tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4746465379962307382024-03-04T21:20:48.325-08:00slaterepairInformation on slate roofing, slate repair and installation. David Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10352882238693612036noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-474646537996230738.post-39353934828070206922017-03-14T11:20:00.000-07:002017-03-14T11:21:49.991-07:00When Is A Slate Roof Not A Slate Roof?<br />
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What is the true essence of a slate roof? If I take one thousand slate shingles and nail them to a roof, is that a slate roof, or is there something more? What is the essential nature of a slate roof? These innate qualities of a slate roof must be present and they suggest they be neither good nor bad, they just "are." I think we would all agree that one characteristic of a slate roof would be craftsmanship. Now, don't stray and pair the words "good" or "bad" with craftsmanship. There is only craftsmanship or there is not. Craftsmanship is the culmination of all of the skills of the craftsman, woodworker, carpenter, mechanic, artist, carver, etc.<br />
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The essence of a slate roof includes:<br />
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Crafstmanship, which is comprised of: <br />
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<li>proper headlap</li>
<li>proper sidelap</li>
<li>proper nailing of the slate - not too loose, not too tight</li>
<li>use of a cant strip </li>
<li>proper coursing from the eave to ridge</li>
<li>straight, even rows</li>
<li>starter slate upside down</li>
<li>appropriately paired accessories and flashings</li>
<li>correct height starter slate</li>
<li>correct integration with the nieghbor's roofs </li>
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"<i>and, workmanship is the exercise of care, plus judgement plus dexterity." David Pye</i></div>
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Recently, I encountered a new roof that had slate nailed to it, but lacked all of the aforementioned qualities. My first reaction as I ascended the top rungs of my ladder, was that this is not a slate roof. Standing on the ground and looking up, it surely resembled a slate roof, much like a mannequin can be mistaken for a human from afar. But after leaning a ladder against the house and nearing the dull gray surface, I could see that I, along with all of the passers-by, were deceived. All of the essence of a slate roof had been stripped away because there was no <i>craftsmanship.</i> Now, one or two missing characteristics could be overlooked, but the entire list had been used like an anti-checklist -- like someone said, "lets make a checklist of slate roofing attributes to exclude and we'll check them off, one by one, as we choose to ignore them. This gray surface above the attic was appalling and a sham. I looked all over the roof and couldn't find the <i>craftmanship,</i> and I soon came to the realization, that <i>it </i>was never there. I then began going through the checklist in my mind, starter slate upside down, nope; cant strip, nope; straight even rows, nope, proper headlap, nope; proper sidelap, nope; etc, etc. </div>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/thomsonremodeling/albums/72157678698057912" title="Non-Slate Roof"><img alt="Non-Slate Roof" height="800" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/725/33230621365_2dc5590656_c.jpg" title="" width="450" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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But what about the customer? How could they accept this? This was perhaps, the perfect storm of indifference. It seemed that the only concerned parties were the two neighbors who flanked this unfortunate disaster. As it turns out, this house was foreclosed on after the great housing debacle of 2008, and had been vacant for some time. The "owner" of the home was a bank in Arizona and how well can one of a thousand bank owned houses be taken care of more than half way across the country? The only concern of the bank was how the roof in question interacted with the neighbor's roofs, which the bank agreed it had an obligation to correct the problem. None of the other problems would be remedied. I can only wonder if an unsuspecting buyer will purchase this property and not have the slate roof properly inspected.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdJuekolSNAXBt4HibwnGaC8Ag9p7SzcH23tKx4ZXav5gmGHGQJYnOg52CB2LwlvImVyZ_vHtFz8C4fCb7VB5VN6Cb8k7L0BPyHDKz5FXTvzNNo4dwDjA9mRaUvEEOYC19oFCEwK7ZXKU/s1600/IMG_2264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdJuekolSNAXBt4HibwnGaC8Ag9p7SzcH23tKx4ZXav5gmGHGQJYnOg52CB2LwlvImVyZ_vHtFz8C4fCb7VB5VN6Cb8k7L0BPyHDKz5FXTvzNNo4dwDjA9mRaUvEEOYC19oFCEwK7ZXKU/s640/IMG_2264.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">one "slate roof" isolated from the other by copper flashing</td></tr>
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There are several morals to this story:<br />
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<li>Don't take the lowest bid. </li>
<li>Question the craftsman; learn enough to know what questions to ask. </li>
<li>Don't assume that a house with a new slate roof doesn't require an inspection prior to sale. </li>
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When all of the characteristics of a slate roof as enumerated above are missing, we are left with a bunch of pieces of stone nailed to a roof, and the result is that element of durability has been stripped away. Regardless of what it is, that thing that is cheaply made or poorly designed, will not last. </div>
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David Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10352882238693612036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-474646537996230738.post-59460532833608881382016-11-17T12:30:00.000-08:002016-11-17T12:30:14.817-08:00An Insidious Leak<br />
Some roof leaks are harder to find than others. But leaks in the field of slate, away from flashings, or other obstacles, where there are no visible signs of a broken or missing slate are almost always caused by a failed or rusted bib.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKS7vk-PC8OH-g1xLW2Pt_Ot9aIjyw48fYz-QbPCOwExsMkcjZ418Ug7uBINdbV5LGP-M2vJGLs7eXt4vGonWAf931HXyswtFSpWo5rFTYL-_7x5jRQIM3kXgCJXBTODZbVeTKk0WumKY/s1600/IMG_0234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKS7vk-PC8OH-g1xLW2Pt_Ot9aIjyw48fYz-QbPCOwExsMkcjZ418Ug7uBINdbV5LGP-M2vJGLs7eXt4vGonWAf931HXyswtFSpWo5rFTYL-_7x5jRQIM3kXgCJXBTODZbVeTKk0WumKY/s400/IMG_0234.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rusted sheet metal bib with nail head sized hole.</td></tr>
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The potential for the bib to fail is one of the two flaws in the "nail and bib" method of slate roof repair. The other significant flaw is that when nailing the slate in place, the two slates where the nail is driven is, are invariably damaged. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2A-gYBiWS7AphDIVT0YmY73UR48WeeshdawKOOa1Nl_2Kbj66LzL531TycUbIPj3BxHsv0-64eqi2ylcPBy8aaJgCenOphh7Ptc242sUeDyGPDuiwgugzQfPQ_W582Px0IaOTn7yUrd0/s1600/IMG_0233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2A-gYBiWS7AphDIVT0YmY73UR48WeeshdawKOOa1Nl_2Kbj66LzL531TycUbIPj3BxHsv0-64eqi2ylcPBy8aaJgCenOphh7Ptc242sUeDyGPDuiwgugzQfPQ_W582Px0IaOTn7yUrd0/s400/IMG_0233.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Damaged slates from a nail and bib repair. (not to mention source of leak)</td></tr>
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<br />On the other hand, a slate repair using a slate hook will never fail. Of course, one can't use a slate hook in every situation, but where it can be used, it should be used. I once heard of another contractor say he didn't use slate hooks because they "stain" the roof, yet he had no problem install big, galvanized #100 snow guards that certainly left a much greater impact. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimSlLaOVnE2EJQ9p727aO-J0dPGcuX-Wau3aJcOdy1ukAGmynqjhI6j2OTNZdKbPthhnG0bdEpbh4H7gQwOE96O_r1g4JnmpKKZIJNGy19OPtOpzDDpdqwmsOm3wnITeWMtRMV9UQI6m4/s1600/1-110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimSlLaOVnE2EJQ9p727aO-J0dPGcuX-Wau3aJcOdy1ukAGmynqjhI6j2OTNZdKbPthhnG0bdEpbh4H7gQwOE96O_r1g4JnmpKKZIJNGy19OPtOpzDDpdqwmsOm3wnITeWMtRMV9UQI6m4/s640/1-110.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A galvanized slate hook. </td></tr>
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But I still don't buy that theory. Slate hooks leave very little visual impact on the roof, especially galvanized hooks. Some like to use the stainless steel version, but I find them jarring on a sunny day. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0v9BVlcShsDXnQkMxv0mmNQb3WrwkH3pOuiZHulvAmCPsSdJ3iPVbRZ-rO2K9EGJB57K7CiNv8UVj21A42X2v-IV8ce8uwEQvfJuAguzEZgpSwMnKoOMWXFYT6fk8We-k6OfudISgL3U/s1600/IMG_5739.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0v9BVlcShsDXnQkMxv0mmNQb3WrwkH3pOuiZHulvAmCPsSdJ3iPVbRZ-rO2K9EGJB57K7CiNv8UVj21A42X2v-IV8ce8uwEQvfJuAguzEZgpSwMnKoOMWXFYT6fk8We-k6OfudISgL3U/s640/IMG_5739.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zoomed in on a slate hook on a sunny day. </td></tr>
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<br />The photo above is a zoomed in picture of a galvanized slate hook. Kind of hard to see, and given the location of a hook - in the keyway, any run off staining is virtually non existent -- unless it is the zinc killing off roof mold, and then only slightly. </div>
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That leak where no slate are visibly broken is likely an old slate repair. If no slate repair can be found, there could be another cause -- read about it <a href="https://ourneighborshouse.blogspot.com/2013/03/mineral-deposit-leak.html">here</a>. </div>
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David Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10352882238693612036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-474646537996230738.post-54197536279328342672016-11-11T09:01:00.003-08:002016-11-11T09:01:56.061-08:00The Exotic Tastes of Squirrels <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
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I've never considered squirrels the smartest of natures creatures. They can never seam to remember where they've left their nuts! These furry little rodents have something in common with the ancient Romans. Mainly, they enjoy the taste of lead. As the picture below shows, a squirrel has been actively chewing on this lead vent collar, which is not an uncommon problem where one of these rodents has developed a sweet tooth. The ancient Roman sweetener known as <i>sapa </i>was manufactured by boiling un-fermented grape juice in lead vessels. The lead would leach out into the mixture, and ultimately form lead acetate. The volume of reduction determined the sauce, which was used to sweeten meats and vegetables and help preserve food. For a more thorough explanation of the ancient Roman and Greek sauces, click<a href="http://io9.gizmodo.com/5877587/the-first-artificial-sweetener-poisoned-lots-of-romans"> here</a>. </div>
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But back to the present, when this becomes a problem, the collar can be changed to copper, or if possible, the put a new lead sleeve over the top and relocate the squirrel by renting a trap and trapping the squirrel. How can you identify the problem squirrel? He's or she's the one wearing the toga. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjQpQQTXJikPcyZDjMoXt0VcWUcAp_yfzn0a9BxyvFb8eCHxXwD_bVWIQf4APJlpz764wdVg1LaKkmjn2CFxsqqOC9S0tAyDi56Al_OKXCqNzwkvUYz2sQRExfzFKeuY5GWpRudorWy_w/s1600/IMG_2545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjQpQQTXJikPcyZDjMoXt0VcWUcAp_yfzn0a9BxyvFb8eCHxXwD_bVWIQf4APJlpz764wdVg1LaKkmjn2CFxsqqOC9S0tAyDi56Al_OKXCqNzwkvUYz2sQRExfzFKeuY5GWpRudorWy_w/s400/IMG_2545.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />David Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10352882238693612036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-474646537996230738.post-2081411295446646472016-09-02T12:03:00.001-07:002016-09-02T12:04:01.569-07:00Think of What Will Happen Years After the Roof is on<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Aimed at contractors of the early 1910's, these old slate advertisements from couldn't be more telling of things to come. "Think of what will happen years after the roof is on." Could the quarries of Bangor slate have imagined their products of 1916 would still be on roofs in the 21st Century? Believe it or not, there are still a few original Bangor roofs quarried in the teens on roofs today. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitqTnLLhyphenhyphenwg-ixlLtumMzepH6j9NhmZvTjLz5IfmYa1eQ3IO5AO5ZyFYExYN2yRdVua0z6SdkIo-pu8BydeW7i_AcCXl50tXuAdyreUzJWKSVP8G05sdcyjq0Hhwp2wyShkgiUYPG-zd8/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+922016+100109+AM.bmp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitqTnLLhyphenhyphenwg-ixlLtumMzepH6j9NhmZvTjLz5IfmYa1eQ3IO5AO5ZyFYExYN2yRdVua0z6SdkIo-pu8BydeW7i_AcCXl50tXuAdyreUzJWKSVP8G05sdcyjq0Hhwp2wyShkgiUYPG-zd8/s400/Fullscreen+capture+922016+100109+AM.bmp.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Yet, in an even smaller advertisement promoting the "genuine Peach Bottom roofing slate," we sit in amazement that this product of the earth will survive on roofs far into the 21st Century. Chapman slate roofs continue to prove long lasting on many, many roofs, as well. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8QKyqzpBPXWNclB15jpm7z9FkMvxHGiRazpYtfbCLQa1g2Wj2YjgbyXWrrVZvaB3peHM2iYcwocmFBkLEQEW4MqSEu2bHB4y0QEDiGXC5FXBduHFNnobUXDTyYzHkfVbQuOYAgRuRb5c/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+922016+24816+PM.bmp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="93" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8QKyqzpBPXWNclB15jpm7z9FkMvxHGiRazpYtfbCLQa1g2Wj2YjgbyXWrrVZvaB3peHM2iYcwocmFBkLEQEW4MqSEu2bHB4y0QEDiGXC5FXBduHFNnobUXDTyYzHkfVbQuOYAgRuRb5c/s320/Fullscreen+capture+922016+24816+PM.bmp.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
What could be more historical and more eco friendly than a material that far outlasts nearly all other building materials?<br />
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<br />David Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10352882238693612036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-474646537996230738.post-73197229788475037482016-06-07T14:41:00.002-07:002016-06-07T14:41:54.657-07:00Scam Alert<br />
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Scenario: A roofing salesman comes out and meets with a homeowner and proceeds to inspect the homeowner's roof. Using a modicum of fear as a selling tactic, the salesman, or if he does not have a sales license, he may refer to himself as "estimator," proceeds to explain that all of the flashings on the home need to be replaced, (whether they need it or not). Or the chimney needs X,Y or Z. While this scenario is a scam within itself, the full scam has yet to play its full self out.<br />
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The homeowner unknowingly agrees to work suggested by the "estimator" and the work is scheduled. After the work progresses, one of the slate mechanics will inform the customer that ________ (fill in the blank) is in desperate need of replacement, which is usually a big ticket item like chimney flashing, a valley, chimney repointing, etc. The foreman on the job will call the original "estimator" out to the job and berate him in front of the customer and the "estimator" salesman, (whatever), will apologize profusely to the customer for missing the big ticket item.<br />
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Now, it is not unusual for additional slate being needed on a job, but to use fear as a selling tactic is unethical. Additionally, there may be houses where all of the flashings needs to be replaced, BUT the more likely scenario is that the flashing on the side of a dormer may never need to be replaced, at least during the present owner's tenure in the home. The scam is that the "estimator" intentionally leaves off one big ticket item, with the intention of frightening the customer into doing it once the job is underway.<br />
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It is hard for a homeowner to know what is really going on 28' above their head, and distinguish between truth and fiction.<br />
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If you find yourself in this position, or if you are hiring a company, avoid scams by:<br />
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<li>Check for complaints with the BBB. The company should also have a rating. Be careful however, the BBB has had unlicensed contractors listed on their site. Otherwise, the BBB is often a good source for reputable companies.</li>
<li>Check with the Maryland Home Improvement Commission (or your state's licensing agency if required), for active/inactive licenses. http://www.dllr.state.md.us/pq/</li>
<li>Get a second opinion. It is your house and you do not need to make a decision on the spot. </li>
<li>Services like Angie's List & Yelp. While the information is not always reliable, you can get an overall picture of a company. (We've had people flat out lie and there is nothing you can do as a business owner). </li>
<li>Never pay more than 1/3 up front. </li>
<li>Have a written contract with a description of the work to be done, warranty, and other important information</li>
<li>A contract with an unlicensed contractor is not a valid contact. </li>
<li>If you are unsure of something, ask questions like "how are you going to ...", "what materials do you plan to use?" (which should be spelled out in the contract. </li>
<li>Avoid contracts with language like "Repair slate ....$300" -- That could mean anything- roof cement, nail and bib, face nailing, etc. </li>
<li>Neighbor's are not necessarily good sources for contractor's, especially roofing contractors. People can see kitchens and baths and judge the work for themselves, but often, work that is done 28' in the air is very hard to judge quality. We get tons of referrals from neighbors, but we often find ourselves in situations where the former roofer was fired and was referred to our new customer by a neighbor. </li>
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David Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10352882238693612036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-474646537996230738.post-70320903926052377422016-06-03T12:45:00.002-07:002016-06-03T12:45:29.477-07:00Who is Trip Trapping Across My Roof?!?Once, there was a slate roofer tapping and a tapping new slate into a roof. "Who is that trip trapping on my roof!" was heard from the ground!<br />
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Recently, we were repairing a slate roof for a customer who was selling her house. The poorly done repairs that were done previously had to be corrected before the house could be sold. A neighbor accosted one of our slate mechanics and said, "what are you doing on my roof?" Well, our slate mechanic replied that he was fixing the poorly done repairs so that Ms G-, could sell her home. But I've been repairing that roof for years retorted the neighbor. Unfortunately, the neighbor had been using roof cement to repair the precious slate roof. Ugh, came the reply from our workman. You can't use roof cement on a slate roof. But I use the fiberglass fabric! replied the neighbor.<br />
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Let's just reiterate, don't be the roof troll. Roof cement is not used to repair slate roofs. The only place roof cement should be used is at the hips and ridges and only to keep the water out from where the two slates overlap.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL0tFpTOm53DflrxGCh4tOaGxIJ2FK8w4TXS00G9vVD7NEuEeTyyhxfGad08BG7SExuLoxI6aAYS51l-z1-OY_rZlIRH-VlkJ_NCUtI4do1UO1Ph-y7DLyNK0SvCCjpvnQYNyxif3G_cs/s1600/IMG_6574.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL0tFpTOm53DflrxGCh4tOaGxIJ2FK8w4TXS00G9vVD7NEuEeTyyhxfGad08BG7SExuLoxI6aAYS51l-z1-OY_rZlIRH-VlkJ_NCUtI4do1UO1Ph-y7DLyNK0SvCCjpvnQYNyxif3G_cs/s400/IMG_6574.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roof cement used to repair slate roof.</td></tr>
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David Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10352882238693612036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-474646537996230738.post-13064172394567292882016-04-18T07:49:00.000-07:002016-04-18T07:49:16.862-07:00Warning! NSFSR (Not safe for slate roofers)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
People are totally unaware of what goes on thirty feet above their heads, yet I'm sure a check was written and cashed for the lousy workmanship shown below. For a very simple primer on how to correctly repair a slate roof, <a href="http://thomsonslate.com/index.php/78-slaterepair/70-how-to-repair">click here.</a> </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3VWmxseNFBgOU4fumJNbY9sokHkZL8gfZGtgRSWzqTzRlvpoMGu8csHJmtCoDoMkgUPtirrnveXXVJCZw92XlhJJ2z9wxS8BhS1AikgD_2FU5U6BX29d-Ibqwxz4D6plAQFi37O-HsMc/s1600/IMG_5603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3VWmxseNFBgOU4fumJNbY9sokHkZL8gfZGtgRSWzqTzRlvpoMGu8csHJmtCoDoMkgUPtirrnveXXVJCZw92XlhJJ2z9wxS8BhS1AikgD_2FU5U6BX29d-Ibqwxz4D6plAQFi37O-HsMc/s400/IMG_5603.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo showing "nail & bib' method of repair. (rather carelessly done) </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguI6tNaGxpjoEkkdEQkdWbxKN83P2zjh_arNPUOAyC8j-zWy8cXUkeA3BtdSTQ2beuMlg2lLZd5wB_al8d-_vza1kiHcY45f6ekoym8e3yZlQLAAlPf4-Z7uY4k4SWzpa7-4ft6jBOfVc/s1600/IMG_5602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguI6tNaGxpjoEkkdEQkdWbxKN83P2zjh_arNPUOAyC8j-zWy8cXUkeA3BtdSTQ2beuMlg2lLZd5wB_al8d-_vza1kiHcY45f6ekoym8e3yZlQLAAlPf4-Z7uY4k4SWzpa7-4ft6jBOfVc/s400/IMG_5602.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A row of nail and bibbed slate. </td></tr>
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<br />David Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10352882238693612036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-474646537996230738.post-71277026106084660392016-03-28T12:28:00.000-07:002016-03-28T12:28:58.234-07:00Glacial Roof Snow Damages Slate<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzsfSivNgNkzp1UjPtwUUe4LkJUFQs5RBY_YkpMi9gVwdbBIGnfbkg6LNWp7N65ZaxYrsgPG7wAD4KGXBITkY3AIw1uykEiTl2ZhjjcEFvo3kslLe9tfh90BYbxj4ZTJpR-sax57Nm7Q8/s1600/20160325_113435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzsfSivNgNkzp1UjPtwUUe4LkJUFQs5RBY_YkpMi9gVwdbBIGnfbkg6LNWp7N65ZaxYrsgPG7wAD4KGXBITkY3AIw1uykEiTl2ZhjjcEFvo3kslLe9tfh90BYbxj4ZTJpR-sax57Nm7Q8/s320/20160325_113435.jpg" width="230" /></a></div>
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What we have here is a copper tab held in with a galvanized nail. <br />
<a name='more'></a>More importantly, we're missing a slate. Snow sliding down a slate roof in a glacial manner will often pull slate held in with copper tabs right out. Slowly moving snow will also act on snow guards, which will in turn, bend or break slate. This slow moving snow can cause a great deal of damage, even more so than snow avalanching off of the roof. Even though the sudden effects of an avalanche are more dramatic than a glacier, the later can carve out much more damage.<br />
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Snow, especially snow on poorly insulated and ventilated roofs, can freeze and thaw throughout the day and night, and wreck havoc on slate roofs. Shown below are the typical effects of snow moving glacially down the roof. Not shown is the damaged gutter. Avalanching snow will rip the gutter down, and easily take out a glass table, lawn furniture or a boxwood. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyVtx5ScDrHtTgfn8Yh2SfBNFfJNv90X41LF5Hde0NnQSPbb5GupofiunaAs4XhgojiHBZabp96za2aziEGBzloTnuqi0yxfgJ8h0kri2EHinLO-5_bE_j6thRi4x4Ugd__MGkGcRWNAQ/s1600/IMG_5328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="104" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyVtx5ScDrHtTgfn8Yh2SfBNFfJNv90X41LF5Hde0NnQSPbb5GupofiunaAs4XhgojiHBZabp96za2aziEGBzloTnuqi0yxfgJ8h0kri2EHinLO-5_bE_j6thRi4x4Ugd__MGkGcRWNAQ/s320/IMG_5328.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />David Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10352882238693612036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-474646537996230738.post-76470397912830329702016-03-18T12:05:00.003-07:002016-03-18T12:07:49.251-07:00Uninspired Methods of Slate Repair<div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">
It seems as that if you ask five different slate roofers what is their method of slate repair, you'll get five different answers. Way back when our company started, the slate quarries recommended using hooks for slate repairs. The logic of their suggestion to use something so small, inexpensive and simple to hold a replacement slate onto an existing roof seemed to make sense and nothing I've seen since has surpassed the functionality and simplicity of the slate hook. Roofers have used other methods for replacing slate, but as some of the other methods are illustrated, it becomes clear they are needlessly destructive or complicated.<br />
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Here are some common methods used to repair slate roofs:</div>
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<li>Copper hanger</li>
<li>Nail and bib</li>
<li>Roof cement</li>
<li>Face nailing w/caulk or roof cement</li>
<li>Caulk</li>
<li>Slate reconstruction</li>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Notice I said common and not correct. Also, I've left off "slate hook," which I'll address in a separate post. Let's address these methods here. </span></span></div>
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1. Copper Hanger</div>
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Of the methods on this list, I could almost agree this one is not so bad and copper hangers or copper straps are probably the closest method of repair to hooks. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6vTAbhWJtBox4QwGCTnuFv6petleZfEA2Sa9NWYY03rTv81_ibWOST9lPAlw3oUBJC5QqQs4Ow3tXLhigl_Wa6SjCYP2ILvUPtft89c2FUvAlENz4iKvUb7FIB9s9GusmgxDPOStGmC0/s1600/IMG_2705.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6vTAbhWJtBox4QwGCTnuFv6petleZfEA2Sa9NWYY03rTv81_ibWOST9lPAlw3oUBJC5QqQs4Ow3tXLhigl_Wa6SjCYP2ILvUPtft89c2FUvAlENz4iKvUb7FIB9s9GusmgxDPOStGmC0/s320/IMG_2705.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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(image 1) Single folded copper tab.</div>
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These tabs are installed a lot like hooks. Except some worker on a rainy day sits and cuts strips of copper. These hooks are nailed into the roof and the tab is created by folding the copper up over the front of the slate. In most cases, the copper is folded over creating a double layer strap. Unfortunately, these tabs are not always consistent and both single layer and double layer copper tabs will be present on the roof. The main problem with copper tabs is that they will often unfold when snow or ice sits on the roof. Once the tab unfolds, the slate will slip out. </div>
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(image 2) Double folded copper tab. (same roof)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSHaYqlL_1SZ2m2ns_2-JNEW8YfzQtvUSnSMN6n1sN8X0ceWzMLJUt9P6W9mmWWCUDPBF4qS-9B_8Q0TkqA-lvlQLEC-j4qy42lLKxeOuiLs09FGuEscSQdJdlUplPUhR8LG-kqFOlJCo/s1600/IMG_2707.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSHaYqlL_1SZ2m2ns_2-JNEW8YfzQtvUSnSMN6n1sN8X0ceWzMLJUt9P6W9mmWWCUDPBF4qS-9B_8Q0TkqA-lvlQLEC-j4qy42lLKxeOuiLs09FGuEscSQdJdlUplPUhR8LG-kqFOlJCo/s320/IMG_2707.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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(image 3) Unfolded copper tab. </div>
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The copper tab in image three was the first thing noticed when examining the slate This tab is starting to unfold and eventually, the slate will slide out. On the same roof, there are two previous repair that were done with slate hooks. They are a little harder to see, especially from the ground. These are galvanized hooks, which turn a dull gray and blend into the roof very well.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio2RM0EQ5IJs51O7hWipDy_Ke_plOeMDSsM6njlc5atHdiyeyDel6IuVf1gGn-v3Ocxpdl-Z9PVuD5GsNkuroOMnfpZzK987yQ1F4xz5CP_6XJvBKTQpydJDwl9rbNpWjDluaiC6o0_c4/s1600/IMG_2710.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio2RM0EQ5IJs51O7hWipDy_Ke_plOeMDSsM6njlc5atHdiyeyDel6IuVf1gGn-v3Ocxpdl-Z9PVuD5GsNkuroOMnfpZzK987yQ1F4xz5CP_6XJvBKTQpydJDwl9rbNpWjDluaiC6o0_c4/s320/IMG_2710.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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(image 4) Slate hook. </div>
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2. Nail and Bib</div>
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Among the most frustrating and commonly used methods of slate repair. A replacement slate is slid in place. The keyway (space or slot between two adjoining slate) is unabashedly damaged by the roofer when nailing the slate in place. See the "dimple" created in the two adjacent slate? Also of note, the nailhead is visisble. A sheet metal bib is then placed beneath the two above adjacent slates to cover the nailheads. Unfortunately, the damage from the careless application of the nail is etched in stone. </div>
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In this instance, the bib rusted away resulting in an unfortunate leak. Some of these leaks can take a while to find the source. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHvxA3kNjQbeVGqACPL_SujJaiaaaJthoRUabwrQPvNrLBV9NTnC6L0E6mueaocaBOnapDAr8_XqSlFWAcnKXu8CXrsDeMkmgr7kmGwgFeurQsaOmrDnfPx6YbYjD6CX50RCCLlT90ZtQ/s1600/IMG_0233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHvxA3kNjQbeVGqACPL_SujJaiaaaJthoRUabwrQPvNrLBV9NTnC6L0E6mueaocaBOnapDAr8_XqSlFWAcnKXu8CXrsDeMkmgr7kmGwgFeurQsaOmrDnfPx6YbYjD6CX50RCCLlT90ZtQ/s320/IMG_0233.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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(image 5) Nail and Bib</div>
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Rusted through bib. No, these cannot be used to view the solar eclipse without damaging your eye. However, these will result in a damaged ceiling, after which you might be seeing stars when the repair bill arrives. </div>
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(image 6) Rusted Bib</div>
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Caulk<br />
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Roof cement and other sealants should not be used on slate roofs, except in specific circumstances, like the installation of a ridge or hip. Nothing says quality like roof cement on a slate roof.<br />
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(image 7) Roof cement. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYyxqeT1gS8y3C9gIAb6_S-T-Ogb8VF7PIBmicSrAT4_R8Pr7QfvfRT6APTqvgoSqq0_S9gEIcQF4PJ3TnJ4NImm4B0bd_NbsB2Fhtwolr08OwKMEw9n8nVspAWlv5j-Y5RpKcv_RXbZw/s1600/glued_slate3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYyxqeT1gS8y3C9gIAb6_S-T-Ogb8VF7PIBmicSrAT4_R8Pr7QfvfRT6APTqvgoSqq0_S9gEIcQF4PJ3TnJ4NImm4B0bd_NbsB2Fhtwolr08OwKMEw9n8nVspAWlv5j-Y5RpKcv_RXbZw/s320/glued_slate3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgLqL009QXf5Lnnd7UsSt-xcZ04UB3nFCs0K_elqbSUEVz0rZ19rTaksEJdfKGD1dtGu0Py8gHiOYuNjwDuPirCqIdJQ2uIL4vhTgrqLsWe2ktMTlGGVibR1jcE8tOfSGGM176H6KFfUA/s1600/Gluedslate1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgLqL009QXf5Lnnd7UsSt-xcZ04UB3nFCs0K_elqbSUEVz0rZ19rTaksEJdfKGD1dtGu0Py8gHiOYuNjwDuPirCqIdJQ2uIL4vhTgrqLsWe2ktMTlGGVibR1jcE8tOfSGGM176H6KFfUA/s320/Gluedslate1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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(image 9)</div>
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Glued Slate (slate reconstruction) </div>
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Probably the most unusual repair. Chips of slate are glued together on top of the slate. This repair was done by a big, well known roofing company outside of Washington, DC on house that was being sold. The buyer had the sense to have a slate roofer inspect the roof, rather than just the home inspector. </div>
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As you can probably tell, common sense would suggest there may be a better method to repair these roofs. </div>
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David Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10352882238693612036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-474646537996230738.post-39005426504206628152016-03-08T09:55:00.002-08:002016-03-08T09:55:46.984-08:00Surprise<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
One never knows what one will find living in the roof. I was surprised to see this little winter wren nesting in this Ludowici Imperial tile roof. The sun was in my eyes when I was photographing the roof, and there he was along with the nest after I downloaded the pictures. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidkoS0OOTPhvfOtzZtD5JYAEE6i7N55AQVVO_HxDeWuoPY5_pxL_3vso3udtfVqVlIYxmK8Ln5SSQ14KQhwyMmN1k7RMaY4lRRy55l2buOJlFt8bXLIKcevxaiHI8kGTOYRcNptXYPIHo/s1600/IMG_4886.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidkoS0OOTPhvfOtzZtD5JYAEE6i7N55AQVVO_HxDeWuoPY5_pxL_3vso3udtfVqVlIYxmK8Ln5SSQ14KQhwyMmN1k7RMaY4lRRy55l2buOJlFt8bXLIKcevxaiHI8kGTOYRcNptXYPIHo/s400/IMG_4886.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />David Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10352882238693612036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-474646537996230738.post-46877734204135756722016-03-04T12:02:00.002-08:002016-03-04T12:16:24.214-08:00<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKjN_kgOAQpbQt4Hl8HvF_SsonRH9BaCNZq-bb3389y-7N1NsWkCYvxUOvjYAXNkPd4FZZudzZEaINaVoYYxQ9nyVR-anSGu4tk09RgoZ5bVztdyIkfNSKvhowC5TgpSNP4BGIu297iNo/s1600/1-110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKjN_kgOAQpbQt4Hl8HvF_SsonRH9BaCNZq-bb3389y-7N1NsWkCYvxUOvjYAXNkPd4FZZudzZEaINaVoYYxQ9nyVR-anSGu4tk09RgoZ5bVztdyIkfNSKvhowC5TgpSNP4BGIu297iNo/s320/1-110.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">From time to time, I will be posting content about slate roofing best practices. I have inspected thousands of slate roofs over twenty-three years and worked on slate while in college. Slate roofing is a craft, and I have seen a lot of great work and craftsmanship and met some good people along the way. But I've also encountered a lot of shoddy workmanship and I hope to explore the good and the bad. Information now abounds about slate roofing. There are many books, articles and a journal or two devoted to the craft and maybe we can highlight a few of those, too. </span>David Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10352882238693612036noreply@blogger.com0