slate roofing

Slate roofing enriches the overall appeal of a building while affording more lasting and reliable protection than any substitute. Architects specify our own Vermont roofing slates for their unfading and weathering colors, durability, ‘on-the-grain’ fabrication and high quality standards. And because we produce roofing in custom sizes, shapes and thickness, architects also appreciate the flexibility our materials afford them in their designs. Our Vermont slates have been widely used for roofing since the early 1800s. Slate makes an excellent roof for both new construction and historic restoration.

 

specifications

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products

Many styles of roof are available including uniform lengths and widths, uniform lengths and random widths, graduated lengths and/or thickness, textured roofs, patterned roofs and staggered butts.

We offer copper slater’s nails, stainless steel slate hooks, slate rippers, slate hammers and slate cutters.

weathering

Some materials are “unfading”, meaning they will hold their basic color even after many years of exterior use. Others are “weathering” or “semi-weathering”, meaning they will change color (usually to shades of brown) when used outside. A stone’s weathering characteristic is primarily an aesthetic consideration. “Weathering” in and of itself does not adversely affect the performance or durability of a stone. See stones below for weathering characteristics.

performance

Our slates have tested ASTM Grade S-1 (highest), are durable (lasting over 75 years), exceptionally strong and hard, have low absorption rates, are dense, acid- and heat-resistant, extremely resistant to freeze-thaw cycles and fireproof.

finishes

Natural Cleft with trimmed edges.

sizes

Standard lengths from 12 to 20 inches. Standard widths from 6 to 14 inches. Custom sizes depend on stone selected, thickness, and other factors. Custom shapes also available.

thickness

Standard thickness is 3/16-1/4 inch. Other common thicknesses include1/4” minimum, 3/8”, 1/2”, 3/4”, and 1”. Custom thicknesses are available.

exposure

A function of shingle length and headlap. Exposure = (length of shingle minus headlap) divided by 2.

nail holes

We generally put the nail holes in the slates at the quarry.

cost estimates

We are pleased to provide quotations based upon quantity surveys, sketches or architectural drawings.

headlap

A function of the pitch of the roof. Standard headlap is 3 inches.

drafting

We are accustomed to working from architectural drawings. Our in-house drafting department is pleased to produce estimates, detailed roof drawings and sketches.

technical support

We are pleased to assist with samples, slate matching services, site inspections, mock-ups, installer recommendations, test data, specifications, technical information and design suggestions.

installation

Generally installed with copper slater’s nails or stainless steel hooks. Contact us for specific sketch details, specifications, recommendations, etc.

maintenance

Minimal. Broken shingles can be easily replaced with the use of a slate ripper.

references

We strongly suggest the seminal work on the subject entitled Slate Roofs, originally published by the National Slate Association in 1926 (not much has changed). A must-have book loaded with photos, sketches, installation details, information on specific slates, etc. Contact us to purchase this book.

 

stones

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Unfading Green Slate

  1. Unfading Green is a classic Vermont roofing slate.  Its excellent performance, pale green color and natural texture make it a popular roofing slate for both traditional and contemporary architecture.  Being an “unfading” slate, this durable material will hold its basic color after many years of exterior use.  Unfading Green Slate is available in many sizes and thicknesses. 

 

 Unfading Mottled Green and Purple

Unfading Mottled Green & Purple is a classic Vermont roofing slate.  Its excellent performance, unique mottling of green and purple colors, and natural texture make it a popular roofing slate for both traditional and contemporary architecture.  Being an “unfading” slate, this durable material will hold its basic color after many years of exterior use.  This slate will vary in terms of color shade and mottling.  Unfading Mottled Green & Purple Slate is available in many sizes and thicknesses.

Purple Slate

Purple was the first Vermont roofing slate to be produced commercially with operations starting in 1839.  Its deep, rich color holds a special appeal and it was frequently used on church roofs during the past two centuries.  The purple color will vary in shade and may contain green markings.  Purple slate can “weather”, meaning it will take on brownish tones over time when used outside.  This “weathering” does not affect the performance of the slate and is an aesthetic consideration only.  Purple Slate is available in many sizes and thicknesses.  It is a relatively rare slate.

Red Slate

Unfading Red is an extremely rare and expensive roofing slate only found in our Vermont slate vein.  Its unique red color, excellent performance, and natural texture make it a very desirable roofing slate for both traditional and contemporary architecture.  Being an “unfading” slate, this durable material will hold its basic color after many years of exterior use.  This slate will vary in terms of color shade and markings.  Unfading Red Slate is available in many sizes and thicknesses.

Semi Weathering Gray-Green Slate

Semi-weathering Gray-green is a very popular and economical Vermont roofing slate.  This slate can “weather”, meaning it will take on brownish tones over time when used outside.  This “weathering” does not affect the performance of the slate and is an aesthetic consideration only.   Semi-weathering Gray-green Slate is available in many sizes and thicknesses.

Hendricks Slate

Hendricks is a very popular and economical Vermont roofing slate.  Its dark gray color with black veins makes it an attractive material.  This slate can “weather”, meaning it will take on brownish tones over time when used outside.  This “weathering” does not affect the performance of the slate and is an aesthetic consideration only.   Hendricks Slate is available in many sizes and thicknesses.

Heathermoor Slate

Heathermoor is a distinctive Vermont roofing slate.  It is a relatively rare stone with a medium gray color with black veins.  This slate can “weather”, meaning it will take on brownish tones over time when used outside.  This “weathering” does not affect the performance of the slate and is an aesthetic consideration only.   Heathermoor Slate is available in many sizes and thicknesses.

Garland Slate

Garland is a popular and economical Vermont roofing slate.  It has a medium gray color with some darker markings.  This slate can “weather”, meaning it will take on brownish tones over time when used outside.  This “weathering” does not affect the performance of the slate and is an aesthetic consideration only.   Garland Slate is available in many sizes and thicknesses.

Norris Slate

Norris is an economical roofing slate with a dark gray to black color.  This slate can “weather”, meaning it will take on brownish tones over time when used outside.  This “weathering” does not affect the performance of the slate and is an aesthetic consideration only.   Norris Slate is available in several sizes and thicknesses.

Colonial Slate

Colonial is an attractive roofing slate with excellent performance characteristics.  It has been used for many large scale projects.  Being an “unfading” slate, this durable material will hold its basic color after many years of exterior use.  Colonial Slate is available in several sizes and thicknesses.

Atlantic Slate

Atlantic is an attractive roofing slate with its unique charcoal gray color and slight dark green tone.  Being an “unfading” slate, this durable material will hold its basic color after many years of exterior use.  Atlantic Slate is available in several sizes and is mostly sold in standard thickness.

Delano Slate

Delano is a smooth-textured roofing slate with excellent performance characteristics.  It has been used for many large scale projects.  Being an “unfading” slate, this durable material will hold its basic color after many years of exterior use.  Delano Slate is available in several sizes and is mostly sold in standard thickness.

Grayson Slate

Grayson is a classic domestic black roofing slate.  Its excellent performance, charcoal black color and natural texture and reflectivity make it a popular roofing slate for both traditional and contemporary architecture.  Being an “unfading” slate, this durable material will hold its basic color after many years of exterior use.  Grayson Slate is available in many sizes and thicknesses.

Green Mountain Mist Quartzite

Green Mountain Mist is a unique, excellent performing roofing quartzite used for centuries in Europe.  Its gray green color, varied texture and reflective quality make it an attractive material.  Being an “unfading” stone, this durable material will hold its basic color after many years of exterior use.  Green Mountain Mist is available in several sizes in 1/2” nominal thickness

 
 
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