SLATE/TILE ROOFING
history
Properly installed and maintained,
slate and tile roofs can (depending on the variety) provide 150 years of service. There are
slate roofs in Europe that have lasted hundreds of years.
maintenance
The best tile and slate will crack or come loose under
various circumstances. It is important to catch these problems as
they occur and repair or replace them as soon as possible so that
further damage does not occur. The resulting damage caused by water
infiltration can be extensive.
planning
Whether new construction or
historical restoration, the first and most important step is
accurate diagnosis and planning by a slate and tile roofing
professional. Slate and tile roofs have unique characteristics and
requirements. How the material is handled, as well as the tools and
equipment used, is completely different for these types of roofs.
Inappropriate repairs done by roofing professionals who do not have
expertise in this area can cause more problems.
materials
All slate and tile roofs are not created equal.
Using the appropriate materials is critical in installation and
repair. Slate comes from quarries all over the world, each with its
own characteristics. Slate is also available in different
thicknesses. A variety of sizes of slate can be used on one building
to achieve the desired appearance. Tile is manufactured in a wide
variety of styles and colors. Roof tiles vary in configuration,
material and color. Some buildings may require the use of vintage
slate or tile.
execution
The process of blending in the replacement
slate/tile is essential because a repair or addition should not be visible.
Specially trained skilled craftsmen are required for installation.
Blending in new or used slate/tile is a part of the process of a
quality roof repair. Roof repairs and additions should make a seamless
transition and not be obvious. The finest roofs are only as good as
the installation and maintenance provided. A quality roof repair
will pay for itself over the lifetime of the building.
environmental impact of natural slate
In addition to the longevity, a good quality slate roof will
provide. Producing, installing and maintaining slate roof tiles has
little impact on the environment. "Harvesting" natural slate for use
in roofing requires minimal processing. Slate is split and cut from
open quarries. Slate requires no treatment other than the holes
drilled for nailing. Minimal fuel consumption is used in shipping;
the majority of new slate we purchase comes from Vermont. Slate does
not release fumes into the environment or indoor air, like petroleum
based products. Slate is naturally fire resistant and 100%
recyclable. Old slate can be removed and reused for repairs and
broken slate can be used as clean fill in landscaping.
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