Our Natural North Country Roofing Slate Benefits

North Country Slate has built a reputation as one of North America’s most trusted suppliers of premium natural roofing slate—known for its long service life, timeless beauty, and exceptional performance under even the harshest weather conditions. Unlike many modern roofing materials that rely on synthetic components or short-term durability, natural slate is a true geological product created over millions of years. This gives it an inherent strength, permanence, and architectural character that few materials can match. Homeowners, architects, and builders repeatedly choose North Country Slate not only for its authentic, high-grade stone but also for the company’s consistency, expertise, and commitment to sourcing only proven, top-performing quarries. With slate roofs commonly lasting a century or more, it’s no surprise that North Country Slate has become synonymous with longevity, sustainability, and elevated design. This page will explore the key benefits of natural slate roofing, its tested performance features, and the long-term value that sets North Country Slate apart.

Slate Roof Durability and Weather Resistance

One of the most compelling benefits of natural slate roofing—especially when sourced and graded to North Country Slate standards—is its extraordinary longevity. Premium slate roofs routinely last 100 years or longer, with many historical buildings showcasing roofs that are still fully functional after 150+ years. In contrast, asphalt shingles typically last 20–30 years, even under ideal maintenance conditions. This stark comparison illustrates a core advantage of natural slate: although the initial investment is higher, it pays for itself many times over. A homeowner who installs an asphalt roof may need three or four replacements over the same period that a single slate roof continues performing. When factoring material costs, installation, disposal, and rising labor rates, natural slate becomes a cost-effective and financially wise long-term choice.

The durability of North Country Slate products is rooted in the physical properties of the stone itself. Being a dense, non-porous metamorphic rock, slate naturally resists water absorption, freeze-thaw cycles, UV radiation, wind uplift, and organic growth such as moss or mildew. This means slate does not warp, curl, crack from heat, or deteriorate from moisture exposure the way manufactured roofing often does. In cold regions with heavy snow and ice, slate’s low absorption rate prevents internal freezing expansion. In warm climates, its mineral stability ensures it will not deform or break down from prolonged sun exposure. Whether subjected to coastal winds, mountain winters, prairie storms, or the humidity cycles common to urban environments, North Country Slate maintains structural integrity with minimal maintenance requirements.

Another key measure of slate’s durability and weather performance is its approval under rigorous testing standards such as FM4473, which evaluates impact resistance. Natural slate sourced by North Country Slate has demonstrated the ability to meet Class 3 or Class 4 impact ratings—Class 4 being the highest rating achievable for roofing materials. A Class 3 or Class 4 rating means the slate can withstand significant impact, such as large hailstones or debris driven by high winds. In impact tests, materials are struck with steel balls dropped from controlled heights to simulate severe storm conditions. Slate that earns Class 4 certification does so because it either does not crack or does not lose structural capability after impact. For homeowners, this translates into increased peace of mind and, in many cases, lower insurance premiums, as many insurers offer discounts for properties with Class 3 or 4 rated roofing systems due to their proven resilience. Asphalt shingles, even “impact-rated” varieties, rarely match the long-term, real-world toughness of natural stone.

Beyond its impact resistance, slate provides natural fire protection. As a non-combustible material, it does not burn, melt, or ignite, offering an additional layer of safety. In regions prone to wildfires or urban areas where fire risk can spread from building to building, slate’s fireproof qualities add meaningful protection. Asphalt shingles, on the other hand, contain petroleum-based materials that can burn and degrade under extreme heat. This difference underscores slate’s superior defensive capabilities across the full spectrum of environmental threats.

North Country Slate’s performance claims are backed by both laboratory testing and real-world results. Slate roofing materials are routinely examined for flexural strength, water absorption, weathering durability, and structural consistency. In practical conditions, slate has outperformed nearly every roofing material on the market for centuries. The combination of long-term field performance—seen on thousands of heritage buildings—along with modern testing standards provides homeowners with unmatched assurance. Where asphalt shingles can lose granules, fade in color, curl, or become brittle with age, natural slate retains its composition and appearance for generations.

The aesthetic advantages of natural slate roofing further enhance its value. North Country Slate offers a range of color options, including grays, greens, blacks, purples, reds, and multi-color blends—many of which are unfading, maintaining their original tone for decades. This natural coloration, created by unique mineral compositions in the stone, gives each slate roof a richness and authenticity that cannot be replicated by manufactured products. Slate’s natural cleft surface, formed as the stone is split along its grain, creates subtle textures that reflect light with depth and variation. This gives slate roofs a dimensional, architectural character that enhances curb appeal and elevates the overall appearance of a home.

Sustainability is another core benefit of natural slate roofing. Slate is a 100% natural material that requires minimal processing, generating significantly less environmental impact than petroleum-based or heavily manufactured roofing products. Its longevity reduces landfill waste and the need for frequent replacement. Furthermore, many old slate roofs can be restored or selectively repaired rather than fully replaced, conserving both materials and energy.

While slate may involve a higher initial investment, the financial benefits accumulate over decades. Fewer replacements, minimal maintenance, and potential insurance savings combine to make slate a cost-effective long-term roofing solution. Additionally, a slate roof can enhance a home’s value, appeal to buyers who appreciate premium materials, and contribute to the architectural integrity of historical or high-end homes.

In the sections that follow, this page will explore the full range of benefits, performance features, and overall long-term value of choosing North Country Slate for your roofing project—helping you understand why natural slate remains one of the most trusted and enduring roofing materials in the world.

Ready to take the next step toward a roof that delivers unmatched longevity, beauty, and performance? North Country Slate is here to guide you with expert advice, premium-quality materials, and the proven results that only true natural slate can offer. Whether you’re seeking detailed technical specifications, color samples to compare, or a customized project quote, our team is equipped to support you at every stage—from early planning to final installation. With products tested to the highest standards, impact ratings that stand up to extreme weather, and a lifespan that outperforms conventional roofing by generations, North Country Slate offers a roofing solution that delivers enduring value and timeless architectural appeal. Contact North Country Slate today to request your samples, ask questions, or receive a personalized quote—and experience the confidence of choosing a roof built to last a century or more.

Other benefits to North Country Slate natural slate roofing shingles:

• ASTM E108-10 Class A (highest) Fire Resistance Rating*
• FM4473 Class 3 or Class 4 Hail Impact Rating**
• ASTM D3161-15 Class F (highest) Wind Resistance Rating***

*As per 2015 International Building Code section 1505.2 and tested by the National Slate Association July 13, 2010.

**As tested by the National Slate Association February 25, 2010.

***As tested by the National Slate Association December 8, 2015.

Fire Resistance of Natural Slate Roofing – UL 790

“Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Roof Coverings”

Natural slate received IBC Class A (highest fire rating available) Fire Resistance Rating when 1/4” thick, North American slate shingles were installed at a 3” headlap over No. 30 felt underlayment on a 1/2″ plywood roof deck.

Click on report – NSA Fire Resistance Of Slate Test Report

Fire resistance of roofing slates: Mechanical, mineralogical and aesthetic changes alongside temperature increase

Victor Cárdenes is geologist with a PhD in roofing slate. Currently a part-time professor at the Oviedo University, Petrology and Geochemistry Department in Oviedo, Spain.

Click on report – NSA Fire resistance of roofing slates temperature increase Report

Complying with Factory Mutual FM 4473, Specification Test

Standards For Impact Resistant Testing Of Rigid Roofing Materials

By Impacting With Freezer Ice Balls.

3/8” thick, S-1 rated, North American-produced roofing slate met Class 4 requirements, surviving the impact of 2” ice balls travelling at 76 MPH.

1/4″ thick, S-1 rated, North American-produced roofing slate met Class 3 requirements, surviving the impact of 1 3/4″ ice balls travelling at 69 MPH.

Click on report – Hail Test Report

It is important to note that some insurance companies offer a reduction in residential insurance premiums when a Class 3 or Class 4 rating is met.

ASTM D3161/D3161M-15: Standard Test Method for Wind Resistance of Steep Slope Roofing Products (Fan-Induced Method)

Testing conducted by PRI Construction Materials Technologies LLC, 1/4’’ thick, S-1 rated, North American produced roofing slate met the requirements of the highest-Class F (110 mph) roofing product.

Click on report: ASTM D3161 D3161M-15 Standard Test Method for Wind-Resistance of Steep Slope Roofing Products