Roofing > Roof Replacement > Natural Slate
Natural Slate Roofing Contractors – DC, MD, VA
Many homes in the Washington DC Metro area still have their original, natural slate roofs installed. Natural slate is a product that can withstand the test of time like no other – most natural slate roofs can last for hundreds years if installed properly. However, when it comes time to replace it, there are many different styles, grades and quarries to select from. Many homeowners choose to replace with a natural slate product, as opposed to a synthetic, because of the benefits that natural slate has.
- Lifespan: Natural slate roofs have the longest lifespan of any roofing material and requires very little maintenance.
- Fire & Natural Elements Protection: Natural slate is non-combustible and also provides unparalleled protection from storm and wind damage.
- Aesthetics: Natural slate is very easy to clean and will not stain like some synthetic shingles. There is also a wide range of color options to choose from, and a natural slate roof will add elegance to any home.
- Environmentally Friendly: Slate is a natural product and does not require the chemical or synthesized materials that other roof products require.
What grades and options are available?
Natural slate is quarried in several places across the United States and abroad, the most common types coming from Vermont, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Spain. There will be differences in aesthetics and longevity between slates from these quarries. Visibly there are variances in the coloring of the slate available from each region, and this may be the determining factor for many homeowners when selecting which product to use. Each type of slate will have a different life expectancy, based on the quarry it is derived from as well. A few of common S1 grade slates that we install are:
- Vermont Slate: Vermont slate is very common in the Washington DC Metro ares, and is most commonly a shade of green or purple.
- Buckingham Slate: Buckingham slate comes from Virginia and is considered to be one of the most durable slates available. Typically the coloring of these slates is a charcoal or black, which is also appealing for those who are looking for a roof slate to complement an elegant architectural design.
- Del Carmen: Del Carmen is quarried in Spain and is sought after for its extreme durability and consistent deep color that will not fade.
- GAF Truslate: Truslate is a natural, hand-split, quarried slate, which has been improved with GAF technology to make it a more versatile product. Compared to other natural slates it is more affordable and can be installed in a wider range of applications. Coupled with a complete GAF roof system, a Truslate roof will last for many years, and it carries a Lifetime warranty. To learn more about Truslate click here.
Natural slate roof with copper flashings and accessories
Is it possible to repair my slate roof?
Natural slate is a very durable product. However, it does become more fragile over time and the possibility of missing slates or cracked slates increases as the roof ages. Additionally, snow guards, which are commonly installed on slate roofs, are also susceptible to damage and may need repair. In years of heavy snow or extreme weather, homeowners may notice missing or cracked slates, or damaged snow guards. This does not mean that the slate roof is in need of a complete replacement – slate repairs are possible, and can extend the life of the roof by many years. However, homeowners should be cautioned that many contractors are not trained to perform repairs and may end up damaging the existing slates even more.
Because slate roofs can become more fragile as they age, any disturbance of the slates (from rendering repairs or walking across the roof deck) can cause further damages. Our employees take every precaution to complete the repairs without incurring additional damage to the slates or other roof accessories. Homeowners will want to insure that the contractor they work with does not disturb the slates as they complete their inspection, and that the company has proper scaffolding or other precautions to prevent further damage to their home.
When it is time to replace your slate roof…
If you believe that your slate roof is beyond a repairable state, our Project Consultants can provide you with a comprehensive evaluation about the condition of your roof and the options for replacement. We are a Roofing Contractor Member of the Slate Roofing Contractors Association and have completed many roof replacements in the Washington DC Metro area. Contact us today for a free estimate on a natural slate roof for your home or commercial building in Maryland, Virginia or Washington DC!
