slate roofing

Natural 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 slate roofing tiles in custom sizes, shapes and thickness, architects also appreciate the flexibility our materials afford them in their designs. Our domestic slates have been widely used for roofing since the early 1800s. A slate roof is an excellent choice for both new construction and historic restoration.

specifications

stones

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 characteristics

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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grayson roofing