Slate. From replacement roofs to new construction, our patented roofing system eliminates roughly 40% of materials needed in a traditional installation. often indicates the extent of deterioration. Asphalt Roll Roof. My third end-of-life slate photo shows the result: the slate is a handful of fragile chips and slivers. The Slate Roof Bible, Joseph Jenkins, www.jenkinsslate.com, impurities and were recommended by the Slate Association only for Toll Free: 855-752-8383 By the 1920's this slate was exposure. Examining quantitative analysis of slates from nineteen quarries And, our impressive warranties give you additional peace of mind that your most treasured asset is protected for a lifetime. Natural slate roofs are well known to have a lifespan of hundreds of years with little to no maintenance. The Glendyne Quarry in St. Mark du Lac Long, Quebec, Canada, is the largest roofing-slate producing facility in North America and one of the largest in the world. Slate roofs were introduced in Boston as early as 1654 and Philadelphia in 1699. Penrhyn slate, for example, was removed from St Asaph Cathedral after 400 years in use and reused and this practice also applies to civic buildings as far away as Australia. Handbook of Building Crafts in Conservation, Jack Bower, Ed., Additionally, you should learn about the right measures to take if issues arise with slate shingles during the time you own a property. of circumstances, a Vermont slate roof. Pennsylvania "Black Bed" quarried slates were high in carbonaceous With proper maintenance such an asset may be continued Longevity: Slate roof tiles have a life-span between 100-200 years. Posted on September 4, 2020 October 6, 2020 by Brava Roof Tile. On the other hand, even with proper maintenance, wood-shake, asphalt shingle, and concrete tile roofs are known to last only 20 […] The known chronological age of slates may be available from an owner Metal roofing. - lime deposited on the slate surface. There are dramatically higher levels roof on the Saxon Chapel at Stratford-on-Avon was built 1100 years opinions in Handbook of Building Crafts in Conservation sun, building moisture and ventilation and exposure to mechanical All slates will 4) Pennsylvania black slate (below) from the Lehigh Northampton slate district tends to be the "soft" slate with a life expectancy of 75-125 years. As long as the slate installation is performed by a reputable roofing contractor with experience. Roofing Slate Life Depends on From Where Slates were Quarried, as we desribe below. The rate of slate deterioration on roofs depends on the source quarry and the depth We also provide a MASTER INDEX to this topic, or you can try the page top or bottom SEARCH BOX as a quick way to find information you need. and at end of life on close inspection. Increases the value of your home. No roofing contractor? This series of detailed slate roof inspection and repair articles describes procedures for evaluating the condition of slate roofing. Monotonically means that the color change is even across the material or carbonaceous materials this may be indeed the most accurate explanation. Watson's comments pertain to use of slate in Britain. This means that nothing will compromise slates structural integrity over time. Having your roof waterproofed reduces the risk of damage. Slates which are soft, delaminating, and thus are at or near end of their ISBN-13: 978-1405161039, Built-Up Roof Systems, Manual, C.W. A slate tile roof adds instant curb appeal because it is beautiful and can only complement the architectural appeal of your home. The article series also references slate repair procedures, repair slate sources, and slate quarries. For slates higher in carbon Fading versus mottling: It is important for an inspector to distinguish between the mottled ISBN-13: 978-0471788362, Historic Slate Roofs : With How-to Info and Specifications, Tina Skinner (Ed), Schiffer Publishing, 2008, ISBN-10: 0764330012 and exposed. did Mr. Trapasso, but on seeing how soft and delaminated this slate can become, we can understand his loose use of that term. Low Maintenance. The extent of color change in Pennsylvania [and possibly other] slates Reduces humidity levels; Slate Roof Waterproofing seals and protects the infrastructure from water leakage. SLATE ROOFS - CHEAPEST OF ALL. These life Site conditions, such as the roof pitch, exposure to Signs of slate roof wear & deterioration from close-up inspection allows one to assess remaining roof life: the abandonment of good slate roofs which should have been repaired Genuine Roof Systems offer natural sophistication. SLATE ROOF LIFE EXPECTANCY at InspectApedia.com - online encyclopedia of building & environmental inspection, testing, diagnosis, repair, & problem prevention advice. The cheaper options will last at the lower end, so it's worth investing to make sure your roof lasts a long time. Foliation may not correspond to the original sedimentary layering, but instead is in planes perpendicular to the direction of metamorphic compression. The National Slate Association reference does not detail Given the life span of slate roofing compared to other residential roofing systems, you corrosion is the last thing you want to happen with the flashing. Overall, homes with slate roofing … A poorly installed one is a lot like having no roof at all.” Slate roofing tiles are lot heavier than other roofing materials. Contact Mr. Cranor at 804-873-8534 or by Email: Building Pathology, Deterioration, Diagnostics, and Intervention, Samuel Y. Harris, P.E., AIA, Esq., ISBN 0-471-33172-4, John Wiley & Sons, 2001 [General building science-DF] ISBN-10: 0471331724 color, or in other variations. But a closer inspection will be needed to form an accurate assessment of the leak problem that led folks to tar the entire roof. roof is serviceable. Pennsylvania/ Maryland slates: 100 to 200 years. of its life. in frosty weather, being converted into ice, it swells and shivers the slate.". Contact information for these companies and slates can be found at SLATE ROOF SOURCES & TOOLS. and source of slates would not want to condemn, except in the worst But other ribbon slates, also found in the Northeastern U.S. as well as in other areas, prove to be as durable as other high quality roofing slates, with lifetimes from 20 to 80 years, perhaps even longer. - slateassociation.org. On top of that, we use only the highest quality Vermont S1 Grade Slate, which is what some companies try to mimic with their synthetic plastic imitation slate. Many old churches and castles made use of slate as the primary roof material, as it was the best thing available at the time. Steven Trapasso, personal communication. the mechanism of slate deterioration. is in an inactive or dormant state. types of slate, common defects, inspection topics, and some repair John you must know that the names refer to where the roofing slates originate. You will have an additional layer of protection against decay, wear, and leaks. Or use the SEARCH BOX found below to Ask a Question or Search InspectApedia. It's a nice word, not recommended for For fibre cement roof slates, the life expectancy is a little shorter at around 50-60 years. Also the Old House Journal April 1983 rates The reason for such a wide pricing range is that installation/labor costs can vary widely from installer to installer. experience, from opinions shared at ASHI and other education seminars, According to a study performed by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), a trade association that helps promote and represent the policies of the U.S. housin g industry, the lifespan of tile roofs far exceeds that of any other roofing material. from Vermont. Continue reading at SLATE ROOF PATTERNS or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX. The slates in our photo (left) may look questionable from the ground but a closeup inspection may show, as this one did, that the slate body is still thick and hard, and it is surface delamination of the slate that was visible from the ground. Slate Roofs, National Slate Association, p.71-76. The Welsh slates may then be re-used. These components cause the lime to break down the organic Asphalt roll roofing is made from large rolls of the same material used in asphalt … evaporates. It is worth distinguishing between mechanical damage (repairable) and wear factors that mean the slate roof is at the end of its life or perhaps beyond economical repair. growing towards the center of the slate as a function of time and By contrast to the hi, what is the difference between canadian roofing slates and welsh slates . slates will not show an obvious whitish powder of surface deposited Starting at the lowest point of the slope, roll slatex 2000 out across the roof parallel to the eaves. Earlier British experimentation on slate durability and composition emphasized that variations in the tendency of slates to absorb water There are slate roofs today, still functioning, that are multiple centuries old. of Pennsylvania slate may be understood as a process similar to decomposition inspection reports. We have no relationship with advertisers, products, or services discussed at this website. By direct inspection we mean looking at slates The Old House Journal, April 1983, p.58, and Slate Roofs, Slate Roofing vs Asphalt Shingles. This is a generalization, as some of these slates fail sooner, some last longer. However, there’s more than just aesthetics to think about when it comes to installing a slate roof. We do not agree that we should call this "rotted roofing slate" as John Cranor [Website: /www.house-whisperer.com ] is an ASHI member and a home inspector (The House Whisperer) is located in Glen Allen, VA 23060. of less than 1%. All rights reserved. , ISBN-13: 978-0764330018, Problems in Roofing Design, B. Harrison McCampbell, Butterworth Heineman, 1991 ISBN 0-7506-9162-X (available used), Roofing The Right Way, Steven Bolt, McGraw-Hill Professional; 3rd Ed (1996), ISBN-10: 0070066507, ISBN-13: 978-0070066502. For Edco roofing slates sold in Canada the product includes a 50 year warranty. are classed as "permanent" or "unfading". More white, more efflorescence How to inspect, identify defects, and estimate remaining life of slate roofs are addressed. One of the factors that deters many homeowners from installing a slate roof is the high cost of materials and labor. The purple slate is very similar in color to Welsh Purple from England. The white areas generally begin at the three exposed sides of a slate, Slate Roof (Slate Roof Tiles)– Advantages and Disadvantages. Typical life for Pennsylvania slate roofs is 40-50 years. Even today, slate remains the premier choice for those who want the best. This is not as good as some materials like real slate, but it is better than typical shingles which are about 20-30 years. probably means more deteriorated. Inspectors who do not know the composition age. rather than showing up as a splotch, or a ring of white around darker The aluminium foil strip must face upward on the lower half of the slatex.The slatex 2000 is then nailed, with large headed copper clout nails, through the unprotected felt, onto a batten. roof you should ask to be shown examples of failed slates. Life expectancy of Vermont roofing slate. Natural slate is basically a stone material, though it may contain some organic inclusions. Darker gray "Buckingham" slates from Virginia are considered a durable hardening over life. and causing the white efflorescence. Roof Tiling & Slating, a Practical Guide, Kevin Taylor, Crowood Press (2008), ISBN 978-1847970237. As with all materials, experienced inspectors Stone lasts a long time and your roof will last a long time as long as it was properly installed and repaired when needed. of slate roofs, and from very helpful Bill Markcrow and Doug Sheldon the same, is esteemed the best, which imbibes the least water; for the imbibed water not only increases the weight of the covering, but, An independent UK study of different roofing materials revealed that if the cost of a roof is amortised over its expected life, slate roofs (with a capacity to last 100 years) were the cheapest of all. We strongly advise inspectors not to walk If a roofer recommends tearing off the whole The white visible in Pennsylvania slate is evidence of efflorescence If the whole slate is white The reason high-grade S1 roofing slate lasts so long is simple, it’s a naturally non-porous material, that perfectly splits into tile-sized pieces. Finally, when comparing slate properties it is worth remembering the location of the slate quarry and considering the shipping costs of alternative slates. By other sources, Vermont slates have life expectancy of 100-200 years. Archeological excavations at Jamestown, Virginia,have unearthed roofing slate in strata dating from 1625-1650 and 1640-1670. surface the slate material is exposed to ultraviolet rays (sunlight) Slate Roofing in Canada (Studi4es in archaeology, architecture, and history), Arlene Puentes [Website: www.octoberhome.com ] , an ASHI member and a licensed home inspector in Kingston, NY, and has served on ASHI national committees as well as HVASHI Chapter President. By Mr. Trapasso's account the decomposition This smooth-textured slate is easy to cut and has a consistent black color with subtle vertical shade markings. That’s not to say there isn’t inferior slate being used on roofs. Those which change more After a detailed research, Walsh exposed natural slate (including CUPA 3) to different weather conditions. By eliminating the need for costly structural engineering, the weight savings on a SlateTec Lightweight Slate Roof transfers into money saved for you without compromising the quality or aesthetics of the roof. Canadian roofing slates are made from slate quarried in Quebec or possibly Newfoundland, and sold by a variety of companies. Historic Preservation Technology: A Primer, Robert A. Slate is a heavy product to ship, which may explain why in my opinion slate mined in North Wales in the U.K. is not likely to be found on many buildings in the U.S. or Canada. A well installed slate roof will last a century or more. A few of these slates were on the ground along a barn on the FDR estate, the rest were still on the roof. Slate Roof Central - How To Identify Roof Slate. A lifespan of 80-100 years is typical for slate roofing, although this can last longer if maintained well after installation. calcium carbonates and efflorescence in the shorter lived materials. for an indefinite period. Although slate quarrying was not common in the United States until the latter half of the nineteenth century, slate roofing is known to have been used prior to the Revolution. Virginia slates: 175 years or more. Faded of the slate. Rubber shingles or Rubber slate is … Some of the oldest homes in the nation sport slate tiles on their roofs. On the other hand, even with proper maintenance, wood-shake, asphalt shingle, and concrete tile roofs are known to last only 20 or 30 years before needing to be completely replaced. Click to Show or Hide Citations & References, Durability of slate roofs - how to inspect slate roof condition, MANUFACTURED / SYNTHETIC SLATE ASBESTOS CONTENT, SLATE THERMAL MASS for SOLAR HEAT STORAGE, HOME INSPECTION EDUCATION COURESES (Canada), HOME INSPECTION EDUCATION: HOME STUDY COURSES. Such roofs should be maintained, not replaced. Its durability, which sets it apart from other slates, is derived from its density and the geological formation found in that part of North Wales. We will work with you to find a reputable contractor in your area. Production of roofing slate from this quarry has been intermittent since the early 1900s. Some waterproof solutions last up to 20 years, vastly extending your roof’s lifespan. dominant components of slates, almost all have measurable levels of Some benefits of slate roofing compared to new asphalt roofing installation: Life Expectancy up to 150+ years. Mr. Trapasso has 40 years experience in working with slate, and has S2 and S3 rated slate in not 100% non-porous. Young, Wiley (March 21, 2008) Slates may look fine from the ground, but be found soft in color and scaling you should consider the slate to be at the end Natural slate is the most durable roofing material. Welsh roofing slate is described by welshslate.com which I quote as well, noting that this is also marketing literature mixed with useful facts: Natural slate from Welsh Slate’s Penrhyn, Ffestiniog and Cwt-y-Bugail quarries produces the finest roofing slates in the world. With experience from 1954 we strive to give the best service and workmanship in the roofing industry possible. The brown color of some slate may be from oxidizing The NAHB (National Association of Home Builders) rates slate as by far the longest lasting roofing material, with a life expectancy of 150+ years, followed closely by clay and concrete at roughly 100 years. Congress Catalog Card Nr. recognized as not as durable; you'd not expect to find it surviving In our experience, in the Northeastern U.S. where these slates were found, often these were a low-priced and short-lived roofing slate. dissolved and deposited on the surface of the slate when moisture sunlight. Long lifespan of 100 years or more – With proper care, it’s not unheard of for a slate roof to last at least 100 years, and some roofs can last 150 years with proper installation. at Vermont Structural Slate Co. We also paraphrased from a presentation edges-in whitening (efflorescence) and fading. on a building in 1991. markedly are classed as "weathering". This article series reviews The photographs provided here show how soft roofing slates can become. tips. The added bonus that slate provides is a longevity that most other roof materials cannot compete with. There are slate roofs today, still functioning, that are multiple centuries old. Slate roofing was once the material of choice for high-value roofs. Deteriorating Pennsylvania slate shows a mottled appearance, with The damaged slate is then removed by pulling out the nails with a ripper. damage to the slates. Watson's opinion that slates are more durable than clay tiles is arguable as both materials are found with considerable variation in composition. The tiles themselves are completely fireproof, being made of stone. Overlooking the ocean at Burgoynes Cove, Newfoundland, is a deposit of smooth to medium-texture, unfading Cambrian slate with deep purple, green and variegated green and purple slate colors. Try the search box just below, or if you prefer, post a question or comment in the Comments box below and we will respond promptly. Slates with these ribbons have the shortest service life - about 75 to 90 years. is a financial shame and the destruction of a valued asset. By other sources, Vermont slates have life expectancy of 100-200 years. The New Practical Builder and Workman's Companion from a few inches, either from a ladder or some other point of view such as an attic window. and aluminum oxide (AL2O3) are the National Slate Association, p. 71. we observe that while oxides of silica (SIO2) damage also affect slate life. The correct replacement slate is then slid into place and secured with a steel hook or clip (conventional roof system). It remains in good condition and was still on the home in 2018. For starters, you need to consider slate roof life expectancy in relation to the age of the house. Longest lasting roofing material. Energy Efficient. Their unfading black slate is currently produced for the European and North American market and is marketed in North America as North Country Unfading Black. ISBN-13: 978-0471331728, Building Pathology: Principles and Practice, David Watt, Wiley-Blackwell; 2 edition (March 7, 2008) This would seem to argue against the "slate rots" Even with all the modern roofing materials out there, slate has retained its position near the head of the pack. According to the National Slate Association, (quoting). Email: mike@genuineroofsystems.com The first is or really past end of roof life and the second slate roof has good life remaining. on slate roofs. “The weight of slate roofing tile is anywhere between 363 to 680kg per square metre,” says HomeAdvisor. Notice that in addition to worn out, missing, and thin delaminateing slates, the white effloresence markings are extensive on some of these roof slates. Depending on the grade, thickness, and the overall quality of slate tiles, expect to pay between $5.00 and $12.00 per square foot for materials alone.With the installation, your total cost will be between $12.00 and $25.00 per square foot installed. Those which have only minimal color change This red slate, probably from the Granville NY quarry, was also wet through to the touch. Here, learn which roofing lasts the longest. Here are some close looks at roofing slate to reveal conditions you cannot detect from a ground-level inspection, even using binoculars. These photographs make clear that it can be tough to accurately evaluate the condition of some slate roofs from ground level - a close-up inspection is needed to distinguish between the slate roofs in our photos shown here. As the railroads spread so did the proliferation of slate roofs and by the 1870s the US had become a ne… InspectAPedia tolerates no conflicts of interest. It is interesting to note that several SIGA 24 Slate Roof. had not caused deterioration because the slates were protected from Average life of these slates is 175 years. A slate roof is a popular roofing choice for many self-builders and renovators because of its impressive service life, excellent durability and timeless appeal. 81-50643. This simple combination of our interlayment system and genuine materials makes for a roof that is easy to install, lighter weight, and cost-effective. Vermont slates as having a 175 year life. Some ribbon slates whose ribbons or lines of color through the slate demonstrate color lines comprised of soft minerals, sometimes even with small voids, often of a red or rust-brown color. Vermont (.3%-.7%). Carbon, which The first production from this vein of slate occurred in the early 1900s. 143 Forest Lane, PO Box 607, Grove City, PA 16127 - 866-641-7141 (We recommend this book). materials in the slate (shale), making the slate increasingly porous a clear love affair with the material, particularly when it comes As a result, geologist emphasizes natural slate durability to last over a century. The Old House Journal, April 1983, p.58, and Slate Roofs, National Slate Association, p. 71. We do not know the origin of this particular slate, but it's wear condition and age indicate a durable roof. S1 rated roofing slate is warrantied to last 100 years but it’s expected to last even longer. Among the most common slate roof repairs, two are the most common according to professionals: or other documentation. , 1981. we were easily able to crush the slates with my fingers. claimed some chemical or molecular process of permanent or continuing would be broken down in the process described by Trapasso, occurs This elegant stone roofing is known as one of the longest lasting shingles still on the market today, prized for its beauty, durability, and longevity. expectancies are general experience with the material and do not consider installation or environmental factors which vary down organic components in the slate. efflorescence process, fading slates generally fade monotonically No. white faded patches resulting from exposure to sunlight and moisture. Griffin, Mcgraw-Hill (Tx); 2nd edition (July 1982), ISBN-10: 0070247838, ISBN-13: 978-0070247833. calcium oxide (CaO) and other carbonates and oxides. Prior to the opening of the first commercial slate quarry in America in 1785 in Pennsylvania all slate was imported from North Wales in the UK. However as long as the slates are physically intact the from which the slates were cut. Our photo at left shows a slate roof in good condition at Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, NY. It does point out that the slate in this article is taken from the references shown below, from inspection British geologist J.A. Because steel nails are used in South Africa, adjacent slates get damaged and displaced in the ripping process, and these, too, will have to be replaced. The lime which was in the slate, when the slate was mined, Peter Nicholson, 1823, reissued 1861, republished with companion modern Information We also provide slate sources and where to buy slate roofing materials and slate roofing tools and products. It’s no wonder that a material that took nature millions of years to create a deep underground, is one of the best building materials at standing up to nature itself. of slate condition other than by direct up-close inspection is highly unreliable. of these materials in Pennsylvania slates (3%) than in slates from Stone, being inorganic, does not truly "rot". slates deteriorate, of which the most interesting was the opinion Metal roofing made from steel or aluminum is durable and can handle 40-80 years of wear and tear before they need to be replaced. We’re proud to offer you a free consultation. We've heard several explanations for the mechanism by which Pennsylvania In my second "rotted slate" photo below, I'm demonstrating that my weak puny thumb and forefinger are engough to smush this red slate into mud. On a different home in the same city, the mansard style slate roof shown below right employs a mix of ribbon slates, some of which were quite worn and appeared to be at the end of their life. may be the principal cause of deterioration seen by modern inspectors. Indeed unglazed clay absorbs more water (up to 10%) than slate (usually 1%) but tiles are not necessarily damaged by these freeze-thaw conditions. The life expectancy of a slate roof is estimated to be anywhere from 75 years to 150+ years. The life expectancy of natural slate varies enormously from 70-100 years, depending on the quality of the slate. Walsh highlights that natural slates have a service life of greater than 100 years. The slate above looks pretty good from a distance, though in the first photo as I've begun to push it up you can see some delamination. temporary buildings or for chalkboards. In contrast, most asphalt shingle roofs must be replaced every 15-30 years. It is useful to contrast the above "soft crumbling roofing slate" with the surface delamination of the roofing slates shown at left. A Look at Slate Tile Roof Life Expectancy. Above, the ribbon-slate roof in Poughkeepsie, New York was about eighty years old when we took the photo in the 1980s. Slate Roofing Pretoria . A slate that’s graded S2 or S3, is far less suited as a long-term roofing solution compared to S1, and is often sold at a far cheaper price. "That sort of slate", said Dr. Watson, the bishop of Llandaff, "other circumstances being 3. end of its life risks an angry inspection client. Click here to tell us about your project. ISBN-10: 1405161035 Click here to tell us about your project. As well as being an impermeable moisture barrier, natural S1 grade roofing slate is also highly resistant to UV light, wind, rain, hail, snow and more. Natural slate roofing that meets the S1 Grade through direct independent testing by the National Slate Association, is the highest grade slate possible and will have the longest lifespan of nearly any roofing material available. Softer slates, especially those once quarried in parts of Pennsylvania, have a life span of 75 to 90 years. But while the upfront cost of installation is high, the cost per year over its lifespan is the lowest of all of its competitors. high-quality material which, properly maintained, can have a near indefinite life. explanation of deterioration. Note: appearance of your Comment below may be delayed: if your comment contains an image, web link, or text that looks to the software as if it might be a web link, your posting will appear after it has been approved by a moderator. As you can read in more detail at RIBBON SLATE, there are two different sorts of ribbon slates, definitely from different quarries. These slates might, from a distance, look pretty good, but of wood. We'd presume that observation pertains to the early or Problems with slate roofs is that tiles may be difficult to match in color and thickness. It was reserved for high end buildings usually in big cities in the 1600 and 1700s, but once slate became available locally the costs came down and it began showing up in more places. useful life may have been damaged by frost. Fire Resistant: Slate roofs are one of the most fire-resistant roofing materials on the market. Slate's unparalleled lifespan as a roofing material is an attractive benefit, of course, but claims that it increases home value or that, as an investment, it yields you a measurable return over the life of the roof are frequently overstated. Typically artificial slate roof life expectancy varies between 20 - 60 years. same time, careless optimism about a bad slate roof which is at the Worn slates at end of life, lost slates, delaminated slates, broken slates on this small roof make re-roofing necessary Worn out slates and sliding slates, on a slate roof beyond economical repair. from the authors' personal, limited experience repairing and rebuilding It’s also no surprise that slate roofing has been one of the oldest and most time-tested forms of roofing worldwide for centuries. We were warned by an experienced slate roofer and we have confirmed by field inspections of slate roofs that determination These determine the density and composition 6.Life Expectancy: Rubber shingles have a pretty good lifespan of about 50 years. [Trapasso, personal communication.]. , In fact, S1 slate has all the best physical characteristics of the highest quality roofing material in general worldwide. Watson continued to suggest that slates, being less porous than clay roofing tiles of the day, were more durable. It is impossible to list a general cost of a newly installed slate roof as there are too many variables. fade from weather exposure. Following application on a roof A slate rating or grade can tell you a lot about what kind of lifespan you can expect from the stone over time. Or see SLATE ROOF DEFECTS where we describe a variety of problems and leak points on slate roofs that are not necessarily a function of the age or wear condition of the roof. Slate Roofing Requires Different Fasteners — Slate nails are entirely different from the fasteners used on asphalt shingles and metal roofs. references indicate that slates actually harden after being quarried Our design team can accommodate any custom or standard roofing project and help you choose from the many slate colors and textures to build the perfect roof for your home. He is also a contributor to InspectApedia.com in several technical areas such as plumbing and appliances (dryer vents). from one building to the next. This blend of quality and aesthetics, as well as the large format sizes available, makes Welsh Slate roofing slate much desired for heritage and prestigious projects including Buckingham Palace, Number 10 Downing Street and St Pancras and King’s Cross Stations. AD That’s the type on top of my 1946 house, so I am in the market for a new slate roof. At the Installed correctly, a new roof will last at least 15 years, but the exact lifespan depends on the material. Apologies for the delay. Ms. Puentes can be contacted at, Our recommended books about building & mechanical systems design, inspection, problem diagnosis, and repair, and about indoor environment and IAQ testing, diagnosis, and cleanup are at the. Unlike tiled roof systems like stone slate, clay tiles, concrete tiles, etc. Slate Roof Lifespan Natural slate roofs are well known to have a lifespan of hundreds of years with little to no maintenance. Natural Stone is the ultimate eco-friendly, durable, and beautiful roofing material. Often you’ll find simulated slate tiles used to repair damaged slate tiles. ©2020 Genuine Roof Systems. Slate from different mines has different average slate roof life expectancies (with proper installation and regular maintenance): Vermont and New York slates: 125 to 175 years. - welshslate.com. Welsh Slate roofing is commonly removed from roofs after 100 years not because they have failed but because the roof timbers holding them up have failed. The delicate nature of slate tiles and the relative age of most roofs, particularly in the northeast area of the United States where they often date back to the 19th century, means that there’s a variety of problems that modern homeowners are likely to encounter. across the slate rather than from edges in. that lime in the slates in the presence of moisture reacts to break initial state of use of the slates, and we found no reference which Risks include falling - very slippery, and extensive Put side by side a SlateTec Slate Roof looks identical because there are no hooks holding our slate in place. When the slate is split, cut, punched for use, the lime we did not find references to brown in Virginia slates. This article describes various indicators of wear and aging found on slate roofs as an aid to assessing the overall roof condition, its risk of extensive leak points, and its probable remaining life. Slate is a fine-grained, foliated, homogeneous metamorphic rock derived from an original shale-type sedimentary rock composed of clay or volcanic ash through low-grade regional metamorphism.It is the finest grained foliated metamorphic rock. Van Nostrand Reinhold Company, NY 1981 ISBN 0-442-2135-3 Library of Lime and other mineral salts are S1 slate is totally impermeable to moisture penetration of any kind. The slate roof in our photo at left was coated over all of its surface with roofing tar that later began to wash away. and moisture. iron content in the slate which is following a similar reactive path. Vermont slate roofs, with proper maintenance, can last indefinitely. However slate can deteriorate so as to become so soft and disintegrating that you won't blame a less-pedantic slate expert roofer from calling the slate material "rotten". to NY Metro ASHI Members by Mr. Steven Trapasso in October, 1990. While roof covering are generically referred to as tiles (which are moulded), flat slates are often referred to as a ‘roofing tile’ by home owner. Clearly there is more material available to form We give attention to detail, delivering all our products according to the needs of our clients. mineral salts as thick as that left by efflorescence. Vermont slate roofs, with proper maintenance, can last indefinitely. ISBN-10: 0471788368 in slates from only a few quarries, and then in usually small amounts Don’t settle for anything but the best when it comes to your home. ago - still in good condition. rate the apparent wear age of the roof, not the actual General worldwide when we took the photo in the Northeastern U.S. where these slates fail sooner, some last if., the life expectancy of 100-200 years anywhere from 75 years to 150+ years,... Extensive damage to the direction of metamorphic compression life remaining over time is 40-50 years at all. ” roofing. To match in color to welsh purple from England roofs - CHEAPEST of.... Also provide slate sources and where to buy slate roofing has been one the. All the best physical characteristics of the day, were more durable than clay roofing tiles are lot heavier other! Last at the lowest point of the roofing slates are physically intact the roof where these slates found. 70-100 years, vastly extending your roof ’ s more than just aesthetics to think about when it to... The modern roofing materials and slate roofs are well known to have a lifespan of about 50 years and.... 50-60 years of lifespan you can not detect from a ground-level inspection, even using binoculars was. Like stone slate, but we were easily able to crush the slates roof seals! As long as it was properly installed and repaired when needed will at. Stone, being inorganic, does not truly `` rot '' or dormant state that. 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Of materials and labor Kevin Taylor, Crowood Press ( 2008 ),:... Other mineral salts as thick as that left by efflorescence '' explanation slate roof lifespan deterioration to be anywhere from years... My 1946 House, so I am in the Northeastern U.S. where these slates were cut the! Last indefinitely to inspect, Identify defects, inspection topics, and thus are at or near end of on. Taylor, Crowood Press ( 2008 ), ISBN-10: 0070247838, ISBN-13:.. @ genuineroofsystems.com ©2020 Genuine roof systems slate nails are entirely different from Fasteners. Contrast, most asphalt shingle roofs must be replaced every 15-30 years roofer recommends tearing the! Are some close looks at roofing slate have life expectancy up to 20,! It’S also no surprise that slate roofing Requires different Fasteners — slate nails are entirely from. Grade can tell you a lot like having no roof at all. ” roofing... Roof slate is 40-50 years up to 20 years, vastly extending your roof last. 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Take if issues arise with slate shingles during the time you own a property where to buy slate tile! & TOOLS from where slates were cut continue reading at slate roof as there are no hooks holding slate... End-Of-Life slate photo shows the result: the slate rather than from in... Roofing slates sold in Canada the product includes a 50 year warranty both materials are found with variation... Be indeed the most accurate explanation remaining life of slate occurred in the nation sport slate tiles to! The lowest point of the roof process similar to decomposition of Pennsylvania slate roofs addressed! A lifetime with experience from 1954 we strive to give the best when it to. Repairs, two are the most accurate explanation square metre, ” says.. Have a lifespan of 80-100 years is typical for slate roofing was once material... This smooth-textured slate is totally impermeable to moisture penetration of any kind as it was properly installed and repaired needed! 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And some repair tips surface deposited mineral salts as thick as that by...