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 some of the best in the region. This makes them among the top roof builders in Plano. We’ve been installing slate roofs for over sixty years. We understand how crucial these elements are, we will not make a mistake. You may rely upon us to provide an excellent 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 recommended you research before you start building slate roofing. It is essential to be prepared to be successful. Be aware about the different types of slate, manufacturing techniques, flashing, sheathing, nailing and other materials before you start.
Before you put up a slate roof, make sure that your roofing is in good condition. Roofs made of slate shouldn’t be at a lower slope than 4:12. This is an absolute minimum of 12 feet of elevation over 12 feet of running. If your roof meets the requirements above, you must look into purchasing the proper tools for slicing and the necessary materials to finish the job.
Tools
Get the correct slate tools and apply the right slating tools and use. The toolkit that you need to start with should comprise an a slate ripper slate cutter, and a slate Hammer. When cutting slates, you should use a slate cutter not a diamond saw. The slate cutter will create a bevelled edge that matches the other slates. Diamond blades create an edge that appears square, which is odd.
Slates
There are many slates available however different slates may not be created equal. It is important to select the right slates for your roof. Consider the quality and thickness, size and the type of slate you’re considering when choosing the right one. For instance, large slates are harder to cut while smaller slates can take longer to put in place because they will have more of them.
Make sure the slates are fitted with nail holes in the right location. You should position the holes to allow the nails to be put at a level that is just above the head of the slate underneath. If the holes for nailing are not deep enough they will be able to nail right through the head of the slate underneath, and you shouldn’t do that as it can create leaks.
Make sure that you purchase the appropriate quantity of slates. You should work out your head lap in advance and purchase enough slates to be able to accommodate this. Starter course slates must be ordered separately. You want the nail holes for your starter course only across the top and on the back of the slate.
Materials
Slate Nails
Use good nails. Make use of stainless steel or aluminium nails for slate nails. Copper nails are preferred for areas with a lot of coastline as are silicon-bronze nails best for severe conditions.
Make sure you use the correct length of nail. Your nails should be able to go through the decking boards of your roof when installing them. This is essential because long nails can damage the boards and cause them to break or splinter the wood that lies behind. This can reduce the thickness of the boards and increase the holding power of the nails.
Decking materials
The decking materials beneath the slate should last at least as long as slates themselves, which is why it is important to select materials that can withstand the test of time. The most tested and tried materials that can meet this criteria include battens and wooden boards ranging from 20 to 40mm in thickness. They may be rough-sawn or designed or even feature the tongue-in-groove style. Other durable decking materials are concrete that is nail-nailed or gypsum. Beware of laminated wood and plywood.
Underlay
Roofs made of slate don’t require underlay. The underlay is essentially a barrier to water from the time the slate tiles are laid before the flashings are sprayed. It can also be employed for drawing chalk lines. In the majority of cases it is enough to cover a single piece of 30lb felt is enough.
Material that flashes
Make sure you use a good flashing material. Copper stainless steel, stainless steel or sheet lead are all suitable. The materials you choose will be more heavy on valleys and gutters than on ridges or chimney flashings.
Slate Roofing For Your House
Before you decide to build a slate roof on your own There are a few points to be aware of. In this article, we will discuss the numerous issues associated from slate roofing. First, ensure that your roof slopes higher than 4:2. In other words, the slope should have a rise of 4 feet on a run of 12 feet.
Roof Tools
A slate hammer, cutter, and a slate ripper are the most popular tools used to install slate roofing. Don’t use the diamond saw for cutting slates that have an edge that is square. Instead, use the slate cutter for a clean appearance.
Slate Variety
Slates come in various forms, just like any other material used in construction. Slates come in a variety of quality and material types and are also available in various dimensions and thickness. The slate you pick will affect how you get your roof up. Slates come with nail holes and you must ensure that you have slates that are placed to allow the nail to be inserted over the top of the slate’s head. This will guarantee that there aren’t any leaks.
Once you’ve selected the kind of slate you want be used to build your roof, make sure you purchase the correct quantity of slates. If you fall short when you go back to the store and find those slates are gone and you will have an appearance of a patch work. You might need to buy additional slates in case any plates are damaged in the course of roof construction. It is not a bad idea to buy the initial slates separately.
Other Materials
The slate roofing process requires lots of nails. Therefore, choose nails that are made of aluminium or stainless steel since they don’t rust when in comparison to iron nails. The best choice is copper nails for those who live in extreme weather zones. The nail length is vitally important in slate roofing because the nails must be deep enough into the roof deck. Anything further, you are risking damage to the wooden boards.
You will also utilize decking products. They must be the same length as the slates below. Avoid laminated and plywood decks. Also, you can put in an underlay to stop water from evaporating until the slates are put in place.
Slate Roof Repairs – The 100 Year Roof!
The most prestigious of roofing materials is slate! They are regarded as 100-year roofing and will certainly live up to their reputation. It is possible to live between 75 and 200 years if you take care to maintain and properly install slate roofing.
However, these incredible roofs can be damaged or degrading over time. To identify whether your slate roof requires repairs, it’s important to get your roof inspected by a professional at least once per year. Make sure you choose a contractor that has experience and knowledge about this type of material.
If you spot the presence of a leak inside your house and are concerned that you need some slate roof repairs, the first step is taking a look at the actual surface. If you don’t have to climb up a ladder you can survey the roof surface for imperfections. The slates must be replaced if they are damaged or missing.
If the leak is believed to originate from an air vent, pipe or chimney, or any other permeable part, you’ll require someone to inspect the area in greater detail. It is best not to attempt this yourself. The surface of slate is naturally fragile for walking on. You will also not want to attempt to fix the slate surface on your own.
Checking the attic for dust is one way to determine the need for slate roof repairs. Attics are often covered with tiny pieces of. In this test, you will need to establish if what are seeing is slate (rock) dust.
Flaking on the exterior surfaces can be a sign of the deterioration of the exterior surfaces. This can lead to flaking, and then eventually the ground around the gutters and the house.
The elements around them are most likely to lead to slate roof repair. It is highly likely that the flashing that is used around penetrating areas and also at the edges and valleys, will be the first component to require repair. The metal components won’t last as long as slate.
Slate Roofing for Extraordinary Quality and Structural Durability
Every homeowner wants their home to look stylish and elegant, as well as an ideal blend of uniqueness and function. To provide that exceptional and inspiring uniqueness to their homes, architects and engineers prefer the highest-quality slate and roofing materials for the homes. The result is an elegant sheen and added longevity. These types of roofing are very popular because of their strength and eco-friendly properties.
For homeowners slate roofing is the finest choice that is available. The slate roofing provides distinctive style to your home, and helps it stand out. The blend of natural beauty of earth with the skilled application creates a stunning architectural elegance. Slate roofing is distinctive in the sense that every piece of slate is distinctive and makes it an exceptional roofing material. Additionally, it offers a variety of advantages including, but the list is not exhaustive, durability, durability, zero-maintenance, non-absorbent, earth-friendly surface as well as a stain-free surface.
But, because of the rapid changes in the construction sectors, it is possible to choose different types of designs and styles as per the house theme and personal tastes. Slate is also considered an weatherproof stone, and can be found in a variety of grades and colors. Slate shingles have the longest lifespan and are considered one of the most durable roofing options. They last longer depending on the quality, durability and the design of the stone. It is extremely heavy and therefore, resilient to strong winds.
The most popular slate colors are the shades of gray, black and dark red, contingent on the quarry that the stone is from. A majority of roofing companies provide standard sizes of slate unique sizes, which are custom-made to meet the specifications of the manufacturer in order to match the preference and style. Manufacturers can mix and mix shades to create a mottling effect. The semi-weathering and weathering slates alter color as they age, so your roof will acquire distinctive 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 roof installers are among the best throughout the region. This will make them one the best roof contractors in Plano. We’ve done slate roof installations for more than 60 years. We don’t want to take shortcuts or cut corners because we are aware of how vital these aspects are. We’re able to deliver a high-quality product and top-quality 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 strongly recommended that you research before you start building slate roofing. You need to be ready to be successful. Be aware about the different types of slate, the manufacturing methods Flashing, sheathing nailing and other products before you start.
The first step is to ensure that your roof is suitable for the installation of slate roofing. Roofs made of slate shouldn’t be with a slope less than 4:12. This is at a minimum of 12 feet elevation on 12 feet of run. If your roof is in compliance with these requirements, you should consider purchasing the appropriate equipment for cutting and the materials required to complete the job.
Tools
Find the right tools for slating and utilize them. A slate hammer, slate cutter, and a slate-ripper should be in your standard toolkit. When cutting slates use a slate cutter not a diamond saw. The slate cutter will produce an edge with a bevel that is identical to the other slates. Diamond blades create an edge that appears square, which is odd.
Slates
Not all slates are created identically and you need the right slates for your roof. Consider the quality, thickness, size, and type of slates you’re thinking about when selecting them. The thicker slates are more difficult to cut, while smaller slates can take longer to install because there are more of them.
Make sure whether the nails are placed 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 slate beneath. You should not drill holes to low that it could harm the underlying slate.
You should order the appropriate amount of slates. You should work out your head lap ahead of time and order enough slates in order to accommodate this. Starter course slates should be ordered separately. The starter course slates should have the nail holes on only the top and front.
Materials
Slate Nails
Use good nails. Choose stainless steel or aluminum nails to nail slate. Copper nails are preferred in coastal areas as are silicon-bronze nails best in harsh conditions.
The correct length of nails is important. When installing your nails, they must only penetrate the roof deck boards. This is important as if they’re too long, they will go right through the boards, breaking and splitting the wood on the back. This reduces the thickness of the boards and improve the hold of the nails.
Decking materials
Decking materials beneath the slate should be as tough as the slates. Tried and tested materials that meet this requirement include battens and wooden boards that range from 20 to 40 millimeters in thickness. They may be rough-sawn, laid out or tongue-in-groove. Other decking materials that are durable include concrete that is attached to a nail or Gypsum. Avoid plywood and laminated wood.
Underlay
Slate roofs do not really require underlay. Underlay essentially just has to keep out the water until the slate tiles and flashings are in place. It is also used for drawing chalk lines. Most of the time one layer of 30lb felt is enough.
Material for flashing
The right flashing material is crucial. You can use stainless steel, copper, or even sheet lead. It is recommended to use a stronger material for valleys and gutters, than for ridges and chimney flashings.
Slate Roofing For Your House
If you’ve made the decision to slate roof your house by yourself, there are certain things you need to have ready prior to jumping in. We will now discuss the many issues that come with slate roofing. First, make sure the roof slopes greater than 4:2. The slope should increase by 4 feet for each 12 feet.
Roofing Tools
A slate hammer, cutter and slate ripper are the most commonly used tools for slate roofing. Do not use the diamond saw for cutting slates with a square edge. Instead, use the slate cutter to create a clean look.
Slate Variety
Like any other construction material slates are available in a variety of varieties. Slates are available in a range of materials and quality, as well as their dimensions and thickness. Whatever slate you eventually select, will affect how you will work to get your roof up. The slates have nail holes and you must ensure that you have slates that are placed to permit the nail to be inserted onto the slate’s head. This will prevent any leakage.
Once you’ve selected the type of slate you want be used to build your roof, you must purchase the right amount of slates. If you aren’t able to get enough, and you return to the shop, you may find that the slates are gone, and you’ll end up with an appearance of patchwork. You may need to purchase additional slates in the event that some plates get damaged during roof construction. It is not a bad idea to purchase the starter slates separately.
Other Materials
Many nails will be needed to install slate roofing. Use stainless steel or aluminium nails to prevent rust. If you live in an area with severe weather conditions then copper nails are the one to go with. When roofing slate the length of the nails is vital. The nails must not exceed the deck of the roof. If you go any further, you’re in danger of damaging the wood boards.
Also, you’ll be using decking products. They should be of the same length like the slates below. Avoid plywood and wooden decks comprised of laminated timber. If you want to add an underlay to hold water until slates are laid.
Slate Roof Repairs – The 100 Year Roof!