What You Need to Know About Slate Roof Installation

Slate is one of the longest-lasting roofing materials available today. It can last for more than a century when well maintained. If you’re living in your forever home, then this roofing option is ideal for you.

Here are things you need to know about slate roof installation from a trusted roofing contractor.

Origin

Aside from the cost and color of slate, you also need to know where the material originated. You need to know the name and location of the quarry. The location matters because some quarries have better reputations and warranties than others.

Choose a roofer who offers at least 75 years warranty coverage for slate. You can visit the Slate Roofing Contractors Association for a list of reputable manufacturers and quarries.

Sidelap and Headlap

Experienced roofing contractors make chalk lines on the felt underlayment to make sure the slates overlap enough to prevent water from entering your home.

Slates should overlap by more than three inches on the sides. The headlap or the overlap at the top of each slate is even more important. You need three inches of headlap if you have a steep roof with a pitch of at least 8:12. Moreover, if your roof is between 4:12 and 8:12, the slates should have a headlap of at least four inches. Slate isn’t recommended for roofs that shallower than 4:12.

Metal Combination

Roofers typically use copper or coated stainless steel in slate roofs. No matter what kind of metal your contractor uses for the roofing system, they should be consistent to prevent galvanic corrosion.

Some metals can react when they come in contact with each other. It’s why the metal components of a slate roof usually fail first before the roofing material itself. Your roofer should carefully choose the metals used in flashing, ridges, rivets, drip edges, valleys, nails, gutters and downspouts.

For quality slate roofing installation, choose Adams Roofing Professionals, Inc. Our experienced team specializes in roof repair, replacement and maintenance. Call us at (847) 354-4321 or fill out our contact form to schedule an inspection.

I wanted to let you know about an experience I had with one of your employees. I live at 1200 Knottingham Court in Kingsport Estates and apparently, your company is servicing our condo association. My building has had a leak in the entryway for several months and Eddie was dispatched out to have me show him the source of the leak inside. I met him on Friday, September 21st and just wanted to tell you how impressed I was with his friendliness and professionalism. He immediately found the source of the leak and even went up on the roof to show me. He assured me that someone would take care of it as soon as possible and told me he would give the report priority to avoid any further damage. As someone who used to be in Customer Service, I always value a company that hires people that are not only skilled at their trade, but also skilled at interacting with people. Eddie is a great example of that and I wanted you to know so you could tell him what a great job he does! I am so glad that Alma Management chose Adams Roofing to be our roofing contractor!... [more]

Jeremy Q, CMCA, AMS

Adams Roofing has a great team to work perfectly with condo and townhome Associations. We are currently in the middle of a 6 year, 49 building tear-off project. Adams works hand in hand with the engineers, delivers according to the specifications, and provides great customer service to the homeowners and management team.... [more]

Sue T.

Good Afternoon, I am writing to you on behalf of the Mission Hills M-8 Association. I would like to tell you how happy we are with the work that you completed for our Association. Your supervisor Eddie was great. We liked his professionalism and his work ethic. He kept us informed, and delivered on all his promises. Please make sure that any other jobs you do for us include him. Best regards, Joey Mission Hills Management... [more]

Brett K.

Charlie, Thanks very much for replacing the gutter! No one has been out to do it, at least before I left for work this morning. But I will definitely let you know whether it’s done correctly. I am very satisfied with your roofing job. It looks great, and more importantly, there were no leaks when it rained (even though we haven’t gotten really hard rains yet). So, I have been very pleased with my experience with Adams, especially with the professionalism and responsiveness of you and Dan. Thanks.... [more]

Keith M.

I wanted to take a moment to comment on your technician, Eddie. Eddie was assigned to inspect a roof leak I am having in my home in Cobblestone Circle. He was prompt, professional, courteous and informative; everything a customer could ask for when inviting a contractor into their home. Eddie represents Adams Roofing Well; and clearly he is an asset to your company. Kudos to him! Thank you.... [more]

Rick H.