Slate Roofs are not meant to fall apart.
We install slate roofs the right way so you know your home will last.
Why Slate Roofs Fall Apart
Ignoring Building Codes
Slate should not be installed on a pitch lower than 4:12. Even when slate is installed on a steeper roof the head lap should never fall under 3” at a minimum. This roof had too low a slope and started to cave in.
Lack of Proper Planning
Slate roofs need to be designed so that the courses terminate in half piece and make sense when wrapping around dormers, chimneys, or meeting valleys. This roof had gutters added after the slate installation so they nailed through the slate.
Bad Flashing Details
Flashing penetrations are the most common leaks. These areas such as chimneys, dormers, valleys, and vent pipes often rely on caulk in the corners which dries out and leaks within years. This chimney lacks a cricket to divert the water and the counter flashing terminates too soon.
How We Install a Slate Roof
Building Codes and Industry Standards
All slates have head lap and side lap according to the standards set by Virginia Residential Building Codes, NRCA, and National Slate Association guidelines.
All copper details are installed in accordance with Copper and Common Sense and SMACNA Architectural Sheet Metal Manual
Details We Use
Buckingham Slate Roof
Buckingham Slate rated for 250 years
Batten System Airflow
Quarrix dry roof battens allow air movement for cooler temperatures indoors
Vented Saddle Ridge
Side lapped ridge detail that allows allows air to move from eave of roof and escape through the ridge
Brass Berger Snow Guards
We installed snow guards on the standing seam roof and slate roof to prevent a snow avalanche from crushing the gutters or homeowners.
We Install Flashing Using European Roofing Techniques.
Low Sloped Standing Seam Copper Roof
16 oz cold rolled copper standing seam mechanical roof double locked for low pitch rain and snow loads
Hand seamed wall abutment and transition details for expansion and contraction
No Caulk or Exposed Fasteners
We use cleats and hidden fasteners so there is no need to caulk which dries out and leaks after a few years
Slate Roof Example
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Featured
Who is repairing my roof?
Wyatt Ramsey, Richmond Roofing Contractor
Licensed Roofing Contractor in Richmond, VA
Believe it or not, I hold a master’s degree in art. I got started in the roofing trade because I needed a way to pay my way through college. In the process, I apprenticed under two of the best slate and metal roofing contractors. After studying for six years, I decided to go out on my own.
Now, my mission is to make roofing into a beautiful art form.
FAQ
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Yes, I am a licensed class B roofing contractor in Virginia. #2705176895
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Yes, Richmond Slate Repair LLC has a liability policy through Next Insurance, # NXT8QQQL32-00-GL
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Yes, by law Virginia requires an automatic warranty.