North Country Lightweight Slate Roofing

SlateTec by North Country – Part 1 – Tools & Materials

Installing a SlateTec by North Country lightweight roof system can be quick and easy with the following material list; 12” or 14” (length) North Country Slate natural slate shingles, HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) SlateTec Interlayment and copper slate nails and repair hooks. List of tools required for a successful installation include; snips, chalk line, slate hammer, utility knife and plyers.

Slate
Interlayment
Copper Nails and Slate Repair Hooks
Snips
Chalk line
Hammer
Utility Knife
Plyers
Slate Cutter
Optional Step Flashing

SlateTec by North Country – Part 2 – Deck Prep

Preparing for the installation of a SlateTec by North Country lightweight roof system requires following local building code standards. Once the approved roof deck and underlayment is installed, you can start to install 1/4″ cant strip followed by eave drip edge. Next install any valley metal and rake edge metal and attach ridge nailer for final course of slate.

Approved Roof Deck as required by local building codes.
Approved Underlayment as required by local building codes.
Install 1/4″ cant strip.
Install eave drip edge.
Install valley metal.
Install rake edge metal.
Optional: Install ice dam protection membrane.
Attach ridge nailer.

SlateTec by North Country – Part 3 – Introduction to Field Slate Installation

Once your deck preparation is completed you can start to measure and chalk your roof layout. Your first step to field installation will be to install the first course of interlayment. Ensure all interlayment laps over rake, eave, and valley metal. When installing field slates ensure a minimum gap of 1/16” between slates. Interlayment for 12” length slates will be marked at 8” (exposure) and 14” length slates will be marked at 10” (exposure). Interlayment MUST cover nail heads which are typically 2.5” – 3” down from top of slate. Continuing installing subsequent interlayment and field slate courses up the roof.

Install first course of interlayment.
Lap interlayment over Rake, Eave and Valley metal.
Slate overhangs rake and eave.
Ensure minimum 1/16” gap between slates.
Cut valley slates.
Mark 8” exposure for 12” (L) slates or 10” exposure for 14” (L) slates for next course of interlayment.
Alight bottom edge of interlayment to 8” or 10” marks.
Important: Interlayment MUST cover nail heads.
Install subsequent courses.

SlateTec by North Country – Part 4 – Valley Course Installation

Installing slates reaching into valleys and rake edges is best done utilizing the widest slate possible for nailing strength, ease of installation and overall improved stability. Installing slates from the valley & rake edge working towards the middle of the field on valley courses can offer an ease of installation. Cut top corner of interlayment at 45° angle to help divert water into the valley and lap interlayment over valley. Lap interlayment over rake metal edge. Ensure a 6” lap on all interlayment course joints.

Installation Tip: Work from the OUTSIDES toward the MIDDLE on valley courses.
Trim top corner of interlayment at valley intersection at 45° angle.
Lap interlayment over valley metal.
Lap interlayment over rake metal.
Installation Tip: Cut wider VALLEY slates for easier installation and improved stability.
Installation Tip: Use wider RAKE slates for easier installation and improved stability.
Cut slates to close the course.
Minimum 6” lap on interlayment joints.

SlateTec by North Country – Part 5 – Approach Slate to Ridge Cap

Mark and install interlayment to ensure proper width to bottom of ridge nailer and trim excess interlayment. Cut and fit approach slates as necessary as last course of field installation. Ensure minimum 6” lap on interlayment joints.

Installation Tip: SlateTec is available for both TRADITIONAL or STAGGARED installations.
Cut interlayment to bottom of ridge nailer.

SlateTec by North Country – Part 6 – Ridge Cap

Install interlayment over ridge apex and ensure that it covers nail heads of last course of field slates on both sides. Install 12” length ridge slates at 8” (exposure) and 14” length ridge slates at 10” (exposure). Apply dab of adhesive to upper corner of ridge slates to increase installation bond and install pairs of ridge slates at apex tightly together. Continue this installation process along the length of the ridge cap.

Apply mastic to ridge slates.
Mark 8” exposure for 12” (L) slates or 10” exposure for 14” (L) slates for saddle ridge slates.

SlateTec by North Country – Part 7 – Repair

Repairing a SlateTec roof system is easy. Start by removing the broken slate with a slate ripper. Locate the top edge of the slate in the course below and install a 4” slate repair hook Slate Shingle Tools & Accessories at this top edge. Cut a piece of interlayment bib and trim the corners. Insert bib into place of slate and set into repair hook so that it covers hook shank and penetration point. Slide replacement slate up into place and set in repair hook.

Remove broken slate with slate ripper.
Locate top edge of lower course.
Install 4” repair hook at top edge of lower course.
Cut interlayment bib to fit repair.
Ensure all penetrations are completely covered.
Set interlayment bib in repair hook.

SlateTec by North Country – Part 8 – Finished Roof

This innovative lightweight slate roof system allows a 35-40% reduction in roof weight to accommodate slate roofs at less than 6 lbs. per square foot. This system is perfect for new construction or roof replacements upgrades from a cedar shake, plastic fake slate, or asphalt shingle roof without any structural support requirements. Designed and manufactured using North American produced products with our complete range of natural North Country Slate ASTM S-1 roofing shingles, this system offers the security of a traditional slate roof at a fraction of the weight.