Slate - From Rock To Roof

Slate - From Rock to Roof


PART 1What Makes

Slate So Great?

When it comes to roofing, no other material comes close to the form and function of slate roofing. Taken directly from split off pieces of shale, slate roofs have been around for hundreds of years – and many slate roofs still remain as fresh as they were the day they were installed. Today, many consider slate as a high-end roofing material; the primary choice when it comes to durable classic roofing, and with good reason. While some may complain that shale is a little too expensive, there’s no arguing that paying extra for something that offers so many advantages over other roofing materials,

is a worthy investment.


DurabilitySlate roofing is known as one of the most durable types of roofing materials available. Asphalt shingles (the most common type of roofing today) has an expected lifespan of around 20 years. This is nothing compared to slate’s expected lifespan of at least a hundred years. This is because shale is made from rock, a naturally tough material; it’s immune to rust, rot, termites, moisture damage, temperature changes, and even fire. It also retains its color very well after other roofing materials have faded.

MaintenanceBecause of slate’s durability, maintenance is barely a problem for slate roofs. For example, there’s no need to worry about repainting rust spots or replacing tiles that may have cracked due to extreme changes in temperature. Most of the maintenance related to slate roofing involves checking for missing slate pieces, and even then it’s unlikely because slate is heavy enough to not be blown off.

StyleHave you ever seen a slate roof? Since slate is usually available in black and various shades of gray, slate roofs have a neutral tone. This makes it compatible with almost any color theme. Stacked pieces of slate gives any structure a touch of classic charm, perfect for homes that are going for a more traditional look. On the other hand, it can also be used in more modern-themed homes, which also favor roofs with a neutral tone.

What Makes Slate So Great?


PART 2Where Does Slate

Come From?

Unlike other types of roofing materials, the raw components of shale tiles cannot be regrown (like wood) or fabricated (like resin in asphalt shingles). Here’s a brief

explanation of how slate came to be.


1. Slate actually starts out as nothing but a soft mixture of clay and smaller fragments of various minerals such as quartz and calcites. At this point there’s barely any difference from normal mud in terms of durability and appearance.

2. Over thousands of years, more of the mixture piles up on itself, and the mud at the bottom is subjected to pressure, squeezing the water out of it. This process, also known as compaction, transforms the mixture into a hard substance known as shale (but not as tough as slate in its final form). Unoxidized carbon gives it the characteristic dark color.

3. The hard shale is further subjected to heat by magma or lava flows from volcanoes, transforming it into an even harder substance. At this point, the newly hardened shale is known as slate.

Where Does Slate Come From?


4. Miners locate slate deposits, dig it up and bring the slate to a processing factory to split off slate fragments and make more or less evenly sized bits. Although slate is tough, it can be broken along certain lines (the grain or cleavage) with relative ease.

5. The split off pieces are stacked and prepared for delivery.

6. Finally, a slater (a roofing professional specialized in installing slate roofing) installs the slate pieces on the roof.

Unlike concrete tiles or wood shakes, slate must be installed carefully, since carelessly drilling into a piece of slate can cause it to split along its cleavage. Most of the time, slate is only supported by nails or hooks just underneath each tile. While this eliminates the risk of shattering the pieces, it requires extra preparation, especially if the roof has a steep pitch or slope.

Here’s what slate hooks look like.

Where Does Slate Come From?


PART 3What to Expect

from a Slate Roof

A slate roof over your house can be the envy of your neighborhood. Their asphalt or metal roofs have nothing over the elegance and durability of slate, but what’s next after roof installation? Here are some things that you should

expect from your slate roof.


Perhaps the only major downside of a slate roof is its sheer weight. Slate tiles can put a strain on the roof system’s support structure. It may not show up during the first few years, but over time, wood beams may bow or splinter after constant pressure. Have these checked for any signs of warping or bending and have them fixed by a professional as soon as possible.

Slate is one of the most water-resistant roofing materials available. This means you don’t have to worry about slate tiles getting damaged by moisture, snow, or rain. However, that doesn’t mean your roof is completely safe from moisture damage. Although evenly shaped, some slate tiles do not fit perfectly, so there might be small gaps where water can seep through. Fortunately, all you need to do is to make sure the underlayment is properly installed to protect the roofing deck.

Again, slate’s durability makes it impervious to almost all forms of damage, but the metal nails or hooks may still be subject to corrosion. You’ll have to check once every few years if there are rusty nails holding the tiles in place, and replace them if you think they’re no longer strong enough to properly support the tiles.

What to Expect from a Slate Roof


In case anything falls on the roof, don’t just whip out the stepladder and get on your roof. Remember, slate tiles can be split along the grain and a

wrong step can shatter a tile or two. As much as possible, always ask help from a professional roofer. Don’t try to pick debris with a long stick or hook from the ground; you might dislodge a tile, which may end up falling and breaking (slate tile is heavier than most roofing materials, so it may also cause serious injury if it falls on someone!).

There may be a few quirks to having a slate roof, but those things are minor compared to this roofing material’s amazing characteristics. A little care for your slate roof makes sure you are protected – in style – for many years to come.

What to Expect from a Slate Roof


DABELLA EXTERIORS LLC9640 SW Sunshine Ct, Suite #800 Beaverton,

OR 97005 USA

1-800-887-EXTERIORS (3983)

www.dabellaexteriorsllc.com

Slate - From Rock To Roof

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