Slate roofing can last for a long time, especially if it’s installed correctly. To achieve an industry-standard installation, a variety of things has to be considered.
Origin of the Material
Find out where the slate you’ll be putting on your roof came from, specifically the name and location of the quarry. This is important because some quarries have better reputation and warranties than others. When shopping for slate, look for a product that’s warranted to last for 75 to 100 years. Moreover, the warranty should also have a guarantee for replacing your roof in case the slate develops pyrite stains, which are often marked by rust-colored streaks.
Type of Nails
Ask your roofer about the type of nails they’ll use for your slate roofing. Experts typically use copper, stainless steel or hot-dipped galvanized steel. Electro-galvanized nails, on the other hand, are not recommended because they can rust in just a few years. Aside from the material, you should also pay attention to nail length, which should should be double the thickness of your slates plus one inch.
Sidelap and Headlap
There should be an adequate overlap between slates to ensure water won’t infiltrate your home. For the sidelap, slates should overlap by at least three inches on the sides. For the headlap of a steep roof with a pitch of at least 8 inches in height for every 12 inches in width, at least 3 inches of overlap is needed. An additional one to two inches of headlap should also be made near the eaves to protect against ice damming.
Renaissance Roofing, Inc, offers superior workmanship. Rest assured, our team of experts will carry out every job to a high standard, may it be roof maintenance or roof repair. Call us at (541) 204-1690, or fill out our contact form to request a free quote. We serve residents of Albany, Corvallis and Salem, OR.
