Slate Roof Contractor | New & Rebuild

Slate is one of the few building materials that actually becomes tougher and more resilient with age, and slate roofs dating back to the 18th century still protect buildings today. The color and quality of slate varies with its geographic origin, but all natual slate is essentially impervious to the elements. Slate graded the highest for strength and hardness is practically non-porous, and makes the most lasting roofing material known. The best slate is quarried in the northeast corner of North America, with the absolute finest coming from Vermont, New York, and Canada. Natural slate is quarried from dense rock formed from beds of shale (laminated rock consisting essentially of clay) that have been subjected to the intense pressure and high temperature of the crumpling and folding of the earth's crust. Recently, manufacturers have developed forms of "slate" made from a fibre cement based material and more recently in resin and polymer forms.

Once you have narrowed down the field with reference to choice of contractor and materials, it is time to compare the written estimates. Make sure all the estimates cover the same workmanship and materials to complete the project. Some variables you might find or want to consider are as follows.

Re-roof or Overlay? Legally, you can install a new roof over your existing roof so long as it does not exceed three layers; however, this could change the fire rating. For instance, if you install a Class A materials over a material of a lesser fire-rating, it reduced the fire-rating of the new system. Even though the cost is somewhat higher to remove the existing roof, it is a recommended practice. Once the existing roof is removed, the contractor can check for any termite or dry-rot damage and make repairs before installing the new system. YOUR NEW ROOF WILL NOT LAST AS LONG IF YOU OVERLAY THE EXISTING ROOF

Underlayment and Sheeting: The felt underlayment is a critical part of the roofing system. It is the roofing felt that actually makes the roof watertight. Uniform building requires #15 felt, two layers if the pitch is less than a 4/12 pitch. It is advisable to upgrade your underlayment to a #30 felt or possibly two layers for roof systems such as tile applications. If sheeting is required, plywood is far superior to the less expensive OSB Board. Make sure you know what your contractor intends to use.

Flashings and Vents: Does the estimate include replacing all the rooftop metal and flashings? Even if the metal appears to be in fairly good condition at the time, it is more cost effective to replace all heating vents, plumbing jacks, and any flashings at the time your home is being re-roofed. It is much costlier to have to replace the metal at a later date. It is a nice addition to the appearance of your home if the contractor paints the rooftop metal to match the new roof.