Slate Roof Installation
Slate Roof Installation
Mighty Dog Roofing provides the the best choice for roofer slate roof installers located at Plano Texas. Our Plano slate roofers are among the best throughout the region. This makes them among the best roof builders of Plano. Since 1960, we have been installing slate roofing. We don’t want to take shortcuts or cut corners since we are aware of how vital these aspects are. You can count on us to provide an excellent product and service.
Slate Roof Installation With Hip and Ridge Joints
Slate roofs are preferred by many as they are among the best types of roofs. Though the installation cost quite a bit of money, slate roofs are great in improving the general appeal of the housing. Usually, homes with this type of roof installation have higher values.
Slate roof installation involves setting the hip and ridge joints. Before slating the roof, furring strips along the hip need to be installed. The standard thickness of slates is 3/16″ to 1/4 “. For slates with this thickness, 3/4″ furring strips are recommended. Nail these furring strips to the roof using 2.5″ hot dipped galvanized common nails.
On the bottom of the furring strips, install the first piece of the copper flashing using 1.5 copper roofing nail. To hide the furring strips, fold the bottom of the flashing.
Slate roof installation follows after the copper flashing has been nailed and folded. Install the slates over the flashing by nailing them into the furring strips. 1.5 copper roofing nails can be used but certain areas need to be attached with 2.5 copper roofing nails.
Install the next piece of step flashing over the hip slates. For this, a single nail will do. After this, nail the next pair of hip slates over it with at least two nails per slate. Fold the flashing lengthwise in half with 4″ in each side. With this, the overlying slates and flashings, the 16″ hip slates are to be overlapped halfway. Meanwhile, the step flashings would be overlapping each other by 2″.
Continue the setting up in this manner, flashing over the top of each pair of hip slates. The hip slates can be installed even without cutting and they do not to be tapered as well. To finish quickly, install the slates in pairs, not one side at a time.
Slate Roofing Made Easy – Choosing The Right Tools And Materials
It is recommended you research before you start building a slate roof. You must be prepared to be successful. Be aware about the various types of slate, the manufacturing methods Flashing, sheathing nailing, and other roofing materials prior to you start.
The first step is to ensure that your roof is appropriate for the installation of a slate roof. Slate roofs should not be installed below the ratio of 4:12 (4 feet of rise on 12 feet of run). If your roof is in compliance with this condition, give thought to acquiring appropriate slating tools and to buying slates as well as other items you’ll need for the job.
Tools
Get the correct slating tools and use the right slating tools and use. A slate hammer, slate cutter, and a slate-ripper should be in your toolkit. Make use of a slate cutter not a diamond-cutting saw, when cutting slates. The former will create an edge that is bevelled of the slate, which is in line with the look of all other slates. A diamond blade will produce a square edge which looks unnatural.
Slates
All slates are not created identically and you need the best slates for your roofing. Take into consideration the quality and thickness, size and kind of slate you’re thinking about when selecting the right one. For instance, slates that are thick are more difficult to cut. Likewise, smaller slates can take longer to set up because there will be more of them.
Check that the nails are exactly where they should be on the slates. You should position the holes to allow the nails to be put at a level that is just above the head of the underlying slate. Do not drill holes to low that they could cause damage to the base slate.
Make sure you order the right quantity of slates. It is crucial to determine your head lap ahead of time and purchase enough slates for it. It is recommended to purchase slates for your starter course separately. You want the nail holes to be used for the starter course along the top and on the back of the slate.
Materials
Slate Nails
The quality of nails is vital. The nails used for slate should be made of stainless steel or aluminium. The most popular type of nail is copper. areas with a lot of coastline, while silicon-bronze nails work best for severe conditions.
The correct length of nail is important. When you install your nails, make sure they only be able to penetrate the decking boards of the roof. This is important as if they’re too long, they will traverse the boards, breaking and splitting the wood in the back. This can reduce the thickness of the boards and also the ability to hold the boards. nails.
Decking materials
The decking materials under the slate have to last at minimum for the same time as the slates themselves, which is why it is important to select materials that are durable enough. This is accomplished by wooden boards and battens with an average thickness of 20-40mm. They could be rough-sawn laid out or tongue-in-groove. Other decking materials that are durable include concrete, which can be nail-nailed or gypsum. Avoid plywood and laminated wood.
Underlay
Roofs made of slate don’t require underlay. The underlay serves as an insulator to water since the moment slate tiles are laid down and the flashings are put on. It also serves as a base for chalk lines. A single layer of 30lb felt is sufficient in most cases.
Material for flashing
The right flashing material is crucial. Copper stainless steel, sheet lead are all appropriate. You should use a heavier material for gutters and valleys rather than ridges or chimney flashings.
Slate Roofing For Your House
If you have decided to build a slate roof on your own, there are certain items you’ll need to have ready before you jump in. Let’s now look at the many issues that come from slate roofing. The very first thing to ensure is that your roof has a slope ratio that is greater than 4:12. The slope should be raised 4 feet for every 12 feet.
Roofing Materials
A slate hammer, cutter, and slate ripper are among the most commonly used tools for slate roofing. If you don’t want end up with slates which have a square edge you should avoid using diamond saws and stick to the slate cutter that gives you a nice appearance.
Slate Variety
Slates can be found in many types as with any other building material. Slates vary in terms of their quality, the type of material, their size and of course their thickness. The slate you choose will affect how you get your roof built. There are nail holes in slates and you must make sure that you get the slates placed in a way to allow the nail to go onto the slate’s head. This will guarantee that there aren’t any leaks.
Once you have chosen the kind of slate you’ll need for your roof, you must purchase the appropriate amount of slates. You might find that the slates you ordered aren’t available anymore, and you must be returned to the store. Get additional slates in case certain plates may be damaged in the process of building your roof. It is not a bad idea to buy the initial slates in a separate package.
Other Materials
Many nails are required to install slate roofing. Make sure to use stainless steel or aluminium nails to stop them from rusting. If you live in an area where there are severe weather conditions , then copper nails are the one to use. When roofing slate the length of nails is crucial. The nails should not exceed the deck of the roof. Anything more will cause damage to the wooden boards.
Along with nails, you’ll also use decking materials as well. Since they go beneath the slates, they need to match the length of the slates you bought. Avoid plywood and laminated wood decks. It is also possible to add an underlay to keep water from evaporating until the slates are put in place.
Slate Roof Repairs – The 100 Year Roof!
The most famous of roofing materials is slate! It is a 100-year roofing material and can last a lifetime. If you properly install and maintain slate roofing material, you can anticipate an average of 75 to 200 years.
These stunning roofs aren’t but completely invulnerable to damage and deterioration through the years. It is vital that you get your roof checked by a professional each year to determine whether you require any slate roof repairs. Make sure you choose a contractor that is knowledgeable and experienced in the type of roofing material.
The first thing you should do if you find leaks in your roof is to inspect the roof’s surface. With no need to climb up a ladder you can examine the roof surfaces for any anomalies. If there are any missing or damaged slates, they are likely to require replacing.
If the leak seems to originate from an air vent, pipe or chimney, or another penetrating component, you’ll need someone to examine the area closer. It is best not to attempt this on your own. The slate surface is naturally unsteady for walking. It is also unlikely to try to repair the slate surface yourself.
One trick of the trade for determining if you need repairs to your slate roof is to check the attic for dust. Yes, attics are covered by all kinds of tiny particles. For this test you need to determine if what you see is slate (rock) dust.
The appearance of flaking on exterior surfaces is an indication of degradation. This can lead to flaking and , eventually the ground around the house and gutters.
The other elements surrounding are most likely to cause slate roof repair. The flashing applied around all penetration points as well as in valleys and around the edges will probably be the first thing that needs repair. These components are made of metal and won’t last as long as slate.
Slate Roofing for Extraordinary Quality and Structural Durability
Every homeowner wants their home to appear beautiful and be functional. To give the unique and captivating look to their homes architects and engineers choose premium slate and metal roofing for homes. This gives the house a luxurious sheen and extra longevity. These types of roofing are extremely popular because of their strength and eco-friendly qualities.
For homeowners, slate roofing is the best option available. It offers a distinct and attractive design to the structure of your home which makes it ideal in terms of looks. The beauty of the earth’s natural component combined with exquisite workmanship in application results in the impressive and stunning architectural beauty. Slate roofing is unique in the sense that every piece of slate is unique making it an exceptional roofing material. It also offers the apparent advantages including, but it is not limited to, reliability, durability, zero-maintenance, environmentally friendly, non-absorbent surfaces and stain-free surfaces.
You can pick different designs and styles based on the theme of your home and individual preferences, due to the rapid evolution of the construction industry. Slate is also thought of as an weatherproof stone, and comes in a variety of grades and colors. Slate shingles offer the longest lifespan and are considered to be one of the most durable roofing choices. They can last longer depending on the type, application, and design of the stone. It is extremely durable in nature and is able to stand up to high winds.
The slate is available in a range of colors, including black or gray, as well as red and gray based on the region from which it originates. Most of the roofing manufacturers provide standard sizes of slate unique sizes, which are custom-made according to pre-defined specifications in order to match the preference and style. Manufacturers are able to mix and match shades to create a mottling effect. The semi-weathering and weathering slates change color with time and your roof will eventually develop a unique patina.
Slate Roof Installation FAQs
What are the benefits?
There are a number of benefits actually. One is it doesn’t need any maintenance. No re-painting, re-sealing or re-coating involved. It’s actually zero maintenance as metal roof doesn’t mold or get stained.
In metal roof, you can save up to 25% in electricity as metal reflects off heat.
Is it fireproof?
Yes. Unlike wooden and asphalt shingles, metal roof is fire resistant.
Can I install it over an existing roof?
Yes. You are even saving the environment because it diminishes the wear and tear of your existing roof.
How about the warranty?
Since metal tops are designed to last a lifetime, some manufacturers or contractors offer from 50-75 years of warranty, some are lifetime.
Is it expensive?
Yes. Metal tops are priced double the cost of the cheapest traditional roofing such as asphalt shingles. But the long-term benefit you can get from having metal shingles is triple the amount because you need not replace your roof for the next 50-75 years.
Does it decompose?
No. metal tops never decompose unlike asphalt. Asphalt is made of oil and fiberglass or coated paper, so once it’s exposed to the sun and rain, deteriorating stage starts.
I want my roof to match the design and color of my house. Will it complement my house?
Of course! Metal tops come in various designs and colors to match and enhance your existing house. Depending on your preference, you can resemble a tile roof, traditional roof or a panel look.
I have a small house. Will metal covering be too heavy for it?
Metal coverings are about 50% lighter than asphalt shingles and around 75% lighter than concrete or fiber cement slates. So it will never matter whether you want a metal roof installed into your garage or your mini-porch. With metal tops, weight on a very small structure is never an issue.
Is it rust-free?
Metal roofs undergo special surface treatments to increase their longevity and protection against rust or corrosion. It’s not absolutely rust-free but it would take about 75 years before it manifest rust.
Slate Roof Installation
Mighty Dog Roofing provides the the best choice for roofer slate roof installers located at Plano Texas. Our Plano slate roofers are among the top in the entire region. This will make them one the best roofing contractors in Plano. We’ve completed slate roofs for nearly sixty years. Because we know how vital these elements are, we will not take shortcuts. We’re able to offer a premium product and excellent service.
Slate Roof Installation With Hip and Ridge Joints
Slate roofs are preferred by many as they are among the best types of roofs. Though the installation cost quite a bit of money, slate roofs are great in improving the general appeal of the housing. Usually, homes with this type of roof installation have higher values.
Slate roof installation involves setting the hip and ridge joints. Before slating the roof, furring strips along the hip need to be installed. The standard thickness of slates is 3/16″ to 1/4 “. For slates with this thickness, 3/4″ furring strips are recommended. Nail these furring strips to the roof using 2.5″ hot dipped galvanized common nails.
On the bottom of the furring strips, install the first piece of the copper flashing using 1.5 copper roofing nail. To hide the furring strips, fold the bottom of the flashing.
Slate roof installation follows after the copper flashing has been nailed and folded. Install the slates over the flashing by nailing them into the furring strips. 1.5 copper roofing nails can be used but certain areas need to be attached with 2.5 copper roofing nails.
Install the next piece of step flashing over the hip slates. For this, a single nail will do. After this, nail the next pair of hip slates over it with at least two nails per slate. Fold the flashing lengthwise in half with 4″ in each side. With this, the overlying slates and flashings, the 16″ hip slates are to be overlapped halfway. Meanwhile, the step flashings would be overlapping each other by 2″.
Continue the setting up in this manner, flashing over the top of each pair of hip slates. The hip slates can be installed even without cutting and they do not to be tapered as well. To finish quickly, install the slates in pairs, not one side at a time.
Slate Roofing Made Easy – Choosing The Right Tools And Materials
It is highly recommended that you do your research prior to installing slate roofing. You need to be ready to be successful. Be sure to know about the various types of slate, the manufacturing methods, flashing, sheathing, nailing and other products before you start.
Before you do anything, make sure whether your roof is suitable to be used for a slate roof. Roofs made of slate shouldn’t be lower than a slope of 4:12. This is an absolute minimum of 12 feet elevation over 12 feet of running. If your roof meets this requirement, give some thought to buying the right equipment for slating and slates as well as other items you’ll need for the job.
Tools
Be sure to have the right tools for slating, and that they are used. A slate hammer, slate cutter and a slate-ripper must be in your basic toolkit. When cutting slates, you should use the slate cutter, not a diamond saw. The slate cutter will produce an edge that has a bevel that matches the other slates. Diamond blades create a square edge that looks odd.
Slates
There are many different slates available. Not all are equal and you want the best slates for your roof. When selecting slates, you should consider the quality, type size, thickness and the implications for your project. For instance, large slates are more difficult to cut. Likewise, smaller slates can take longer to put in place because there are fewer of them.
Verify to ensure that the nails are at the right place on the slates. The holes should be set in such a way that you can get the nails in just above the top of the slate underneath. It is not recommended to drill holes too low as they could cause damage to the base slate.
Be sure to order the right quantity of slates. It is important to determine your head lap in advance and order enough slates to accommodate this. It is recommended to purchase slates for your starter course separately. You want the nail holes for your starter course only across the top and on the back of the slate.
Materials
Slate Nails
The quality of nails is vital. Make use of stainless steel or aluminium nails for slate nails. For coastal areas, copper nails are the best choice, while in extreme conditions, silicon-bronze nails are best.
Choose the appropriate length for your nails. The nails should only get through the roof deck boards while installing them. This is important as if they’re too long, they will go right through the boards, breaking them and splintering the wood in the back. This reduces the boards’ thickness as well as the ability to hold the boards. nails.
Decking materials
The decking materials beneath the slate must last at least as long as the slates themselves, which is why you must select materials that can withstand the test of time. The most tested and tried materials that meet this requirement include wooden boards and battens that range from 20 to 40 millimeters in thickness. They could be rough-sawn designed or tongue-in-groove types. Concrete that can be nail-nailed or gypsum are also robust decking materials. Beware of laminated wood and plywood.
Underlay
Roofs made of slate don’t require underlay. The underlay is essentially the water barrier from the time slate tiles are laid down and the flashings are sprayed. It also provides a surface to draw chalk lines. A single layer of felt 30lbs is sufficient in most cases.
Flashing material
Use good flashing material. You can choose stainless steel, copper, or even sheet lead. The material you choose to use should be heavier on valleys and gutters than on ridges or chimney flashings.
Slate Roofing For Your House
Before you begin to install slate roofing on your home by yourself there are certain points to be aware of. Here we will discuss the various issues involved in slate roofing. The first thing to do is ensure that your roof slopes more than 4:2. That is it should have a rise of 4 feet on a run of 12 feet.
Materials for Roofing
The standard tools for slate roofing includes the slate ripper, cutter and a slate hammer. If you don’t want to get slates that have a square edge, you should avoid using a diamond saw and stick to the slate cutter that gives you a nice look.
Slate Variety
Slates are available in various forms similar to other building material. Slates are available in a variety of material and quality and also in varying dimensions and thickness. The slate you pick will determine how you put your roof up. It is essential to ensure that the slates have enough space for the nail to go through the head of the slate. This will stop any leakage.
Once you’ve selected the type of slate you’ll need for your roof, make sure you purchase the right quantity of slates. You may find that the slates that you ordered aren’t available anymore, and you must be returned to the shop. Get additional slates in case the possibility of damage to some plates in the process of building your roof. It’s not a bad idea to buy the initial slates in a separate package.
Other Materials
A lot of nails will be required to install slate roofing. Choose stainless steel or aluminum nails to avoid rusting. If you live in an area that has severe weather conditions , then copper nails are the one to choose. For slate roofing, the nail length is crucial. The nails shouldn’t exceed the deck of the roof. Any further will result in damage to the wooden boards.
Alongside nails, you’ll also use decking materials too. Because they are beneath the slates, they should correspond to the length of the slates you purchased. Avoid wooden decks and plywood made of laminated wood. You can also add an underlay to keep water from drying out until slates are put in place.