North Country Semi-Weathering Gray/Black (Vermont Black) selected as the roofing slate for the Keystone Hospice re-roof project.

North Country Semi-Weathering Gray/Black is a premium quality roofing slate containing shades of gray and black in subtle linear patterns. A percentage of these slates will weather to tones of brown and buff over time. Produced in Vermont, this slate meets or exceeds the ASTM requirements of an S-1 rated roofing slate and was a perfect match to the original slate on the historic Keystone Hospice house.

When replacing a slate roof and placing an order with a supplier/quarry you will need to provide the following information:

What color(s) is the original slate?
Unfading or weathering characteristics?
What is the size and thickness?
What are the quality expectations regarding the slate delivery and supply, and when, where and how will they be met?
Was the original slate installed on a solid roof deck or on battens?
What are the details of any specially trimmed slates or color pattern?
What are the details of the hip, ridge and valley treatments?

Close up of a piece of semi-weathering gray/black roofing slate showing the color variation

A slate’s color is derived from its mineral and chemical composition. Carbon produces the black and gray slates. As a natural product, each piece of slate will be slightly different with a subtle variation in shade, color and grain. The percentage of slate that will weather varies from quarry to quarry. Weathering is a natural process, some slates may fade within a few weeks or sometimes years. When the slate pallets arrive at the jobsite, it’s important to sort and blend pieces to avoid blotches on the roof.

We supplied 70 squares of our North Country Semi-Weathering Gray/Black (Vermont Black) slates for the re-roof of the Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania Keystone Hospice house. Built in 1867 the house was first named the John Welsh House and then “Rauhala” which is Finnish for peaceful place. Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1990, the house was purchased in 1997 by Keystone Care a non-profit home health care provider.

By Sheena Owen Jul 9th, 2018

Sheena Owen

Sheena Owen began working for North Country Slate on October 12, 1999. Started as the Sales Coordinator and transitioned to a Sales Representative. Daily duties include providing customer service, new business development, inside sales, handling all cross-border customs issues/documentation, arranging shipments, health and safety representation and social media marketing. Sheena graduated from the University of Guelph in 1992 with a BA in English and Drama and in 1995 graduated with a Diploma in Radio and Television Broadcasting from Centennial College. Sheena’s first job was the Executive Producer’s Assistant for TV shows including Robocop, F/X The Series and Nikita. She went on to becoming an Assistant Manager at Eddie Bauer. In her spare time, Sheena enjoys traveling, gardening and hikes with family and friends.

Sheena Owen

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