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 in use for a long time, with an excellent reason. It’s a dependable building material, easy to work and extremely tough. It’s widely known for its endurance as an roofing material. Slate roofs are known to last longer than houses. This is the most straightforward alternative for those looking for beautiful design and attractive roofing.
Slate roofing design options
Slate roofs are in a class in their own. They are long-lasting and reliable , which is why they are preferred by architects, builders, and designers. The best quality for roofing slates is Welsh Penrhyn, a type of slate that has been continuously mined for more than 300 years. The life expectancy of the slate is 200 years. Modern Canadian and
Spanish slates come with a 75-year guarantee. Stone can only last this for this long.
For aesthetics slate roofs are frequently utilized for their durability for all kinds of conditions. The characteristics of slate are a great reference to its credentials for roofing materials:
- Stone with high density
- Salt isn’t affecting
- Fireproof
- Resistant to heat and pollutants
- Slate doesn’t fade
- Natural colour is a good choice
Traditional roofing tiles appear similar to ceramics and bricks. They’re not as high in quality of slate, and can’t match the other characteristics. For designers, slate is simply a much better choice.
The slate roof is a genuine stone and comes with more aesthetic value. Slate can also be employed to create complex roof designs.
Big or small slate roofing can do everything
It has a long history of being used for everything from cathedrals to cottage roofs. This is an excellent illustration of the versatility of slate roofing and the way it can be used in any roofing task. There’s a reason behind this. The traditional roofing system can be costly, and replacement can result in cost in the long run. The slate roof does represent an actual value to the home owner. There are numerous roofing companies that will only stock slate, notably in the US, where it’s considered to be a highly sought-after kind of roofing that is capable of surviving blizzards and heat waves.
Getting a quote
When shopping for slate, it is recommended to plan and calculate before you buy:
- The roof’s size should be determined from your drawings. This is a square metre that is precise enough to give a precise estimate.
- Check out the kinds of slate roofing options available, starting with the best quality slate, like the Welsh Penrhyn, in order to give you an idea of cost and ranges.
- Select the colour scheme you’d like. Slate offers subtle variations in color based on composition, from a light grey to a blue grey.
Slate Roof Tiles Stand the Test of Time
Homeowners contemplating replacing their roof can choose from a wide range of options. From various designs and colors, to the materials themselves it is advisable to conduct a thorough study before investing money into the construction of a new roof. There are numerous options when it comes to roofing materials. They include shingles made of composition constructed from fiberglass or asphalt and steel, as well as clay roofing, and slate tiles. These types of roofing last from 20 to 100 years, and can differ in terms of cost and benefits as much.
Composition shingles made of fiberglass or asphalt provide a durable option for roofing. These shingles can be installed on existing roofs and are simple to put up. They are available in a variety of shades and textures, and are able to be replaced if they become damaged by strong winds. Metal roofing is gaining popularitydue to it being proved to lower energy costs by up to 20 percent. It is also very easy to maintain and comes in many stunning designs and colors. These choices are robust and cost-effective, with a the lifespan between 20 and 30 years.
To have a roof that is guaranteed to last for at least 100 years, and give your home an authentic, unique look the best option is clear…slate roofing tiles. These shingle-like slivers of rock come in a variety of natural, rich tones, and have the unmistakable beauty of time. A slate roof should be put up by a well skilled professional. After that, it is very low maintenance. The slate roof will not be vulnerable to rot and insect damage. Careful consideration should be taken by anyone needing access to the roof as these tiles can be easily broken. A slate roof is expensive for homeowners. Because of the extra weight of these tiles and the structural nature of slate, some work might be needed prior to installing a roof. A slate roof can be more costly than traditional roofing materials however it will last five times longer.
Whatever the materials you select, a roof is an investment.
What You Need To Know About Slate Roofing Tiles
Roof tiles are installed on the roofs of both residential and commercial buildings. They protect your home from elements outside like hail, snow and wind as well as sun. They also help keep the structural framing system clean and covered to ensure it isn’t damaged.
They can boost the roof insulation level and also help keep your home cool in hot climates dependent on the way they were put in place.
Furthermore, the tiles will give your house an elegant design that appeals to a lot of people.
Types of tiles
There are a variety of tiles: clay, cement and slate are the primary types. Clay tiles are traditional tiles that are baked using natural clay in order to remove moisture. Concrete versions are constructed from cement , and tend to be much cheaper than clay ones.
Slate products are made from natural stone . They are typically preferred by lots of people due to their unique design and appearance.
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 primary benefit of the roofing materials is the fact that they’re versatile and long-lasting. These materials are fire-resistant and are easily repaired if damaged by the elements or wind.
Another benefit is that you don’t need to paint them them to retain their appearance; therefore, you save money.
Advantages and Disadvantages
These tiles offer many benefits however, they do have some disadvantages. The downside is that tiles are typically extremely heavy, and therefore structures may not be able to support their weight unless they are specifically designed to support them.
They are also costly when compared with other roofing materials. Hence, they tend to be expensive for many. The installation of these tiles requires specific skills, so you have to hire an expert to put the tiles up for you.
Installation
The tiles are generally installed on top of roof sheathing and an air barrier. Flat tiles can be installed directly on your deck. However concrete tiles, round or rounded require wooden battens or steel lathes for installation.
It is recommended to hire an expert to ensure that the roof installation is completed correctly and lasts for for a long time.
Slate and Tile Roof Repair – Do You Need an Expert Roofer to Find Leaks?
Leaks in roofs can create havoc for homeowners. There could be a variety of reasons. What you may see as the most obvious problem may not be the case, and fixing just that may not solve it. Leaks that occur around chimneys are particularly difficult to determine since the cause behind it is not always readily discernible. There could be obvious issues that are the cause however there could exist underlying issues. It takes a real experienced roofing expert to spot the exact causes of leaks and fix it properly.
These are just some of the main reasons for leaky roofs:
- Flashing issues – Flashing refers to an extremely thin piece of metal which is put in joints and seams to prevent water from entering. Flashing can be made from many different kinds of metal, copper is the most common found in old homes and churches. When flashing is installed around a chimney this can get ruined and lead to leaks. In such an instance the flashings that were previously in place would need to be taken off and replaced with new hand-soldered flashings.
- Gutters If a portion of the gutter that is near the chimney is not draining properly, the water can be able to get into the chimney and could appear to be an issue with the chimney. Cleaning the gutters and downspouts regularly, re-lining box gutters or adjusting hanging gutters may be required to fix the issue. There are numerous kinds of gutters that are made of a variety of materials. You can have two or three different gutters on the same property in older houses.
- Leakage in roofing materials Damaged or missing tile or slate can lead to a roof leak. A worn-out, worn-out, or damaged underlayment can be a problem for tiles on roofs. In the case of asphalt roofing, the roof material itself might be at the end of its service lifespan. Another cause for roof leakage is storm damage.
A skilled roofer must inspect your roof each year. Get them to look at the gutters and roof over to make sure that it is doing the job it is designed to accomplish. Galvanized gutters and copper gutters will rust over time. If gutters aren’t able to remove snow melt and rainwater away properly water can back up under the roofing surface , causing concealed leaks. If the gutters aren’t effectively draining the snow and melting rainwater could cause roof damage.
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 roofers are among the finest in the entire region. This makes them among the top roofing contractors in Plano. Since 1960, we have been installing slate roofing. We don’t want to take shortcuts or cut corners because we understand how crucial these factors are. You may rely upon us 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
It is strongly recommended that you research before you start installing a slate roof. You need to be ready to be successful. Make sure you know about the various types of slate, manufacturing methods Flashing, sheathing nailing and other products before you start.
Before installing slate roofing, be sure that the roofing is in good repair. The slate roof shouldn’t be put up lower than a slope of 4:12. This is at a minimum of 12 feet elevation over 12 feet of running. If your roof is in compliance with this condition, give thought to buying the right slating tools and to buying slates as well as other materials needed to complete the task.
Tools
You must ensure that you have the right tools for slating, and that they are used. The toolkit that you need to start with will include an a slate ripper slate cutter, and a slate hammer. Make use of a slate cutter not a diamond-cutting saw, when cutting slates. The slate cutter will produce a bevelled edge that matches all other slates. Diamond blades create an edge that is square and appears like it is not natural.
Slates
There are numerous slates available, and different slates may not be the same. You need to choose the appropriate slates for your roofing. When selecting slates, take into consideration the type, quality size, and thickness, as well as their implications for your work. For instance, large slates are harder to cut while smaller slates are more difficult to install as there are fewer of them.
Make sure that the slates have nails in the correct place. The holes should be set in a manner that you can get the nails to be just above the head of the slate that is underneath. If the holes for nailing are not deep enough they will be able to nail right into the head of the underlying slate and you should never do this as it could create leaks.
Make sure you order the correct quantity of slates. It is recommended to calculate your head lap in advance and order enough slates to allow for this. It is best to order starter course slates in separate orders. The nail holes should be for your starter course across the top and on the front of the slate.
Materials
Slate Nails
Good nails are essential. Slate nails should be aluminium or stainless steel. Copper nails are preferred in coastal regions as are silicon-bronze nails best in extreme conditions.
The right length of nails is important. Your nails should just penetrate the decking boards of your roof when installing them. This is important because if the they are too long, they will traverse the board, breaking and splintering the wood on the back. This will reduce the thickness of the boards as well as the ability to hold the boards. nails.
Decking materials
The decking materials under the slate should be as tough as the slates. This is accomplished by wooden boards and battens with an average width of 20-40mm. They can be rough-sawn, laid out or tongue-in-groove. Other materials for decking that are durable are concrete that can be attached to a nail or gypsum. Avoid plywood and laminated wood.
Underlay
Roofs made of slate don’t require underlay. Underlay is essentially used to keep out the water until slate tiles are laid and flashings are installed. It can also be used for drawing chalk lines. Most of the time it is enough to cover a single piece of 30lb felt suffices.
Material for flashing
Make sure you use a good flashing material. Copper, stainless steel or sheet lead are all good choices. It is better to choose a heavier material for valleys and gutters as opposed to ridges and chimney flashings.
Slate Roofing For Your House
If you’ve made the decision to install a slate roof by yourself, there are a few items you’ll need to have ready prior to jumping in. In this article, we will discuss the many issues that come with slate roofing. The first thing you need to ensure is that your roof is sloped to a ratio greater than 4:12. That is it should have a rise of 4 feet over 12 feet.
Roof Tools
A slate hammer, cutter, and slate ripper are among the most commonly used tools for slate roofing. If you don’t want to end up with slates that are square, don’t use the diamond saw. Instead, stick to the slate cutter, which provides a beautiful finish.
Slate Type
Slates are available in various forms, just like any other building material. Slates vary in terms of their quality, material type their size, and of course thickness. The slate you choose will affect how you get your roof built. You need to ensure that the slates have enough space for the nail to go through the head of the slate. This will guarantee that there aren’t any leaks.
Once you’ve decided on the kind of slate that will be your roof, ensure that you purchase the right amount. If you aren’t able to get enough when you go back to the shop and find those slates are gone and you’ll have an appearance of a patch work. It is possible to purchase extra slates in case some plates get damaged in the course of roof construction. It’s a good idea to purchase the starter slates separately.
Other Materials
A lot of nails will be needed for slate roofing. Make sure to use stainless steel or aluminium nails to prevent rust. The most effective type of nail is copper when you live in harsh climate zones. For slate roofing, the nail length is crucial. The nails must not go beyond the roof deck. If you go any further, you’re in danger of damaging the wooden boards.
Alongside nails, you’ll use decking materials as well. Because they are beneath the slates, they should correspond to the length of the slates you purchased. Avoid wooden decks and plywood made of laminated wood. You can also include an underlay in order to prevent water from evaporating until the slates are put in place.
Slate Roof Repairs – The 100 Year Roof!
