“If you want to know how to build a roof that will last a century or even two, find a roof that’s already that old and copy it.”
(Joseph Jenkins – The Slate Roof Bible)
Slate is a fine grain, homogeneous rock that derives from shale sediment composing of clay or volcanic ash. Its malleable break-ability yet tough qualities allow it to be broken into thin but durable sheets.
Slate roofs are beautiful and strong. They are fire proof, wind and hail resistant and water tight.
They are made of natural stone that protects the dwelling and shelters its inhabitants with unrivaled durability and aesthetics.
Slate roofs have been installed on cathedrals and castles for the past five thousand years all around the world, with the first recorded slate roof on a private home in North Wales, England around 1300 AD.
Slate roofs appeared in North America in the 1600s, but the first quarry didn’t open until 1785.
During the second world war, slate started to be pushed aside by artificial roofing materials but now, natural quarried slate is experiencing a renewed recognition as the superior choice for your roof.
The NAHB (National Association of Home Builders) rates slate as by far the longest lasting roofing material.
The production of slate includes no chemicals or toxins whatsoever and its disposal leaves no pollution or landfill waste.
There are different kinds of slate roofing shingles, reflecting different sizes, shapes, thicknesses and colors.
Most of the slate used by Eddie is locally quarried in VT and NY, and is of either grayish / blackish, greenish, purple or red color.
“Every great building once begun as a building plan. That means, sitting in that building plan on the table is a mighty structure not yet seen. It is the same with dreams.”
(Israelmore Ayivor)
