Slate is a prime roofing material that stands out for its natural elegance and extraordinary durability, known for centuries. Understanding how to install slate roof might seem a complex endeavor, but if you’re equipped with appropriate knowledge, have practiced it over time via various slate roofing projects, and have polished your techniques, these intricate projects become as easy as a little child’s play.
Before searching for how to install slate roof, it is essential to distinguish between the slates available in different tones and textures and comprise other materials. An appropriate and sequential process of slate roof installation certifies that your hard-earned investments are not only for the remarkable curb appeal but also offer matchless security for future generations.
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Types of Slate Roofs
Naturally, slate is made of metamorphic rocks, the derivatives of volcanic ash and clay. For centuries till today, manufacturers, architects, and roofing contractors have offered several types of affordable roofing material, which are described as follows:
- Natural Slate
Finely-grained foliated natural slate comprises grains of mica, chlorite, and quartz – this combination is easily divisible into thin slabs to create a captivating roofing appearance. Manufacturers value this material because of the diversity it offers in the form of its beautiful textures and colors, such as black, brown, red, purple, gray, and green.
- Fiber Cement Slate
Sand, cellulose fiber, and cement are mixed to form fiber cement slate, a cheap alternative to natural slate. Its variety offers factory-applied colors and custom formats, such as diamond-shaped slates.
- Bituminous Slate
Bitumen, also known as asphalt, is used to manufacture both asphalt shingles and bituminous slate, which equalizes their durability and lifespan. Instilling slate design patterns in your homes resembling asphalt roof shingles is inexpensive.
- Concrete Slate
Concrete slate is another reasonable alternative to the natural type of slate prepared from a natural mixture of water, sand, cement, and oxide. It benefits you by reducing energy costs and hindering the excess heat transfer into the attic.
How to Install Slate Roof?
Learning how to install slate roof is vital for manufacturers and homeowners to equip their homes with a long-lasting external shielding envelope. This step-by-step guide is a gateway to carry out an efficient roof process.
- Materials and Equipment
Gathering all the supplies while learning how to install slate roof is mandatory to save time during the project. Slate tiles, roofing nails, slate cutter, chalk line, hammer, ladder, safety harness, roofing underlayment, and flashings are critical materials and supplies to ensure efficient yet affording roofing style.
- Roof Deck Preparation
Without a well-prepared roof deck, even efficient roof installation would fail. Ensure the deck is sheathed adequately with plywood or oriented strand board and free from debris accumulation. Besides, roofing underlayment is a water-resistant layer against the build-up of ice dams and moisture accumulation.
- Flashing Installation
You may ignore the significance of installing flashing because of intrinsic water-resistance technology in the slate roof. However, it is recommended to direct the water flow away from vulnerable areas of the top by equipping it with flashings. Roofing nails serve the purpose of a watertight seal to adjust them in their place. The most preferred flashing material is copper because of its anti-corrosion properties.
- Foundation of Slate Tiles
The chalk line creates a straight and level line at the bottom edge of the roof. The first row of the slate tiles is placed along this line, ensuring proper spacing and alignment. Nailing them in place spares ample room for the subsequent rows.
- Overlapped Slate Tiles
This step exhibits the skills that you acquired while learning how to install slate roof. The placement of each tile should certify the correct overlapping and interlocking pattern. If you need to shape the tiles, use a slate cutter to create the desired arrangement of patterns.
- Final Touches
After ridge installation, it is time to check for improperly secured roofing nails or loose slate tiles. Final touches also include flashing examinations if they’re functioning appropriately.
Conclusion
Learning how to install slate roof is a labor-intensive process that requires efficiency, precision, and dedication. Transforming the top of your home with a one-time installation in slates is a masterpiece that stands the test of time.Only Roofing recommends you seek professional guidance from our qualified, skilled, and experienced slate roofing contractors near Texas. They also provide their uncompromised expertise in the surrounding areas to make your properties exceptional and worth seeing sights.
