Roof tiles made of slate are not new or modern. Slate roofing tiles have a long history that dates back to many hundreds of years. Of all roof tiles types, slate tiles have survived best the ravages of time. Even to this day, they survive as a prized variety of roofing material since it has a high quality, is very durable and long-lasting, and looks spectacular even in older buildings.
Like any other roofing material, roof covering tiles have their own downside. Slate based tiles are heavy and installing them on a roof can be hard work. Roof tiles must be handled carefully to avoid breakage. Especially when those tiles are made from natural materials like slate, the cost can be exorbitantly high, making it ever more important to handle materials carefully.
There are several benefits to using slate roof tiles for buildings.
1. It is Natural
Of all roof tiles types, slate tiles are natural stone. The tiles are crafted out of sedimentary rock, with every set of tiles having its own unique texture and design. That adds to the appeal of tile roofs, but can make replacement or repairs a tricky affair, since it is difficult to match the older tiles with new ones which may be carved from a different block of slate.
2. It is Long Lasting
Tile roofs typically last for many decades. Some churches in the United States and Europe have tile roofs that have lasted for longer than 100 years. It is common to see buildings where the roofs outlive the rest of the infrastructure. However, in order to get the highest value out of these roofing materials, it is mandatory that the installation be done correctly. When you find a skilled craftsman who can install your tile roof, you can relax and enjoy your durable new roof while others who employ alternative materials find themselves having to change their roof (or repair it) every 20 years or so.
3. It is Attractive and Appealing
When it comes to beauty and elegance, there are few roofing materials to rival roofing slate tiles. No other material, or even other roof tiles types, come close to the peerless look and appeal of slate based tiles. It may appear, at first glance, that a natural material should be limited in the range of looks it can provide. But nature is indeed magical, and you can find slate tiles roofing material in a wide range of tints and patterns, thickness and colors. Roof tiles types come in grey and green, purple and black, and even a distinctive shade of red.
4. It is Fire Resistant
Roof tile material made of slate are resistant to fire. It is just as if you have layered slabs of stone on your roof, so tile roofs are the most fire-resistant option of all kinds of roofing materials. This makes slate tiles an ideal option for homes built in areas with risk of forest fires and can guard against accidental sparks in the kitchen.
5. It is Environment Friendly
Lasting for decades, slate tile roofs won’t be a concern for landfill overflows in a city. Asphalt roofing as well as other kinds will need an overhaul every 30 years or so. The old roof that is torn down will be returned to a landfill, stressing the environment in a way that’s hard to imagine. City planners are always concerned about this impact, and must constantly seek places to accommodate the growing demand for landfill area. In this sense, slate roof tiles have a very low adverse impact on the environment.
Top Of The Range – Dependable, Upmarket And Tough Slate Roofing Tile
Slate roofing has been used for a long time and with an excellent reasons. It’s a reliable and durable building material that’s easy to use and extremely tough. As roofing, it’s famous for its durability. Slate roofs are known to last longer than homes. It is the best alternative for those looking for an attractive design and a stylish roofing.
Slate roofing design options
Slate roofs are in a class of their own. They are extremely durable, solid materials, favored by builders, architects and designers as well. Welsh Penrhyn is the most well-known type of roofing slate. This slate has been mined continuously for over 300 years. The current life of the product is 200 years. Modern Canadian and
Spanish slates come with a 75-year warranty. Only stone can last this long.
For aesthetics slate roofs are frequently utilized for their durability for all kinds of conditions. Slate’s attributes are a great reference for its reputation as a roofing material.
- High Density Stone
- Salt isn’t affecting
- Fireproof
- Resistant to heat and pollutants
- Slate doesn’t fade
- Natural colour with good natural look
Conventional roofing tiles are identical to ceramics or bricks. They’re not as durable as slate and have different characteristics. Designers will consider slate to be the better alternative.
The slate roof is real stone and has a much higher aesthetic value. Slate can also be employed to create complex designs for roofing.
Small or large, slate roofing does it all
It has a long history of being used for everything from cottage roofs to cathedrals. It’s a clear indication of the versatility and adaptability of slate roofing for any roofing task.Slate roofing rarely if ever requires replacement and is actually considered an asset for the value of a home. This is a good thing. Conventional roofing can be quite expensive, and replacement adds more expense over time. The slate roof does represent significant value for homeowners. There are many roofing contractors who won’t stock anything but slate, especially in the US and Canada, where it’s considered to be a highly sought-after type of roofing, that can withstand blizzards as well as heat waves.
Getting a quote
It is a good idea to think about and plan prior to shopping for slate.
- From your plans, define the roof’s area. It is a square metre area which is sufficient for a reliable quote.
- To get an idea about the cost ranges, take a to look at the various types of slate roofing available.
- Choose the color scheme you’d like to have. Slate can have subtle color variations based on the composition. It can be light or pale grey, or dark or blue.
Slate Roof Tiles Stand the Test of Time
There are numerous options for homeowners looking to repair or replace their roof. There are a variety of options that range from various styles and colors to the real material. It is essential to investigate everything prior to deciding to invest your money in an entirely new roof. There are numerous options when it comes to roofing materials. These include composition shingles composed of fiberglass or asphalt, steel, clay roofs, and metal slate tiles. These styles will last anywhere between 20 and 100 years, and can differ in cost and benefits as dramatically.
Composite shingles are made from asphalt and fiberglass, which are a long-lasting choice for roofing. They can be put up on the existing roof and are easy to put up. They come in a wide range of colors and textures, and require minimal maintenance, and require only occasional replacement for shingles blown off by strong winds. Recently, metal roofing has been gaining popularity due to its ability to reduce energy bills up to 20%. In addition, it is very easy to maintain and comes in many appealing styles and shades. They are also robust and cost-effective, with a the lifespan of 20-30 years.
To have a roof that is guaranteed to last at minimum 100 years and give your house a classic, unique appearance, your option is clear…slate roofing tiles. These slivers of rock that resemble shingles are available in many rich, natural tones, and have an unmistakable , timeless appeal. It is essential that a slate roof be constructed by a qualified professional. Once installed, it requires very little maintenance. The slate roof is not vulnerable to rot or insect damage. Careful consideration should be taken by anyone needing access to the roof since these tiles are easily broken. A slate roof can be costly for homeowners. Because of the additional weight of slate tiles, structural work could be required before installing a roof. The expense of a slate roof can be up to five times the cost of traditional roofing materials. However, it is likely to last five times longer and also.
Whatever material you use, a roof is an investment.
What You Need To Know About Slate Roofing Tiles
Roof tiles can be used on both commercial and residential roofs. They protect your house from the elements of nature like hail, snow and wind as well as sun. They also aid in keeping the structure framing system clean and covered to ensure it’s not damaged.
They can boost the insulation of your roof and also help keep your home cool in hot climates dependent on the way they were installed.
In addition to these tiles, they give your home an elegant look which is very appealing to many people.
Types
There are three kinds of tiles: slate, cement, and clay. Tiles made of clay are the most common kind of tiles. They are constructed from clay and baked to remove moisture. Concrete versions are constructed from cement and they tend to be less expensive than the clay tiles.
The slate materials are made of natural stones and are usually preferred by many people because of their distinctive design and look.
The clay and concrete versions can be constructed with U and S shapes. But, different models are also available that are flat or have interlocking designs.
Advantages
The roofing materials they use have the advantage of being robust and long-lasting. They are also resistant to fire and simple to repair if they’re damaged by the elements or wind.
Another benefit is that you don’t need paint the sake of keeping their appearance; therefore, you are able to save a significant amount of money.
Disadvantages
Althoughtiles offer many advantages, they also have their fair share of disadvantages. The disadvantage is that tiles tend to be very heavy, so buildings might not be able to handle their weight unless they are specifically designed for them.
Tiles are more expensive than the other roofing materials which is why they are difficult to finance in several. The installation of these tiles requires special skills thus it is necessary to engage an expert to install the materials for you.
Installation
The tiles are usually installed on top of roofing sheathing as well as an air barrier. You can use flat tiles directly on your roof deck. However concrete tiles, round or rounded require wooden battens or steel lathes to be installed.
To ensure that the installation is done properly, employ a professional to offer professional services and make sure that your roof will last for a lengthy period of time.
Slate and Tile Roof Repair – Do You Need an Expert Roofer to Find Leaks?
A roof that is leaking can be a nightmare for homeowners, and the actual cause may result from a myriad of causes. You may not see the issue you believe it’s. It can be difficult to determine the source of leaks around chimneys. There could be obvious issues that are the cause, but there could also exist underlying issues. An experienced roofing professional can identify the cause of a leak and then fix it.
These are just some of the primary reasons behind the roof to leak:
- Flashing issues – Flashing refers to a thin piece of metal which is put between seams and joints to stop water from getting in. Flashing is made of many different kinds of metal, and copper is one of the most popular in old houses and churches. It can cause cracks and degraded flashing around chimneys. In this instance the flashing around the chimney should be removed and replaced with new flashings that are hand-soldered.
- Gutters If a section near the chimney’s gutter doesn’t drain properly, water could get in and cause harm. This could lead to a chimney leak. Cleaning the gutters and downspouts regularly as well as relining the box gutters and adjusting hanging gutters may be necessary to correct the problem. There are a variety of gutters that are available. In some older homes you can even have the possibility of having 2 or 3 different types on the same house!
- Flaws in the roofing materials In the case of a slate or tile roof damaged or missing slate or tile could easily cause the possibility of a leak. The worn-out, damaged or old underlayment could be the problem with the tile roof. The asphalt roof could have reached the limit of its lifespan. The damage from storms is a common cause of leaks in any roofing.
A skilled roofer is required to inspect your roof each year. Inquire about the inspection of your gutters and roof to ensure that they’re working as it should. Copper gutters and galvanized gutters can rust over time. If gutters aren’t able to drain rainwater and melting snow away properly water can build up beneath the roof surface and cause hidden leaks. If gutters aren’t correctly draining rainwater and melting snow it could lead to damage to the roof.
Slate Roof Tiles FAQs
What Are the Pros and Cons of Slate Roofing?
It’s low maintenance, ages beautifully, requires few repairs, and has a unique appearance. And unlike some other roofing materials, slate is eco-friendly with no asphalt, fiberglass, or plastic components.
Disadvantages include complications replacing a broken tile, the higher cost, and the extra care it takes to make sure it’s properly installed.
Can my home support the weight of a slate roof?
Most homes can. You may have heard about slate roofs that failed within a couple years of installation. It’s generally because the underlying structure was weak to begin with. Since slate is heavier than most roofing materials, it’s important to have a professional slate roofing contractor test the roof’s support capabilities.
How long will my slate roof last?
Slate is natural stone that is millions of years old. The S1 grade that is mined in North America is strong, dense, and durable and, as long as it isn’t sealed or painted, can last for hundreds of years on a roof. Slate roofs also do not hold up well to foot traffic which could snap, perforate, or dislodge tiles.
Is a slate roof difficult to maintain?
Slate is naturally waterproof and non-combustible which makes it ideal for protecting your home in the event of a fire. Highly resistant to heavy rain and wind, it also is not affected by mold or fungus. All these traits add up to a practically maintenance-free roof.
Does slate only come in gray?
No, slate’s color options include green, plum, red, and black, as well as mixed color variations that naturally occur. Your slate roof will truly be one-of-a-kind!
How much does slate roofing cost?
It depends, and costs vary broadly depending on thickness, weight, roof pitch, and ease of installation. Estimates range from $10 to $40 and more per square foot.
Do I need a specialist to install a slate roof?
A slate roof is more of an art form so it’s typically not a good DIY project. To protect your investment, it’s best to find a fully-trained professional to install slate roofing projects.
Slate Roof Installation
Mighty Dog Roofing provides the the best choice for roofer slate roof installers located at Plano Texas. Our Plano slate roof contractors are some of the best in the region. They are among the top roof contractors in Plano. We’ve been installing slate roofs for nearly sixty years. We don’t want to take shortcuts or cut corners because we know how important these elements are. We can be trusted to offer a high-quality product and excellent service.
Slate Roof Installation With Hip and Ridge Joints
Slate roofs are preferred by many as they are among the best types of roofs. Though the installation cost quite a bit of money, slate roofs are great in improving the general appeal of the housing. Usually, homes with this type of roof installation have higher values.
Slate roof installation involves setting the hip and ridge joints. Before slating the roof, furring strips along the hip need to be installed. The standard thickness of slates is 3/16″ to 1/4 “. For slates with this thickness, 3/4″ furring strips are recommended. Nail these furring strips to the roof using 2.5″ hot dipped galvanized common nails.
On the bottom of the furring strips, install the first piece of the copper flashing using 1.5 copper roofing nail. To hide the furring strips, fold the bottom of the flashing.
Slate roof installation follows after the copper flashing has been nailed and folded. Install the slates over the flashing by nailing them into the furring strips. 1.5 copper roofing nails can be used but certain areas need to be attached with 2.5 copper roofing nails.
Install the next piece of step flashing over the hip slates. For this, a single nail will do. After this, nail the next pair of hip slates over it with at least two nails per slate. Fold the flashing lengthwise in half with 4″ in each side. With this, the overlying slates and flashings, the 16″ hip slates are to be overlapped halfway. Meanwhile, the step flashings would be overlapping each other by 2″.
Continue the setting up in this manner, flashing over the top of each pair of hip slates. The hip slates can be installed even without cutting and they do not to be tapered as well. To finish quickly, install the slates in pairs, not one side at a time.
Slate Roofing Made Easy – Choosing The Right Tools And Materials
If you’re planning to construct your own slate roofing, it is highly advisable that you do your research ahead of time. Preparation is the key to success, so prior to you begin, ensure that you are knowledgeable about slate varieties, manufacturing methods flashing, sheathing nails and roofing materials as well as slate roofing tools.
Before you put up a slate roof, make sure your roof is in good condition. Roofs made of slate shouldn’t be lower than a slope of 4:12. This is an absolute minimum of 12 feet of elevation on 12 feet of run. If your roof is meeting these standards, then you need to think about purchasing the right tools for slicing and the materials needed to complete the task.
Tools
Make sure you have the correct slate tools and they are being used. The basic toolkit you should have should consist of an a slate ripper slate cutter and a slate Hammer. When cutting slates, use a slate cutter not a diamond saw. The former creates an edge with a bevel on the slate that matches the appearance of other slates, whereas a diamond blade creates the appearance of a square edge. unnatural.
Slates
All slates are not created equal and you want the correct slates for your roofing. When selecting slates, take into consideration the quality, type size, thickness and the impact on your work. The thicker slates are more difficult to cut, while smaller slates take longer to install because there are more of them.
Check that the slates have nails in the correct location. The holes must be placed so that you can put the nails to be just above the top of the underlying slate. If the nail holes are not deep enough, you’ll be nailing right into the head of the slate underneath, and should not do that since it can create leaks.
Be sure to order the correct quantity of slates. It is important to calculate your head lap prior to time and order enough slates for it. It is best to order starter course slates separately. The slates for the starter course should have the nail holes on only the front and the top.
Materials
Slate Nails
Good nails are essential. Choose stainless steel or aluminum nails for slate nails. Copper nails are preferred for coastal regions and silicon-bronze nails are best in harsh conditions.
Make sure you use the correct length of nail. When you install your nails, they must only penetrate the roof deck boards. This is important because if the they are too long, they will traverse the boards, breaking them and splintering the wood on the back. This can reduce the thickness of the boards as well as the holding power of the nails.
Decking materials
The decking materials under the slate must last at least as long as the slates themselves, which is why it is important to select materials that are strong enough to last. This requirement can be met with battens and wooden boards with a an average thickness of 20-40mm. They may be rough-sawn, planned or of tongue-in-groove type. Concrete that is nail-nailed or gypsum are also durable decking materials. Avoid plywood and laminated wood.
Underlay
Roofs made of slate don’t require underlay. The underlay is essentially the water barrier from the moment slate tiles are laid down and the flashings are applied. It also acts as a substrate for your chalk lines. A one-layer of 30lb felt is enough in most instances.
Flashing material
Make sure you use a good flashing material. It is possible to use stainless steel, copper, or even sheet lead. The material you choose to use should be heavier on valleys and gutters , but lighter on chimney flashings or ridges.
Slate Roofing For Your House
Before you decide to build a slate roof by yourself there are certain things that you should know. Let’s now look at the various issues that arise with slate roofing. The first thing you need to check is whether your roof is sloped to a ratio greater than 4:12. The slope should be raised 4 feet for every 12 feet.
Roof Tools
The most common tools used for roofing slates include the slate ripper, cutter and the slate hammer. Do not use a diamond saw to cut slates that have an edge that is square. Instead, use the slate cutter to make a neat look.
Slate Variety
As with any construction material slates are available in various kinds. Slates differ in their quality, the type of material and size, as well as of course their thickness. The slate you pick will impact the way you build your roof built. The slates have nail holes and you must ensure that the slates placed in a way to allow the nail to be inserted on top of the underlying slate’s head. This will ensure that there won’t be any leaks.
Once you’ve decided on the kind of slate you’ll use to make your roof, make sure to get the correct amount. You might find that the slates you purchased are not available anymore and you must be returned to the shop. You may need to purchase extra slates in case some plates are damaged during roof construction. You can purchase the starter slates separately.
Other Materials
Slate roofing will use many nails. Choose stainless steel or aluminum nails to avoid rusting. If you live in an area where there are severe weather conditions , then copper nails are the ones to go with. When roofing slate the length of nails is vital. The nails shouldn’t exceed the deck of the roof. If they are not, it could cause damage to wooden boards.
Alongside nails, you’ll use decking materials too. They should be the same length as the slates below. Avoid laminated and plywood decks. If you wish to add an underlay to keep water in until slates are laid.
Slate Roof Repairs – The 100 Year Roof!
