof, this will increase the value of your home. To compare, you would have to replace an asphalt roof several times before it lasted as long as a natural slate roof tile. When deciding on a slate roof, consider the home’s architecture, minimal maintenance, durability, and the uniqueness of each piece of slate is different, thus adding character and charm. When amortized over its life expectancy (minimum 75 years), a slate roof will be the least expensive roof your home will ever have!
How long does a slate roof tile last?
Natural roofing slate should meet the requirements of ASTM International’s ASTM C 406, Standard Specification for Roofing Slate, to ensure the highest quality standard possible. Slate samples are tested for water absorption, weather resistance, modulus rupture and flexure. Once tested, slate is then graded; S-1 providing a service life over 75 years; S-2, 40-75 years and S-3, 20-40 years.
How do I know if a piece of slate is good or bad?
To determine if a piece of slate is of sound quality, you can conduct a “ring” test by tapping the back of the slate with your knuckles or hammer. If you hear a ring, the slate is in good condition, but if you hear a dull thud or rattling sound, the slate can be defective and should be further inspected prior to installation.
Is slate good for a roof?
Slate roofs are recognized for their timeless beauty and outstanding durability. They can survive a century or more if properly installed and maintained. Slate is a natural stone material that is completely fire-resistant and available in a variety of colors.