Blogs

By Sheena Owen Oct 20th, 2017

If you want a shed to last for years, why not put a slate roof on it! Created by nature over 500 million years ago, natural roofing slate has been sheltering man from the elements for more than a thousand years. If you do decide to build a shed with a slate roof, you will need to make sure the structure is strong enough to support the weight.

What pitch for a slate roof?

By Sheena Owen Oct 12th, 2017

The slope of a roof is often referred to as the roof’s pitch. Generally a slate roof is not installed on a pitch less than 4:12. As per the NRCA Roofing and Waterproofing Manual (Fifth Edition), they recommend that “roof deck slopes intended for the application of steep-slope materials at 4:12 (18 degrees) or greater”.

What size are slate roof tiles?

By Sheena Owen Oct 3rd, 2017

Slate roof tiles can range in size from 12” (length) x 6” (wide) up to 24” (length) x 12” (wide). Special sizes such as slate-and-a-half can be ordered to reach into valleys, gable ends, hips and dormers.

How roofing slate is produced

By Sheena Owen Sep 18th, 2017

North American natural roofing slate is produced in Vermont, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Newfoundland and Quebec. Depending on the location of the quarry will determine the color of slate.

Unfading Red Roofing Slate at Craigdarroch Castle – 1050 Joan Crescent,...

By Sheena Owen Aug 22nd, 2017

Craigdarroch Castle in Victoria, British Columbia was built between 1887 to 1890 for wealthy Vancouver Island coal tycoon / Scottish immigrant Robert Dunsmuir. It was built on a hill overlooking the City of Victoria and stands out for its beautiful steeply pitched unfading red slate roof with terracotta ridge and hip caps.

Natural Slate Siding for commercial and residential construction

By Sheena Owen Aug 16th, 2017

For years European countries have used slate as a natural siding because of its appearance and longevity. North American architects that specify natural, eco-friendly products should consider slate siding when designing a home that’s built to last.

New Mansard Slate Roof for the Historic Wheeler-Kohn House – 2020 S...

By Sheena Owen Aug 14th, 2017

Built in 1870 for Calvin Wheeler a banker and former President of the Chicago Board of Trade, the house changed hands several times. After sitting vacant for years and threatened with demolition, the current owner purchased the property for $10,000 in 1997.

Restored Texas Courthouses with North Country Unfading Black roofing slate

By Sheena Owen Aug 10th, 2017

In 1836, Texas won its independence from Mexico. Courthouses were built immediately and communities grew around them. The courthouses were a symbol of democracy, pride and strength. By 1881 a boom in courthouse construction saw 150 built by 1920. Texas has more historic courthouses than any other State.

Roofing Slate Thickness

By Sheena Owen Aug 2nd, 2017

[caption id="attachment_2556" align="alignleft" width="225"] North Country Unfading Black slate, 3/16"[/caption] The most common thickness is ¼” and weighs approximately 935 pounds per square when installed with a 3” headlap.

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