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.
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.
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.
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.
Without a well-maintained gutter system, rainwater or snowmelt will not be able to run off…
A roof ventilation system provides a continual flow of air through the attic space. It…
Rainfall, hailstorms and blistering sunlight can all cause damage to your roofing system. But if…
To protect your home from the harsh elements day in and day out–that’s the primary…
An old exterior with chipping paint, dark-colored stains, hail dents, or other forms of damage…
Asphalt shingles are the number one choice for residential roofing in North America for good…