Slate is arguably the crown jewel of roofing materials. The durability,
longevity, and wide array of colors and styles of installation make a slate
roof a great choice for protecting your home with an investment that will
function for generations to come.
Slate is a
traditional and time tested roofing material dating back over a
millennium. Slates are stone, and therefore are as permanent as any
stone. For this reason slate roofs commonly last well over 100 years
with minimal maintenance. The Saxon Chapel at Stratford-on-Avon,
Wiltshire, England was built in the 8th century and is still in good
condition today.
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The practical purpose of any roof is to protect the
interior, the contents and the occupants of a building from rain, snow,
heat and cold.
In addition to these practical considerations, the roof
should add to the appearance and character of the building, and the
passing of time should only enhance its beauty and add to its intrinsic
value.
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Slate gives the owner and roofer a much broader artistic palette than other
roofing materials. As you will see in this section over the years many distinct
styles of slate roofs have been developed.
Some of these styles roots have
come from necessity while others have come from aesthetics.
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Slate Descriptions and Weathering Characteristics |
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Upon exposure to the weather, all slate is changed slightly in
color. The extent of this color change varies with different slate beds, being
barely perceptible in certain slates. Those slates in which color change but
slightly are classed as "permanent" or "unfading". Those in which the final
result is more marked and varied are known as "weathering slates".
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The saying goes..
"A roof is only as good as it's weakest point."
In the case of long lasting roofing materials such as slate, the weakest
point inevitably ends up being the roofs flashing's. Flashing's are the
material used as a layer of protection between roof connections and projections
such as chimneys, dormer walls, and valleys.
Copper is by far the best material
for flashing a roof. Copper Flashing's will last on average between 60-80
years. Other Flashing materials such as the Tins commonly employed by "bargain"
roofing contractors require periodic painting and must be sealed using caulking.
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Gutters exist to preserve your home. They transport rain falling off each
facet of a roof and deliver it to place where it will not damage a home's
structure. Even in the most arid of zones, homes should have some type of
rain gutter. However, for the most part they are a "walk by" component of
the home.
Copper gutters leave the realm of utility and enter the arena
of architectural detail. Most copper gutter jobs are custom, allowing plenty
of room for creativity. In the right hands, downspouts and catches take
the look of sculpture.
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