Lightweight Slate Roofing

Yes, this is a lightweight roof system that utilizes “real” 100% natural ASTM S-1 slate shingles in 12” or 14” lengths.

This lightweight roofing system will reduce roof weight by roughly 40% because it requires less slate overlap without compromising the integrity of the roof. The traditional overlapping slate courses are replaced with a durable, lightweight HDPE interlayment over each course of slate.

No, there are no visible hooks or aesthetic features that make it look any different from a genuine slate roof system. A full range of colors, thicknesses and staggered butts/hang downs can be used to ensure your new slate roof rises to your expectations. 

Yes! You can easily upgrade to a natural slate roof without the concerns associated with a traditional slate roof’s structural support requirements with this innovative system. It is designed to be installed on cedar, asphalt shingles or faux plastic slate roofs on replacement or new construction projects when a minimum weight requirement of 6 lbs. / sq. ft. is required.

Slate roofs worldwide have lasted for decades, making it one of the world’s most environmentally friendly roofing products. As a 100% natural stone product, it does not require any chemicals or additives to produce. When a slate roof has reached its life expectancy, some pieces might still be salvageable and used on other roofing projects, or can be crushed for landscaping and clean fill. Artistically and creatively, pieces can also be repurposed into slate works of art.

Depending on the color and geological source, natural slates weathering characteristics can be described as “unfading” or “semi-weathering”.  Typically, the weathering description is referenced alongside the name of the slate, such as North Country Unfading Black or North Country Semi-Weathering Vermont Black.  Slates that are semi-weathering will exhibit a percentage of weathering tones of buff, brown and tan over time when exposed to the elements. The weathering is also due to the presence of calcite and iron compounds, primarily fine-grained iron pyrite in the form of limonite.  As slate is a natural product the weathering process can take a few weeks, 6 months or longer.  Slates like North Country Unfading Black and North Country Unfading Green, are least likely to change color over time.

A cool roof (or energy-efficient roof) reflects and emits the sun’s solar energy back to the sky instead of absorbing and transferring heat to the building below. “Coolness” is measured by two properties, solar reflectance and thermal emittance. Both properties are measured from 0 to 1 and the higher the value, the “cooler” the roof. The North Country Unfading Green slate was tested under ASTM C 1549-16 and ASTM C 1371-15 to determine the solar reflectance, thermal emittance and solar reflectance index value and met the standard and Title 24 for medium and high wind conditions. Both of these test methods are Energy Star, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), and Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) approved methods for determining radiative properties.  The solar reflectance index (SRI) was calculated in compliance with ASTM E 1980-11: Standard Practice for Calculating Solar Reflectance Index of Horizontal and Low-Sloped Opaque Surfaces.

Slate roofs are designed to last 100 years, however, just like any roofing material they require periodic maintenance when necessary. From the ground, walk around your house to see if any pieces have fallen.  Stand back from the house and look for loose or missing slate tiles.  Replacing them as soon as possible will prevent leaks and further damage. Try to avoid walking on a slate roof as this can sometimes cause further damage. 

It’s important to hire a roofing contractor with slate experience. Roof inspections should include maintaining flashings and gutters.  Typically, copper flashing is used around dormers, chimneys, windows and doors to keep water from getting under the slate tiles.  Make sure the gutters are clean to direct water away from the house. 

An experienced slater will make sure you get the right color and size of the original slate tile and properly install any replacement pieces to ensure a watertight roof restoration.

In North America, there are two recommended slate associations devoted to helping with all facets of a natural slate roof: National Slate Association (NSA) and Slate Roofing Contractor Association (SRCA).  On their respective websites a member directory can be found and filtered by location to help source a local, experienced slate roofing contractor. North Country Slate works extensively with the top-slate roofing professionals around North America and can assist you in navigating this process.