By Jenny Yu.  

READYSLATE’s redesigned slate system delivers durability, sustainability and efficient installation.  

At the 2026 International Roofing Expo, Lauren White of The Coffee Shops™ had a chance to visit the READYSLATE® booth and speak with Jason Rynd of the Vermont Slate Company, READYSLATE's manufacturer. Jason highlighted a growing shift toward lightweight, high-performance alternatives in roofing. 

“There’s nothing else like it in the market,” Jason said of READYSLATE. “It’s real slate in a lightweight system that also has the highest hail rating you can get.”  

With traditional slate weighing about 1,000 pounds per square in a traditional installation, READYLSATE comes in at approximately 550 per square, opening the door to a broader range of applications. “Anything under 600 pounds is considered lightweight, so that gets us into a whole new market,” Jason explained. 

To achieve the unique feat of a lightweight material with impressive durability, the Vermont Slate Company made several key adjustments over the past year based on contractor feedback and the manufacturer’s own research and development efforts. “We've reduced it to four pieces of slate rather than six, so our panel is much smaller now,” Jason said. “It’s easier to maneuver on the roof, lighter. Crews are able to install it at about two-thirds the time it usually takes on a traditional slate install, so it’s more efficient.” 

In addition to advancing efficiency on the jobsite, sustainability was a main focus in the redesign. “We also took all the asphalt out of the backer that creates our panel. It's just an HDPE plastic backer now,” Jason noted. “It doesn't get much greener than slate; it's rock from the earth. By taking the asphalt out, it's even more natural.” The system also boasts a Class 4 hail rating and Class A fire rating, helping meet stringent building and insurance requirements.  

So far, the market response has been extremely positive. “All of the product sold out before we even got it here!” Jason expressed. “We can’t keep it in stock right now, which is a great problem to have.” 

Watch the full interview to learn more about READYSLATE and how it is reshaping the slate roofing market.

By Jenny Yu.  

READYSLATE is investing in contractors with tools and education designed to drive long-term success. 

Contractor relationships are becoming increasingly central to product performance and brand reputation in the roofing industry. In a recent Roofing Road Trips® episode hosted by Karen Edwards, Pablo González Rodríguez of READYSLATE® discussed how the company is strengthening those relationships through a newly launched contractor loyalty initiative designed to support training, consistency and long-term success in the field. 

Pablo emphasized that contractors have always played a critical role in shaping the product itself. “We always say that a product is only as great as the person who is installing it,” he said. “We build the system with them in mind, and once we launch it, we listen to their feedback.” That feedback loop has already influenced product evolution. “We have redesigned the product during the last year, and it was all thanks to the feedback we received from the field,” he said. 

The new Preferred Contractor Program aims to formalize that collaboration. “We wanted to take this relationship that we’re building with contractors to the next level and make this commitment more tangible, more real,” Pablo said. The program combines structured training with business support, helping contractors install the system with confidence while also growing their operations. He added, “We provide the right training so they can feel more secure when they go to the jobsite. No surprises, no guesses.” 

Training is delivered through an online platform that allows contractors to learn at their own pace, followed by a brief assessment to confirm understanding. Once approved, participants gain access to tools, resources, and a portal to track projects. The program also includes tiered requirements, with additional qualifications such as insurance verification and jobsite inspections for advanced levels. 

Beyond technical education, the initiative is designed to protect what Pablo identifies as a contractor’s most valuable asset. “Their reputation, their name is everything in this industry,” he said. “If they avoid surprises, their customer is going to be happier.” 

By aligning product performance with contractor success, READYSLATE is positioning its loyalty program as both a training platform and a business growth tool in an increasingly competitive roofing market. 

Listen to the podcast or Watch the recording to learn more about READYSLATE’s contractor loyalty program. 

By Jesse Sanchez. 

This roofing contractor shares how simple social media posts led to international recognition and business growth. 

For roofing contractors, reputation is often built through one project at a time. Increasingly, however, that reputation is shaped not only by the finished roof, but by how the work is documented and shared. In this episode of Roofing Road Trips®, Lewis Miller, director of Compass Roofing Limited in Edinburgh, Scotland, shared how a straightforward decision to post jobsite videos featuring materials from brands like READYSLATE® ultimately expanded his company’s reach far beyond its local market. 

What began as a simple effort to capture day-to-day slate work gradually gained traction. Lewis said the move into social media was not part of a formal strategy, but a natural extension of the work itself. He shared, “So basically we just started getting into the social media side of things, like taking videos of the work that we were doing, it was fitting the slates, stripping the slates, cutting the slates.” Over time, that consistency began to pay off. “I think maybe one or two videos just took off from there.” 

That growing visibility led to an unexpected opportunity. After being noticed by a manufacturer’s social media team, Compass Roofing was encouraged to enter an international competition showcasing slate craftsmanship. The submission process was simple, centered on a short video highlighting detailed work, but the outcome proved meaningful. “Winning has certainly helped our business,” Lewis said, noting that the recognition continued to generate exposure ell beyond the initial announcement. 

The experience also clarified what resonates with audiences. Rather than relying on polished production or complex editing, Lewis found that straightforward documentation of skilled work was more effective. “People just like seeing good work done well,” he said. “Try and keep it as simple and straightforward because you want to keep people engaged.” 

As competition intensifies across the industry, that approach offers a practical model. By consistently capturing and sharing authentic jobsite work, contractors can extend their visibility, reinforce credibility and create new pathways for growth, without adding complexity to their process. 

Listen to the entire podcast to learn more about how contractors can use social media to grow their business!

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Learn how a panelized slate system is removing weight barriers and simplifying installation for asphalt-to-slate replacements. 

For decades, real slate has been recognized as a premium roofing material known for its strength, longevity and craftsmanship, qualities that have traditionally placed it in a specialized category within residential re-roofing. At the International Roofing Expo (IRE), READYSLATE® leaned into that perception by showcasing a system engineered to bring those same benefits to a broader range of residential projects. Speaking from The Coffee Shops™ sound stage sponsored by SRS Distribution, Morgan Cathey, sales director for Vermont Slate Company, part of Cupa Group explained the structural reality behind that long-held distinction. Traditional slate systems often require additional engineering to support their weight, which has historically limited their use on homes currently roofed with asphalt shingles. 

“Our product is really the only panelized real slate product on the market that fits in the lightweight category,” Morgan said. “So, we're able to tear shingles off and put real slate back on the roof.” That distinction is central to the company’s message at IRE, because by fitting within the lightweight category, the system is positioned as a direct replacement option rather than a project that requires structural redesign, which in turn expands the number of homes where real slate can realistically be considered during a standard re-roof. 

The product’s installation method is designed to reinforce that accessibility. “It is panelized. It looks a lot like a shingle. It's designed to be compatible with a lot of shingle accessories that are on the market today,” Morgan said, noting that while panels are hand nailed, the format mirrors familiar shingle layouts and aligns with the workflows contractors already use. As a result, crews can approach the product with confidence, reducing the learning curve and lowering hesitation about introducing real slate into their proposals. 

The latest version further reflects that contractor-focused approach, as installer feedback led the company to reduce the panel from six pieces of slate to four, improving handling and enabling single-person placement while maintaining a Class 4 impact rating and a Class 8 fire rating. Framed around its first-quarter focus on resilience baked into slate installation, applied to protect what matters most, the system is presented not simply as a lighter slate option, but as a practical way to deliver long-term durability without adding structural complexity.  

Learn more about how READYSLATE® is expanding the reach of real slate by combining lightweight performance, contractor-driven design improvements and built-in resilience to protect what matters most during residential re-roofing!

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Installers pushed for shorter panels, cleaner backers and tougher packaging and READYSLATE’s redesign shows what happens when a manufacturer truly listens to the roof. 

As READYSLATE® expands in the U.S. market, CUPA Pizarras has reshaped its lightweight slate panel system around one core principle: listen to installers who work with it every day. In this episode of the Roofing Road Trips® podcast, Product Manager Pablo González Rodriguez detailed how contractor feedback led directly to the latest round of design updates. 

Pablo shared, “So, contractors loved the product, loved the concept from the beginning because it gave them access to real slate without the concerns of weight limitations first, but also the complexity of finding a crew who has the knowledge on the slate installations. But there were things that couldn't be better.” 

Those things showed up on roofs and trade show floors, where crews were candid about what worked and what needed to change. He noted, “So there were some drawbacks that they share with us in the trade shows or in the installs when we go and visit them or all the exchange we have with them. Mainly it was the length of the panel. So it was way too long. It's not long when you are standing on the ground.” 

Contractors also flagged the original bitumen base and packaging. “There were also some complaints on the bitumen base because it causes stains and especially in hot days, left residues, it touches something. And also the packaging, the cardboard packaging we used to have didn't hold up,” he said. “Especially on wet conditions on the job site. So, those were the main things that needed to be addressed by us.” 

The redesign kept the same natural slate and thickness but rethought how it is delivered. Pablo said, “Yeah, it's a natural slate, it's heavy, we're still having the same slate, same thickness, we are not varying that, but we reduce the size of the panel. So that helps us to have a shorter panel, we move from six slates to four slates and that itself already is 30% shorter and it's perfect size to move around and to handle yourself, you don't need somebody to hold it, so you can name it, it's way easier.”  

Listen to the podcast to learn more about how contractor feedback shaped READYSLATE’s lighter, easier-to-handle design!

By Jesse Sanchez. 

This lightweight slate system helped an Illinois contractor deliver luxury aesthetics while meeting structural limits and HOA rules. 

When an Illinois homeowner set out to install a natural slate roof, the goal was clear, but the path forward was not. Traditional slate offered the timeless character they wanted, but the home’s structure could not support the weight of the materials and neighborhood HOA restrictions narrowed the list of acceptable alternatives. The solution ultimately came through READYSLATE®, a real slate roofing system that blends authentic materials with a more accessible installation profile. 

The project was completed by Conrad Roofing of Illinois after the company was introduced to READYSLATE through its distributor QXO. For the contractor, the opportunity highlighted their ability to meet a growing need in residential roofing: delivering premium aesthetics while navigating structural limitations and cost realities that increasingly shape project decisions. 

Wade Tutt, CEO of Conrad Roofing, said the system immediately stood out because it offered an impressive blend of authentic slate aesthetics with a more streamlined, install-friendly system, giving contractors a way to deliver luxury roofing without the complexity of a traditional slate installation. 

That balance proved essential to the success of this project. The homeowners wanted the look and longevity associated with natural slate but needed a solution that aligned with both the home’s physical constraints and budget considerations. READYSLATE met those requirements by using real slate in a lightweight modular format that preserves visual authenticity while simplifying installation. 

The system’s design played a central role in its performance on the job. Each panel arrives pre-assembled with four slate pieces, allowing crews to move efficiently while maintaining the traditional appearance homeowners expect. For Conrad Roofing, the streamlined process reduced labor demands and supported tighter scheduling without sacrificing craftsmanship. 

As the installation moved forward, the advantages extended beyond speed. The reduced weight eliminated structural concerns, while the modular approach helped control costs. The result was a finished roof that delivered the appearance of a classic slate installation with fewer barriers for both contractor and client. 

That experience has reshaped how Conrad Roofing approaches future projects. Wade noted that READYSLATE has become a regular offering for the company. “We now offer READYSLATE as part of our regular product range. In fact, we’re already bidding for a READYSLATE job for a neighbor of this property,” he shared. 

For contractors navigating similar challenges, the project illustrates how material innovation can expand design possibilities without compromising performance or aesthetics. READYSLATE’s approach offers a way to bridge the gap between aspiration and feasibility in high-end residential roofing. 

Learn more about how READYSLATE can bring the beauty of natural slate to your next roofing project!

By READYSLATE®. 

An international jury crowns Duhamel Couverture the Best of the Best while reinforcing the enduring excellence of natural slate craftsmanship. 

In a competition defined by technical rigor and respect for tradition, Duhamel Couverture has emerged at the top of the Best of the Best 2025, earning recognition that represents both mastery of craft and clarity of execution. For READYSLATE®, the result reflects more than a winning scorecard; it highlights the values that continue to elevate natural slate roofing on a global stage. Judged by an international panel of seasoned professionals and decided through a closely contested final vote, this year’s outcome reinforces the importance of precision, presentation and uncompromising standards in an industry where details define distinction. 

In the final vote, the French company secured 19 points, ahead of Haesen Rik Dakwerken (Belgium) with 11 points. The Durable Slate Company (United States) completed the podium with 9 points. 

Also taking part in the final round were CP Roofing Solutions (United Kingdom), with 5 points and Ardesia Couverture, which finished with 3 points. 

In their assessment, the jury stated, “Duhamel Couverture’s proposal stands out for its attention to detail and for the clarity with which complex construction solutions were presented.” 

The Best of the Best 2025 decision was made by an international jury of highly respected professionals, including Matt Timby (United Kingdom), Heidi J. Ellsworth (United States), Severino González (Spain), Henri Lefin (Belgium) and Sébastien Therenty (France). 

All jury members bring extensive professional experience and a strong background in the natural slate and roofing sector, ensuring a rigorous and well-balanced evaluation process. We would like to thank them once again for their commitment and continued collaboration. 

Our thanks also go to the five finalists and to the 35 companies that took part in this year’s edition. Because beyond being a competition, the Best of the Best is, above all, a way to recognize the wonderful craft of the natural slate roofer and the value of work carried out to the highest standards. 

We now look forward to welcoming Duhamel Couverture to our quarries, where they will have the opportunity to discover first-hand the origin of our slate. And to all other participants, we look forward to seeing you again in next year’s Best of the Best! 

Original article source: READYSLATE

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Roofers across the globe prepare for the fifth annual Best of the Best competition in slate roofing.  

READYSLATE® is gearing up for what it calls its biggest year yet as the company opens submissions for the 2025 Best of the Best competition, an international contest that highlights craftsmanship with natural slate. The event has become a staple in the industry, and organizers say interest continues to rise as installers look for new ways to share their work and gain recognition. 

The premise is straightforward. Roofers submit a short video that puts natural slate at the center of the story. Submissions can show a roof in progress or a finished project, recorded from the ground or shot from above. The only requirement is that the clip runs between 45 seconds and 2 minutes. READYSLATE will group entries by country for the first voting phase, which runs December 2-4, 2025. Readers of the company's blog will select national winners before a jury of international experts selects the global champion. Winners will be announced on December 16. 

The prize combines professional prestige with an experience that past participants describe as unforgettable. The ultimate winner will receive a trophy, a tour of the quarries in Ourense and VIP tickets to a Real Madrid match at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. 

Past winners say the contest offers more than visibility. French roofer Benoit Rochard said the recognition delivered great satisfaction for a family craft that spans more than 60 years. Compass Roofing director Lewis Miller described the competition as a fabulous experience that boosted confidence and sparked engagement from customers and peers. Clément Avignon of Ardesia Couverture said he encourages other installers to enter because the contest showcases the depth of skill across Europe. 

The entry window is open until November 30, 2025. Each participant receives a gift pack, including professional tools, as a thank you for taking part. Company representatives say the intent is to celebrate technique, creativity and pride in a trade that often operates far from the spotlight. 

Learn more about how to enter the Best of the Best competition and what this year’s experience could mean for your roofing business!

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Bringing real slate roofing to labor-strapped contractors by simplifying installation without sacrificing performance. 

READYSLATE® is taking aim at one of the toughest problems in steep-slope roofing: how to bring authentic slate to markets that lack specialized installers. On this episode of Roofing Road Trips®, product manager Pablo González Rodriguez explained how the system was built to make natural slate more accessible for contractors in the United States. “My name is Pablo González Rodriguez. I'm the READYSLATE product manager at Cupa Pizarras, the world leader in natural slate. I am in charge of pushing for the development, the launch and the distribution of READYSLATE everywhere in the world, but mainly in the U.S., which is the market that we intended when we start to develop that product.” 

At its core, READYSLATE is designed to look and perform like traditional slate while behaving more like a shingle on the roof. Pablo shared, “READYSLATE is real slate in a panel, basically. We took our slate and we attached them to a panel. So, it's shaped like shingles to make it easier to install and also lightweight, which is very important for the U.S. It's a totally new roofing concept.” 

That new concept is meant to solve a very old problem. Slate has always earned praise for longevity and performance, yet it traditionally demands a level of craftsmanship that few installers possess today. Pablo noted that while homeowners often focus on beauty and lifespan, the quality of the installation ultimately determines whether the material performs as intended.  

“When you think about re-roofing your house, homeowners usually focus on the material itself, the aesthetics, the aspect, but installation is crucial,” he said. “It's a strength but the poor installation can compromise even the best roofing material and I'm sure your listeners know that very well, so the importance of a very good and skilled roofing contractor is crucial.” 

He shared a recent example from a large project in Cameroon, where premium slate went on a roof without proper technique. He explained, “They choose us, they wanted the best slate, so we sent them the slate. And then the owner shared the pictures of the accomplished project with us and the install was not correct at all. And they will have water issues. They will have water filtration for sure. And it's a pity and it's a problem with, I mean, traditional slate is a bit more complex.” 

READYSLATE steps into that gap by giving contractors a way to offer real slate without the years of training that traditional installations demand. The system keeps the authenticity of natural stone but removes the barriers that have held many roofers back. As the product continues to grow in the U.S. market, their goal is simple: make slate practical, profitable and accessible for everyday roofing crews. For contractors looking to expand their offerings with a material that delivers both durability and curb appeal, READYSLATE provides a straight path forward.  

Listen to the podcast to learn more about READYSLATE and how it’s reshaping access to natural slate for today’s roofing contractors!

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Compass Roofing’s second-generation leader leans into slate tradition and Scottish weather. 

Compass Roofing Limited has built its name on slate in one of the world’s most slate-heavy cities, and director Lewis Miller, who spoke on this episode of the Roofing Road Trips® podcast, is carrying that legacy into a new generation from the company’s base in Edinburgh. The family-owned firm operates primarily in the Scottish capital, where slate roofs dominate the historic skyline and surrounding suburbs, supported by partnerships with suppliers like READYSLATE®.  

Their work is overwhelmingly pitched slate roofing, supported by tiles and flat systems tailored to Scotland’s harsh climate. Lewis shared, “Pitch roofing, certainly slating, is taken up by 90% of it, with the other 10% probably being tiled roof, which is concrete and clay. And then the other side of our work is flat roofing and we use a product called Alvitra VSK.” 

Edinburgh provides the perfect backdrop for a slate specialist. “If you've ever seen photos or videos or anything of Edinburgh, you will see that the city centre and the surrounding areas is just filled with slate roofs and sort of 100-year-old, 150 plus year old buildings,” Lewis said. Beyond the historic tenements, Compass Roofing also installs slate on early 20th century bungalows on the city’s outskirts, matching both aesthetics and performance to the building stock. 

The company uses Scotch slate on older tenements in the city center, while premium Spanish slate from READYSLATE is reserved for many bungalow projects where consistency and durability are paramount. That matters in a region where cold, wet days are the norm rather than the exception. Lewis added, “Yeah, we can get to about three degrees Celsius, and I'm sure a lot of people know Scotland is a very wet place.” 

For Lewis, the appeal of slate is both visual and practical. The material aligns with Edinburgh’s architecture and stands up to relentless rain and wind, reinforcing Compass Roofing’s commitment to high-quality, long-lasting roofing solutions. 

Listen to the podcast to learn more about Compass Roofing Limited, READYSLATE and their slate roofing expertise!