Slate Roofs
Simply put, a slate roof is a stone roof. The slate has a unique ability. It can be sliced thin or thick with a simple strategic tap. This makes it possible to take a block of slate, and slice it up like a block of cheese or spread it out like a deck of cards. Once it’s sliced up at the slate mines, which are mostly in the upper Eastern parts of the U.S. Its then up to the slate roofers to put it all together on your house.
There are many different kinds of slate. They’re all good, however some are better than others. It takes a trained eye to know which is which.
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Hard S1 Slate |
Soft S2 Slate |
There are hard slates called S1 slates and soft slate called S2 slates. The difference is the S1 hard slates stay hard for a lot longer than the S2 soft slate.
The S2 soft slate can start to separate, decompose, or flake after about 60-75 years. Not all of them, but some. Some can get soft and others on the same roof can remain hard for decades longer. That’s why you need someone that knows slate and can help you manage these unique roofs.
Test your self Can you see which ones are the S1- Hard Slates and which are the S2 Soft Slate? |
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The bottom line is you need a professional that you can count on to tell you what you have, what to expect from it and how to handle it.
We at St. Louis Slate & Tile Roofing always put your interests first. We won’t sell you something you don’t need. We won’t use your lack of knowledge to our benefit. Many companies will assess your roof and come up with a solution that’s good for them. We tell you what your options are and let you decide what’s good for you and your budget.