By Megan Ellsworth.  

Discovering the legacy and longevity of slate roofing in the U.K. 

There are some trips that leave you inspired both professionally and personally, and my recent journey to the United Kingdom with the National Slate Association (NSA) and Slate Roofing Contractors Association (SRCA) was exactly that. From walking the streets of London to standing deep inside a historic slate quarry in England’s Lake District, the experience gave me a whole new appreciation for the craftsmanship, history and community behind slate roofing. 

The trip centered around attending the NFRC Awards, hosted by the National Federation of Roofing Contractors. The awards ceremony brought together some of the most talented roofing professionals in the United Kingdom and showcased the incredible work being done across the industry. It was inspiring to see how much pride contractors take in preserving traditional roofing methods while still embracing innovation and modern building practices. A main highlight for me during the awards was seeing the green roofing finalists. I look forward to that trend becoming more prevalent in the states because it is such a beautiful roofing system. The winner of that award was SAFESEAL Roofing LTD for their work on the Chester Zoo, check it out here! 

One of the most exciting parts of the trip was having the opportunity to connect with roofing professionals through RoofersCoffeeShop.uk. Throughout the week, I met contractors, manufacturers and industry leaders who were incredibly welcoming and passionate about their work. Even though roofing practices can differ between the United States and the U.K., the sense of community felt very familiar. Conversations about craftsmanship, workforce development, industry challenges and pride in quality work transcended borders. 

Beyond the networking and events, one of the most unforgettable experiences was visiting the Burlington Stone quarry, owned by the Holker Group. Seeing where slate roofing materials originate completely changed my perspective on slate as a roofing product. Standing inside the quarry and watching the process firsthand was incredible. We were able to see how slate is mined, split and prepared for roofing tiles using techniques that combine generations of tradition with modern precision. I even got to split some slate roofing pieces myself!  

The scale of the operation was impressive, but what stood out most was the respect everyone had for the material itself. Slate roofing is not just another roofing system; it is craftsmanship rooted in geology, history and longevity. Learning about the durability and natural beauty of slate directly from the people who extract and produce it made me appreciate why slate roofs can last well over a century when installed properly.  

The quarry! 

This is inside their plant, cutting the slate into smaller pieces to start creating building materials from it.  

We loved seeing this on the plant floor, safety always comes first! 

Our favorite part was seeing how the roof tiles are made!  

John Chan from Durable Slate Company holding a 200-year-old slate roofing tile! 

The coolest part of the entire trip was realizing just how much history is literally sitting above your head everywhere you go in the U.K. As we toured places like Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, I could not stop staring at the roofs. So many of the slate roofs we saw were well over 100 years old, and some even older than that, which honestly blew my mind. We had the honor of touring Haulker Hill House, which has been in the Cavendish family for generations; we all enjoyed marveling at the ornate slate roof and lead and copper finishes.  

Slate roofs are everywhere! This was in Cumbria, England near the Burlington Quarry.  

Coming from the roofing industry, you hear people talk about slate longevity all the time, but seeing these massive historic buildings still protected by beautiful slate systems after centuries of harsh rain and weather made it feel real in a completely different way. It gave me a much deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship that goes into slate roofing and why it has remained such an important part of architecture throughout the U.K. and Europe for generations. Everywhere we went, from London to Scotland, the roofs themselves felt like part of the storytelling, and I found myself constantly looking up. 

What I walked away with most from this trip was gratitude. Gratitude for the opportunity to learn, to represent the roofing community internationally and to build relationships with people who care deeply about the industry. The roofing world may seem large, but experiences like this make it feel surprisingly connected. 

This U.K. trip reinforced something I already believed: roofing is more than construction. It is storytelling, craftsmanship, preservation and community all rolled into one. I am incredibly thankful to the Slate Roofing Contractors Association, the team at RoofersCoffeeShop.uk and everyone we met along the way for making this experience unforgettable.

By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

Experiencing the craftsmanship, durability and history of slate roofing firsthand across the United Kingdom. 

To truly understand the beauty, durability and craftsmanship of roofing and especially slate roofing, you have to experience it firsthand. For me, that is exactly what happened when RoofersCoffeeShop® joined the National Slate Association (NSA) and the Slate Roofing Contractors Association (SRCA) for their recent educational tour through the United Kingdom focused on slate roofing, history and best practices. 

Alongside Megan Ellsworth, multimedia director for The Coffee Shops™, I had the incredible opportunity to travel with contractors, association leaders and slate professionals to experience the rich history and extraordinary performance of natural slate roofing firsthand. From visiting historic installations and award-winning projects to learning directly from industry experts, one message became very clear to me throughout the trip: Slate remains one of the most durable, sustainable and high-performing roofing materials available today. 

Throughout the journey, RoofersCoffeeShop worked closely with NSA and SRCA to document and share the experience in real time through social media and online coverage, helping bring the story of UK slate roofing to contractors and roofing professionals back home. From centuries-old slate roofs still protecting structures today to hands-on learning about quarrying, installation and craftsmanship, I was reminded again and again why slate continues to stand the test of time. 

After arriving in London and getting settled in, one of the first truly memorable experiences of the tour was the opportunity to visit the rooftop of the historic Admiralty Arch. This exceptional rooftop tour would not have been possible without the support and coordination of National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) and EWN Leadwork Specialists. Standing atop one of London’s most iconic landmarks offered an incredible perspective on both historic roofing craftsmanship and modern restoration efforts. 

Located at the western end of The Mall near Trafalgar Square, Admiralty Arch serves as the ceremonial gateway toward Buckingham Palace and has long stood as one of London’s most recognizable landmarks. Known for its impressive Edwardian architecture, intricate stonework and ceremonial significance during royal events and parades, the structure carries both architectural and cultural importance.

Today, the building is being thoughtfully transformed into a luxury hotel and private residences while preserving its remarkable historic character. Being able to tour the rooftop and better understand the restoration work taking place gave me a unique appreciation for the specialized craftsmanship required to preserve historic structures while adapting them for future generations. For roofing professionals, it was an extraordinary opportunity to see how restoration, waterproofing and historical preservation come together on one of the United Kingdom’s most significant buildings. 

The educational opportunities continued throughout the tour with another exceptional experience, visiting the quarry and production facilities at Burlington Stone in Northern England.  Seeing natural slate extracted directly from the quarry and following the process through preparation for roofing applications gave me an entirely new appreciation for the craftsmanship, engineering and precision behind premium slate systems. From the careful quarrying methods to the grading, splitting and preparation of slate for roofing, the visit offered a rare behind-the-scenes look at how one of the industry’s most respected roofing materials begins its journey. Watching slate move from the mountainside to a finished roofing product was not only educational but truly exceptional. It reinforced for me the incredible quality control, natural performance characteristics and legacy behind slate roofing. 

Equally impressive was seeing the incredible longevity and resilience of slate roofs across the UK. Many of the buildings we visited showcased roofing systems that have performed for generations, proving slate’s unmatched durability and long-term value. Natural slate’s low water absorption, resistance to harsh weather and remarkable life expectancy continue to make it a premium roofing choice around the world. 

The trip also showcased the artistry behind slate roofing. The precision, craftsmanship and technical expertise required to install and maintain slate systems were on full display throughout the experience. For me, it served as an important reminder of how specialized roofing trades preserve both performance and architectural history while creating roofs designed to last for decades, and often centuries. 

This experience was truly amazing. Being able to see the history, craftsmanship and long-term performance of slate up close was incredibly educational. I was honoured that RoofersCoffeeShop could help share the story through social media and online coverage, helping show the roofing industry why slate continues to be one of the highest-performing roofing systems available. 

The trip also underscored the importance of industry collaboration and ongoing education. By joining NSA and SRCA abroad, I was reminded how valuable it is when associations, contractors and manufacturers come together to share best practices, preserve craftsmanship and continue advancing roofing excellence. 

To learn more about the UK slate tour and upcoming slate initiatives, visit the National Slate Association and explore the NSA and SRCA directories on RoofersCoffeeShop.

By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

RoofersCoffeeShop.uk joined roofing professionals from across the U.K. to celebrate award-winning craftsmanship, innovation and community.

The U.K. roofing industry came together in spectacular fashion at the 2026 U.K. Roofing Awards, recognizing the projects, companies and individuals who continue to raise the bar for excellence across roofing and cladding. Hosted by National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC), the annual event welcomed more than 900 industry professionals to celebrate outstanding workmanship, safety and innovation from across the United Kingdom. 

This year’s celebration also highlighted the strong international relationships within roofing, as representatives from the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), National Slate Association (NSA) and Slate Roofing Contractors Association (SRCA) travelled from the United States to attend the event and celebrate alongside U.K. roofing professionals. Their presence underscored the global respect for the craftsmanship, technical expertise and industry leadership recognized through the U.K. Roofing Awards. 

From historic restoration projects and complex waterproofing systems to cutting-edge solar installations and community leadership, this year’s awards showcased the incredible breadth of talent across the roofing sector. RoofersCoffeeShop.uk was proud to be in the audience celebrating all the competitors, finalists and winners who demonstrate the professionalism and craftsmanship that define the U.K. roofing industry. 

One of the most celebrated recognitions of the evening was Project of the Year, awarded to Staick House by Rowlands Roofing, a project that also earned top honours in the Heritage Roofing category. The Industry Choice Award, voted on by the sector, went to Little Eversden, Cambridgeshire, completed by Roof Brothers Ltd working with CUPA PIZARRAS S.A., reflecting strong industry support for exceptional craftsmanship. 

Winners represented excellence across every roofing discipline. Major category winners included One Leadenhall by Lindner Prater Ltd for Bituminous Hot Applied Liquid Waterproofing, The Library, Murray Edwards College by Millane Contract Services Ltd for Cold Applied Liquid Waterproofing and Chester Zoo by Safeseal Roofing Ltd for Green Roofing. In metal roofing, Rockmount by Install Zinc Ltd took top honours in Fully Supported Metal while Robin House by Aim Developments Ltd working with Sika Ltd won the Single Ply Roofing category. Solar innovation was also recognized with St Nicholas Leisure Centre by Stace Roofing Ltd receiving the Solar award. 

The evening also celebrated the people who make roofing stronger. Sean Lynden of Blackpool Industrial Roofing was recognized with the Local Hero Award for going above and beyond in his community. Edward Radley of Marksman Roofing & Cladding earned the Individual Health & Safety Award and Corey Dowell of Progressive Systems Ltd was named Young Roofer of the Year, highlighting the next generation of roofing talent. 

At RoofersCoffeeShop.uk, we are proud to share the stories behind these award-winning projects and celebrate the contractors, manufacturers and teams that continue to elevate roofing excellence. The U.K. Roofing Awards are a powerful reminder that roofing is built on craftsmanship, innovation and people who care deeply about the work they do every day. 

To see the full list of 2026 U.K. Roofing Award winners and learn more about the incredible projects recognized this year, visit NFRC U.K. Roofing Awards Winners 2026 page at www.nfrc.co.uk/events/uk-roofing-awards/winners-2026.html. Interviews are also available from award winners on the RoofersCoffeeShop YouTube channel. 

By Megan Ellsworth, The Coffee Shops™. 

Taking a look at what historic slate roofs can teach us about building for the future. 

In a world where so many products are designed to be replaced every few years, there is something incredibly powerful about materials built to last for generations. 

That is the thought that kept crossing my mind during my recent trip to the United Kingdom with the Slate Roofing Contractors Association (SRCA). Everywhere I looked I saw slate roofs that were well over 100 years old and still performing exactly as they were intended to. Touring historic sites throughout England and Scotland, including castles and centuries old buildings, completely shifted my perspective on what homeowners should expect from the materials protecting their homes. 

Today, many homeowners are conditioned to think in the short-term. Fast construction, lower upfront costs and quick replacements have become normalized across the building industry. But as housing costs continue to rise and sustainability becomes more important, there needs to be a larger conversation about longevity and lifecycle value. 

A roof is one of the most important investments a homeowner will ever make. It protects everything underneath it. Yet many people choose roofing systems based almost entirely on the lowest upfront price without considering long term performance, maintenance or replacement costs. 

Slate roofing challenges that mindset completely. 

When installed properly, a natural slate roof can last more than 100 years and sometimes closer to 150 or even 200 years. That means a homeowner may never have to replace their roof again during their lifetime. In many cases, slate roofs outlast the very structures they protect. 

During our visit to the Burlington Stone quarry in England’s Lake District, I was able to see firsthand how slate is mined, split and crafted into roofing tiles. It gave me such a greater appreciation for the material itself. Slate is not manufactured to imitate nature. It is nature. Every piece carries its own texture, color and history, and the durability is remarkable. 

There is also a conversation about sustainable practices and materials here that deserves more attention. Building materials that last longer create less waste. Fewer roof replacements mean fewer materials ending up in landfills; fewer resources used in manufacturing and less energy spent on repeated construction cycles. Longevity is sustainability. 

That does not mean slate roofing is the right fit for every home or every budget. But the larger lesson applies across the entire construction industry. Homeowners should be encouraged to think beyond short-term costs and ask bigger questions. How long will this material last? How often will it need to be replaced? What is the true lifetime value? 

The next generation of homeowners is already more focused on sustainability, quality and intentional spending. Many younger homeowners are willing to invest more upfront if it means buying something that lasts. Roofing manufacturers, contractors and the construction industry as a whole have an opportunity to better educate consumers about the long-term value of durable building materials. 

One of the most striking parts of my UK trip was realizing that many of the roofs I admired had already protected generations of families before any of us were even here. There is something really beautiful about that. These roofs were built with the expectation that they would last, and they did. 

That kind of craftsmanship and long-term thinking feels increasingly rare today, but it is something worth preserving. Homes should not be built only for the next 20 years. The best homes, and the best materials, are built with the future in mind. 

Want to learn more about slate roofing? Visit the Slate Roofing Contractors Association (SRCA) in their Coffee Shop Directory or go to www.slateroofers.org.

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Roofers from across the country gathered to celebrate two decades of craftsmanship at the 2025 SRCA Conference in Grove City. 

The Slate Roofing Contractors Association (SRCA) hosted its 20th anniversary conference from September 26-28 at Joseph Jenkins Inc., bringing together some of the finest slate roofers, suppliers and educators in the country for a weekend focused on craftsmanship, community and industry evolution, with participation and support from organizations such as the National Slate Association (NSA). 

The event combined hands-on training, technical seminars and social networking opportunities into a packed agenda that reflected the SRCA’s mission to preserve and advance the art of slate roofing. From the opening reception Thursday night to Saturday’s fundraising auction, every moment aimed to inspire and elevate the trade for those in attendance. 

Before the official kickoff, pre-conference training sessions gave attendees opportunities to earn certifications in slate installation and repair. These interactive courses allowed contractors to gain experience in real-world techniques under expert guidance. 

In the seminars, topics ranged from the traditional to the technical. Attendees got an up-close look at soldering methods, woven slate valleys and European flashing systems. Sessions also touched on legal and business concerns like anti-trust laws and insurance procedures, crucial insights for contractors navigating today’s regulatory landscape. 

Sponsors and exhibitors such as John Stortz and Son Inc., Slator LLC, Slate Valley Supply and Penn Slate Inc. were on hand to showcase tools, materials and innovations, adding a commercial edge to the educational atmosphere. 

The SRCA also used the occasion to reaffirm its commitment to craftsmanship and mentorship. A spirited auction on Saturday evening raised funds for training initiatives and future events, ensuring the association’s work continues into the next generation. 

Learn more about how the SRCA and NSA are working together to strengthen the slate roofing industry for the decades ahead!

This landmark event marked a significant milestone in advancing the standard of excellence in slate roofing nationwide.

Four Wagner Roofing employees — Obed Tejada Hernandez, Gabino Perez Guentes, Luis Montoya Rivas and Juan Santana Ortiz — earned national recognition as the country’s first NRCA PROCertified Slate System Installers. Wagner Roofing proudly hosted this first-ever Slate ProCertification exam offering, which was administered by the NRCA (National Roofing Contractors Association).

The NRCA Slate Systems Installer PROCertification is a distinguished credential that recognizes the skill, knowledge and professionalism of experienced slate roofing installers. To earn certification, candidates must meet strict eligibility requirements and pass a rigorous evaluation process, including a comprehensive verbal exam and a hands-on, six-hour installation assessment judged live by independent ProCertification Qualified Assessors.

This landmark event marked a significant milestone in advancing the standard of excellence in slate roofing nationwide. The curriculum and standards for the Slate ProCertification program were collaboratively developed by the NRCA, the Slate Roofing Contractors Association (SRCA) and the National Slate Association (NSA), ensuring the highest level of industry-wide integrity and expertise.

Wagner Roofing is proud to celebrate its team’s achievement and to have supported this pioneering event, reaffirming its ongoing commitment to workforce development, craftsmanship and leadership in traditional roofing systems.

Gary brings decades of leadership experience from serving on NRCA's board of directors and as the Slate Roofing Contractors Association of North America's chairman of the board.

The National Roofing Contractors Association has announced Gary Howes, chief operating officer and principal of The Durable Slate Co., Columbus, Ohio, has been appointed to the board of directors of the International Federation of the Roofing Trade. The appointment was made during IFD’s General Assembly held November 2024 in Innsbruck, Austria.

Gary is the first American to join the IFD board of directors. Other members include:

• Walter Bisig (Switzerland)
• Dirk Bollwerk (Germany)
• Henrik Mosegaard-Johansen (Denmark)
• Armand Liede (Latvia)

Gary brings decades of leadership experience in the roofing and historical restoration industries. He currently serves on NRCA’s board of directors and its global advisory and health and safety committees and is the Slate Roofing Contractors Association of North America’s chairman of the board.

“Joining the IFD board of directors is a tremendous honor,” Gary says. “IFD’s mission aligns perfectly with my passion for advancing the roofing trade and supporting the next generation of skilled craftsmen. I look forward to collaborating with my talented colleagues to further the organization’s vision on a global scale.”

About the NRCA

Since 1886, the National Roofing Contractors Association has been the home for generations of entrepreneurial craftsmen and enterprises who shelter and protect America’s families and businesses and each other. Our vision is the recognition of our members as professionals and to unite the industry to that purpose. NRCA is one of the construction industry’s most respected trade associations and the voice of roofing professionals and leading authority in the roofing industry for information, education, technology and advocacy. It represents all segments of the roofing industry, including contractors; manufacturers; distributors; architects; consultants; engineers; building owners; and city, state and government agencies. For information about NRCA and its services and offerings, visit nrca.net.

About the IFD

The International Federation of the Roofing Trade is dedicated to fostering collaboration, innovation and professional excellence in the roofing industry worldwide. The IFD serves as a permanent bond between its members, organizes international workshops and competitions and contributes to the development of technical standards for the roofing trade. Visit IFD at ifd-roof.com.

About The Durable Slate Company

The Durable Slate Company is a global leader in slate, tile, copper and historical roofing. Renowned for its craftsmanship and commitment to preservation, The Durable Slate Company has restored iconic structures across the U.S. and abroad, earning numerous awards for excellence in the roofing and restoration industries. For information about The Durable Slate Company, visit durableslate.com.

This significant development highlights Gary’s invaluable contributions to the company and underscores his commitment to its continued growth and success.

The Durable Slate Company is proud to announce that Gary Howes, currently chief operating officer, has been named a new Principal of the company. Gary joins Michael Chan and John Chan as Principal. This significant development highlights Gary’s invaluable contributions to the company and underscores his commitment to its continued growth and success.

Gary’s journey with the company began in 1989 when he started working in the field, working on roofs. Over the years, he became a skilled slater and roofing artisan, earning the prestigious Builder’s Exchange Craftsmanship Award in 1995. Gary has held numerous technical positions within the company, pioneering and mastering the Durable Way and rising to the role of executive vice president of operations before becoming chief operating officer of The Durable Group. His expertise extends to historic preservation, with a particular focus on traditional roofing techniques, including the repair, restoration and installation of copper, slate and tile roofs. His mastery of these materials has helped set the standard for excellence in preserving the craftsmanship and integrity of historic structures.

In addition to his vital contributions to The Durable Slate Company, Gary plays an influential role within the roofing industry at both national and international levels. Since 2018, Gary has served on the National Roofing Contractors Association’s (NRCA) board of directors, where he contributes to the global advisory committee and the health and safety committee. His leadership within these organizations reflects his commitment to advancing the industry through education, innovation and safety.

For the Slate Roofing Contractors Association of North America (SRCA), Gary has been chairman of the board since 2013, advocating for the growth of slate roofing craftsmanship and the establishment of higher industry standards. He also serves on the SRCA’s education and training committee and is a registered training instructor. Recently, Gary achieved another historic milestone by being appointed to the executive board of the International Federation of Roofing (IFD)—becoming the first American to hold this prestigious position.

Now, as a new Principal of The Durable Slate Company, Gary brings his extensive field experience, technical expertise and visionary leadership to help steer the company into an even brighter future. His expanded involvement will enhance the company’s ability to expand its reach while staying true to its core values of craftsmanship and dedication to historic preservation.

The Durable Slate Company, part of The Durable Group, specializes in traditional slate, tile and metal roofing, as well as historic building restoration through their sister company, The Durable Restoration Company. With Gary Howes now on board as a Principal, the company is poised for an even brighter future as it continues to protect and restore historic treasures worldwide.

About The Durable Slate Company

Founded in 1986, The Durable Slate Company is a nationally recognized leader in historic roofing and restoration. With a commitment to excellence and craftsmanship, the company specializes in slate, tile and copper roofing, as well as the preservation of historic structures across the United States and internationally. For more information about The Durable Slate Company and its services, visit www.durableslate.com.

By National Slate Association. 

The National Slate Association looks back at another successful IRE. 

The International Roofing Expo (IRE)  is the biggest event in the industry, boasting over 15,000 attendees from around the country and over 500 vendors. The National Slate Association (NSA) was proud to be in Las Vegas with the rest of the industry this year. Hopefully you had a chance to stop by booth #8849 and say hello! But if you didn’t, we’ve put together a quick recap of the events. Not everything that happens in Vegas has to stay in Vegas! 

The SRCA meeting 

A meeting of the slate minds took place within the convention center on Tuesday morning, 2/6/24. The National Slate Association and Slate Roofing Contractors Association (SRCA) boards got together to share ideas on industry improvements. The meeting started with a discussion on the NRCA ProCertification Slate program which has now officially launched. Meaningful dialogue took place about the SRCA developing a ProCert specific training course with the idea of not only helping the installer pass the test, but to understand concepts seen on the roof. The NSA’s involvement is to tackle finding qualified installers to take the exam. This being a significant investment from the industry, it’s critical this is a priority among the associations. 

Other discussion points were an industry specific promotional video. This video can be geared towards target audiences (homeowners, design professionals and contractors) and broken down into chapters. Highlighting the material life cycle costs and product benefits, as well as telling our story is a project that should not be overlooked as other industries have hi-jacked the distinguished reputation of the word slate. Involving a younger generation through social media could also be accomplished through this project as the content can easily be shared. A final note was the NSA using the newly finalized CAD drawings and exhibiting at the AIA show in June. 

The meeting was opened to members after an hour, and ideas were brought up on combating the Solar Reflective Index issue hampering slate in certain states. The concern is that if the material doesn’t pass in one state, it will spread. Next it was brought up whether synthetic slate was taking natural slate’s market share. Attacking synthetics and clarifying the differences between the two is a future agenda item.  

30+ members attended this meeting and it was agreed to continue holding meetings in this format once a year as attendance was a bright spot. It was wonderful to see so many interested parties and hopefully at the next meeting we can see 50+. 

NRCA ProCertification 

The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) had a ProCert booth where Korby Grist and Orion Jenkins of the SRCA slated a mockup. This was a great introduction to what an installer will likely see on the ProCert exam. Not only is it beneficial in garnering interest for the ProCert exam, but it’s a great representation of craftsmen in the slate industry. This program aims to create a test for slate installation which qualifies the installer to help reduce poor slate projects and keep the quality of the industry high. 

The natural slate industry has its challenges with material lead times, product knock offs, installation standards and many more just like any other industry. This is a tight knit group of prideful people who understand that slate is an excellent roofing material. Helping people understand their investment in a slate roof is a lifelong investment that serves future generations is a paramount value. It’s exciting that we all can come together and share our stories, as it can only help us move forward. 

Original article source: National Slate Association

By Slate Roofing Contractors Association. 

The Slate Roofing Contractors Association (SRCA) is here to demystify the common misconceptions about slate roofing in this comprehensive article.  

Homeowners have been enjoying natural and organic slate shingles in North America for over 400 years. However, with longevity often comes some common misconceptions. Here at the SRCA we want to address and breakdown some of the myths that have been created over the years about slate roofs. 

Myth no. 1: Slate lasts forever 

While exceptional durability is a characteristic of slate shingles, with some slates having an expected service life of over 200 years, the fact is slate is like all other natural and human-made materials in that they must, according to the laws of thermodynamics, transition from a state of order to disorder, from high entropy to low entropy. The service life of slate shingles depends largely on the geology of the slate – its mineral composition and the heat and pressure it was subjected to during its formation – a process known as metamorphism.  

Myth no. 2: No maintenance required 

Implicit in the myth that slate lasts forever is that a slate roof does not have to be maintained. Again, not true. Like all roofs, slate roofs do require some maintenance. The level of maintenance needed typically varies depending on whether the roof is in the early, middle or late stage. One of the beauties of a slate roof, however, is that repair is a relatively straight forward process, wherein a damaged slate can be easily removed using a tool called a “ripper” and a new, matching, slate shingle inserted in its place. 

Myth no. 3: Slate fines found in gutters is an indication of poor-quality slate 

Slate fines – tiny pieces of slate ranging in size from that of a pin head to a small button – typically appear in gutter troughs within the first several months of a slate roof’s installation. Slate fines result from trimming, cutting, and nail punching operations that occur during fabrication at the quarry and during installation on the roof. Fines remaining on the roof after completion will gradually be washed downslope and into the gutters with each passing rainfall. 

Myth no. 4: A few broken slates one year after installation is an indication of poor workmanship 

As discussed in Myth No. 1, it is not unusual for broken slates to occur a year or two after installation. Cracks can occur in the slate shingles as slaters trim, punch, install and walk on the slate during the construction process. Many of the cracked slates are identified as the slaters break down their means of access and are replaced with new, matching slates. Some cracks, however, are too fine to be identified, or are located in the concealed portion of the slate shingles. It is these few slates that can break and slide out of position early in the roof’s service life. 

Myth no. 5: Attic stock will break-down quickly because it is not exposed to the weather 

While it is true a) that blocks of slate are more difficult to split into shingles when they lose their quarry sap (inherent moisture within the stone) and quarries make every effort to prevent this from happening, and b) hot-cold cycling can result in the transformation of certain impurities contained within some slates into gypsum, thereby resulting in an expansion in volume and delamination over long periods of time, it is not true that slates stored indoors become more brittle and/or less durable. 

Myth no. 6: There are no slate roofing contractors anymore 

A shortage of construction workers has confronted the building trades in general since at least the turn of the twenty-first century as older workers retire and fewer young people enter the field, preferring less physically demanding work opportunities. While there are fewer slaters in the field today than 25-years ago, the trade is not dead. One only needs to look as far as the National Slate Association’s website for a list of slate roofing contractors by state. 

Myth no. 7: Slate roofs are too heavy 

Slate roofs are heavy. The weight of a slate roof, of course, depends on the thickness of the slate. Quarter-inch thick slate weights approximately 935 pounds per square (per 100 square feet of roof area), or 9.35 pounds per square foot (psf), when laid with a standard 3” headlap. Half-inch thick slate weighs approximately 18.70 psf. At these weights, the loads can be too great for standard post World War II construction. At the very least, if a structure never had a slate roof, a licensed structural engineer should evaluate the roof framing and associated load paths to determine if a slate roof is feasible, or whether supplemental framing or other modifications are needed. 

Myth no. 8: Natural roofing slate is no longer available 

Although there has been a consolidation in the number of commercial slate quarries and a number of quarries and slate types are in transition at the time of this writing (Fall 2022), S1 North American natural slate shingles are very much available in a wide variety of colors and all standard sizes. Slate from the Buckingham district of Virginia, the Vermont/New York district, and the Glendyne quarry of Canada, representing the full range of historical colors – black, green, gray, purple, red, mottled purple and green, strata gray – are in full production and readily available in the marketplace.  

Further info on these myths can be found here. 

Original article source: SRCA