synthetic slate roofing reviews not looking good

Imitation slate roofing products have been on the market for a while now. They are made from plastic, rubber and other materials, there has been reports that they are simply unreliable. The color fades, and the pieces too quickly become brittle and break.

For the ones who are not familiar with these, the cost of these imitation slate roofing systems are typically higher than asphalt shingles. This is attributed in part to the manufacturing process as well as to the labor cost of installation. Manufacturers have offered warranties of fifty years or more on their synthetic slate products, which sounds appealing to consumers.
Unfortunately, we have heard talk of many reports of imitation slate roofs that have failed within fifteen years of installation. What about the fifty-year warranty? When the manufacturer is out of business or a foreign corporation , the warranty is worthless.

If the classic texture and appearance of slate is desired, consider installing a good-quality salvaged slate. It will be more reliable than synthetic slate, and less expensive than a new slate roof. A salvaged slate roof is an excellent value. It saves on material costs, and, properly installed, the roof will truly last a lifetime.

You see in most cases a slate roof will out last the home on which it is installed. When this happens they will remove the slate before tearing down the house then resell it. Slate roofing systems last for ever and complements any house, and requires very little maintenance. If you you are In The Atlanta Georgia area and have any questions or concerns about getting slate or tile roofing system or just looking to have yours maintained then you should give Scott Morrow of Scott Morrow Slate & Tile Roofing a call.

Scott Morrow Has been roofing for 25 years and has 20 years experience in the slate and tile roofing industry as well as modified rubber applications and custom copper fabrications. Scott Has been servicing and repairing homes in the Atlanta, Buckhead & Midtown area for 20 years and he will service and repair anything inside the Georgia 285 perimeter. Be sure to Visit his website @ www.scottmorrowroofing.com for any further slate and tile roofing or contact information.

Atlanta's Search for a Slate & Tile Roofing Contractor

If your a homeowner in the Atlanta, Buckhead and Midtown area, then there is a good chance that part of your homes maintenance involves your slate or tile roofing system. Maintaining your sate or tile roofing system is as important as any other items that you have on your homes maintenance list. More and more home owners are having there roofing systems checked on a regular basis these days, which is smart if you think about it. Regular inspections or maintenance, will catch small problems or issues with your slate or tile roof before they can grow to become huge and costly problems.

If you are new to Atlanta, and have just bought one of the many fine homes in the Atlanta, Buckhead or Midtown areas that has a slate or tile roofing system, then you are faced with the task of finding the right slate and tile roofing contractor. One you trust and can have a relationship with if you will.

And why shouldn't you? Don't you go to the same person to do your hair every month, or how ever often you may go? And don't you go to the same place to get your car serviced? We all do, and the reason we do this is because we trust them and because we like there work. The same should be with your slate or tile roofing contractor. You need to find one you can trust, and in doing that there are a few things you should keep in mind when searching for one. It's very important to be able to turn to a roofing contractor that can be trusted, to give accurate advice and pricing, as well as to complete the job properly.

Maybe the first thing you should do is inform or educate your self on the type of roofing systems you have. You can do this by getting on the internet and search for slate or tile roofing contractors in Atlanta, Buckhead or Midtown, and visit there websites and read there informative blogs they have. I have been to all the better and more repeatable slate and tile roofing contractors websites, for the Atlanta, Buckhead and Midtown area, and all the better ones offer an informative blog. After an hour or two on the Internet, becoming familiar with some of the main roofing terms, the process of contacting a slate and tile roofing contractor and beginning to get quotes will seem less foreign.

OK so now that you have done some research, and after learning a bit about roofing, it's time to turn to the professionals.
First you might want to check with family or friends you might have in the area, or your neighbors and see who they use, and if their happy with them. Be sure to ask if they would hire the company again, or whether they'd be likely to choose another roofing contractor, and if they were not likely to use the same company again then you know not to even consider them.

All so, repeatable slate and tile roofing companies will have a permanent business address and phone number, along with a tax ID. It's important to see proof of your roofing contractor's liability and workers' comp insurance policies to ensure that the homeowners won't be held responsible in the event of an accident. It's also standard to check that they have a legitimate business license from Georgia.
Most repeatable slate and tile roofing contractors will be members of regional or national industry associations which keep them up to date on changes in the industry.While it isn't necessarily a deal-breaker if the roofing company isn't a member, it is something to consider.

The Better Business Bureau is another source homeowners can use to uncover any complaints that have been filed about the company in the past. Whats great about the Better Business Bureau is that you don't have to be a member for them to have complaints logged against them. Finally, all roofing contractors should be able to provide references from several of their previous jobs. Other online services provide such information such as Angie's list, Kudzu and Yelp. Yelp is a popular new comer to this type of search. Although they must be members of the ones just mentioned to find out anything about them, you will find that most repeatable slate and tile roofing contractors will be members of these out lets, for they have nothing to hide.

Having given you all the tools and things to consider while finding a slate and tile roofing contractor, I would like you to consider Scott Morrow of Scott Morrow Slate & Tile Roofing. Scott Morrow has been roofing for 25 years and has 20 years experience in the slate and tile industry as well as modified rubber applications and custom copper fabrication. Scott Morrow falls under all the criteria mentioned above and works in the Atlanta, Buckhead & Midtown area.

To Be A Slate and Tile Roofing Contractor OR Not To BE That Is The Question

Catchy title Right? Well its true, you are ether a slate and tile roofing contractor, or your not. There are millions of roofing contractors out there, but very few Slate and tile roofing contractors. Home owners beware!

Home owners who have a slate or tile roofing systems must take caution when hiring a contractor to repair, or even look at your roof. If you make the mistake of hiring a contractor just on the fact that they have the word "roofing" in their name, then you will end up dealing with bad repairs that will end up costing you more money don the road.
You see, slate and tile roofing systems are the BMW & Mercedes of roofing systems if you will. I hope the analogies I'm choosing to use helps you to better understand my point I'm trying to make. But If you own one of these two makes of cars, you don't just take them to anyone to work on or even service them, do you? No you don't, and in some cases you will void your warranty if I'm not mistaking

That's because they are special trained experts, that know every thing there is to know about these cars and if you take it to some one who is not then it will end up costing you more money. Case in point, I took My 2003 BMW to get new tires and an alignment. After about a week I realized the tires were warring abnormal and noticed the car driving funny. So I took it back to the shop that did the work, which by the way was not an authorized BMW dealer, and they finally admitted that they didn't know what they were doing and suggested I take it to the dealer.
Sorry we are talking about slate and tile roofing systems here, but you get my point. When looking for a contractor to work on or even look at your slate or tile roof, you should look for a few key items.

• Look for the key words slate or tile in the title of their name. most slate and tile roofing contractors have those key words in their name to distinguish them self's. If you hire one with the only the key word roofing in their name, then 9 times out of 10, if not 10 out of 10, they will be asphalt shingle roofing contractors. These guys will still get up on your roof and try to repair it. And some even succeed, but they use roofing tar to do it because they don't have the proper tools or material to fix it right. And a lot of times if your roof is big, you wont even see where they repaired it with the tar.

• Always make sure they are licensed and insured.For a list of licensed roofing contractors, you can contact your state's Construction Industry Licensing Board.They should also have insurance to compensate you for property damage, or personal injury, and to prevent you from being held liable if a worker is injured on your property.

• Always check a business rating with the BBB (Better business bureau). What is great about BBB is a business does not have to be registered with them to have a rating. People can still go and file a report with the BBB about poor business habits.

If you need professional, licensed & insured slate and tile roofing contractor in Atlanta, Buckhead or Midtown area be sure to check out Scott Morrow Slate & Tile Roofing & Repairs for all your slate and tile roofing needs@  www.scottmorrowroofing.com

Are you asking the right questions when hiring a slate and tile roofing contractor?

 If home owners are not careful about the type of contractor they hire to work on,or even let get on there slate or tile roof, they can receive inferior repairs or added damage to there roof that becomes a financial nightmare. It pays to ask the following questions about a company before you even ask for its bid or even let them on your roof:

Are they an accredited Business with BBB?
Always check a business rating with the BBB (Better business bureau)
What is great about BBB is a business does not have to be registered with them to have a rating. People can still go and file a report with the BBB about poor business habits.   

Is the company licensed and insured?
   many states roofing contractors are required to have a general contractor's license. They should also have insurance to compensate you for property damage, or personal injury, and to prevent you from being held liable if a worker is injured on your property.
Hiring a roofing contractor who is licensed, and insured is a must in protecting yourself against crippling financial setbacks. If a company lacks one of these key forms of protection, they should not even be allowed on or even near your roof.

Will the company provide a contractor's warranty?
  Companies that provide quality roofing services and repairs ensure there quality of their work with a contractor's warranty.  It is important to remember that a manufacturer's warranty only covers the materials used on a job and not the actual workmanship.

Does the company have experience installing or repairing the type of roof you have?
  Always make sure you hire a roofing contractor that has plenty of slate or tile roofing experience! It would be wise to hire one with the words slate or tile in the title of there name or business. don't hire a asphalt shingle roofing contractor to work, or even get on your slate or tile roof or you will get repairs like this.

Does the company use subcontractors?
  If a roofing contractor uses subcontractors, they should be held to the same standards as the contractor. Unless subcontractors are licensed, and insured, and have a permanent business location, and have experience installing or repairing the type of slate or tile roof you have, they should not be allowed to work on your home.

Conclusion
  The slate and tile roofing contractor who installs or repairs your roof has a great influence on how well it performs and, ultimately, how long it lasts. Poorly performed repairs typically result in increased maintenance and repair costs.
Asking the questions above will determine the quality of a contractor's slate or tile roofing services. For a list of licensed roofing contractors, contact your state's Construction Industry Licensing Board.

If you need professional, licensed & insured slate and tile roofing contractor in Atlanta, Buckhead or Midtown area  be sure to check out Scott Morrow Slate & Tile Roofing & Repairs for all your slate and tile roofing needs@ www.scottmorrowroofing.com

Slate and Tile Roofing Problems for Homeowners

A roof made from slate or tile has a unique appearance that is best described as simple elegance. These roofing materials attract our attention much more than traditional asphalt shingles. However, even they are not immune to issues, with issues ranging from minor and inexpensive to severe and costly. Learn about common issues and prevent these from becoming serious problems that require the entire roof to be replaced.

A slate roof is comprised of slivers of rock formed into shingles. This material creates a natural look and offers versatility in patterns and designs. Slate tile is low-maintenance, provides good protection against a fire, and has a long lifespan. It is also not vulnerable to rotting or insects. However, it can also be very heavy so if the roof is not reinforced sufficiently, structural issues may result. Slate tile is also breakable and someone who is inexperienced can crack tiles while attempting to clean gutters, paint the house, or perform maintenance on the rooftop.

Clay roofing tiles have a modern appearance and are also suitable for Spanish mission, Italian, or southwestern style homes. A tile roof has a long expected lifespan and the tiles are not susceptible to insects, burning, or rotting. Like slate, clay tiles are available in a variety of sizes, styles, and colors. However, some brands feature color only on the tile surface, making the tile susceptible to fading.
Similar to slate, clay tiles can be heavy and they are fragile. Initial tile roofing installation can be complicated, making it important to use a roofing professional who has experience dealing with tile. Look for a roofer that specializes in the installation and repair of roofs made from this material and works locally, providing a personal touch.

Tiles made from concrete are also used as roofing materials. Fiber-reinforced cement is used to create panels, tiles, shingles, and simulated-wood shakes. These are durable, represent efficient use of resources, and have long lifetimes. Concrete tiles are also low-maintenance, insect and rot-resistant, and provide good fire protection. Early versions were prone to color change, curling, and breakage but many of these issues have been overcome due to improved technology.

Both tile and slate roofing materials are more expensive than traditional asphalt shingles. However, their aesthetic qualities, long lifetimes, and low maintenance requirements make the cost more justifiable. Proper installation and care ensures that expensive tile and slate roofing problems do not develop and this includes structural reinforcement and breakage repair.

Scott Morrow Slate & Tile Roofing is an Atlanta based roofing company specializing in slate roofing problems and repair. If you live in the Atlanta area and would like to schedule an appointment or find out more about our services, please click here.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gerald_F._McKidman

Why Slate is a Better Roofing Choice

Slate is one of the most durable roof options available today. There are some slate roofs that have been around for centuries. While asphalt shingles may be popular because of  their low cost, Slate is still a better choice for many reasons. Here's are a few reasons why it makes a better roofing choice.

Classic Beauty
  Slate  has been used  in Europe for hundreds of years. They provide a classic look that modern imitations can't match. Roofing slates come in many colors, from classic black, grey and brown to greenish and even shades of purple. The slate will weather, developing its own unique characteristics. Man made roof coverings tend to look the same until they wear out and must be thrown away.

Longevity
  Even if  a slate roof is made using traditional hook or fixed by nail, it will last much longer than almost any other type of roof. Slate roofs can stay water tight for 80 to 100+ years with only very little maintenance. Even when a roof approaches this age, it rarely needs to be totally replaced.
Most slate roofs need some work as they get older, but many slate-roofed cathedrals and buildings have lived to be hundreds of years old. Compared to a asphalt shingle roofing system, which lasts only for about 15 to 20 years, or a metal roof, which lasts up to 40 years, slate is the longest option there is.

Durability
  As well as lasting a long time, slate roofs will survive harsh weather and other rough conditions without too many issues. Slate is water-resistant, while only absorbing to only about 0.4 percent. which means that it don't crack or fracture in freezing weather the way that clay tile sometimes does.

Slate roofs also do very well in high winds, such as hurricanes. Slate roofs  have managed to survive intact through storms that knocked down multiple trees and tare other roofing systems off. The weight and sturdiness of the slate keeps them intact even in hard weather. If a few slates do get damaged, replacing them is a relatively easy proses.

Hail storms do occasionally  cause damage to a slate roof. In some cases, the hail can even go right through the slate. The up side is, the damage occurs only on individual slates. That makes it easy to repair a hail damaged slate roof without a whole lot of expense or time. There are thinner styles of slate that will incur more damage. But Most of your heavier slate roofs can often shrug off even large hailstones.

Safety
  While slate is made from stone, it's  fire-resistant, unlike asphalt shingled roofs and plastic-based roofing systems. Slate is also a good electrical insulator, which was why it was originally used in early electric motors. Slate is very stable and strong, reducing  damage from hail or fallen electrical wires, hard rain, snow and other damaging factors.

Environmental Impact  
  Slate has a natural origin and last almost forever, slate roofs have some of the lowest environmental effects of any roof system. In most cases, slate is quarried from quarries  close by. For instance, many of the slate roofs in Europe use Spanish stone for their shingles. In the UK, Welsh slate is considered some of the most beautiful. US homes often use Pennsylvanian, Vermont, or Virginia slate.

 Slate and Tile information

  If you are in the Atlanta, Buckhead or midtown area of Georgia and have any questions or concerns about your slate or tile roofing system you can contact Scott Morrow of Scott Morrow Slate & Tile Roofing @ www,scottmorrowroofing.com

Scott Morrow has 20 years experience in the slate and tile roofing industry and has an extensive background and knowledge of modified rubber applications as well as custom copper fabrication applications.

Maintain Your Slate or Tile Roof, The Importance There of

SLATE & TILE ROOF OWNERS

 Your home is one of the biggest investments you will make in your life.  That being said why are you not protecting your investment?

Your roof is one of the main defenses protecting your home from the elements.

So why are you not taking the proper steps to maintain it?  You change the oil in your car every month don't you? And if you stop then so will your car eventually.

 I'm not saying you should have your slate or tile roof checked every month but once a year at least would be smart. A lot of times you wont know you have a problem until its been leaking for awhile, and by then it has caused thousands of dollars in unwanted damage. And for the ones who have had a leaking roof in the past are well aware of the hassle and expense that go with them.  Unfortunately, it could be far worse then you realize.

Slate & Tile roofing systems are some of the most beautiful roofs in the world. And they should be properly maintained by real slate and tile roofing contractor. Don't hire a asphalt shingle roofer to work or even get on your slate or tile roof, or you will end up with repairs that look like this.

The saddest thing about this photo, is this was not even the problem!!! This is where the contractor had chosen to go up, and ended up causing more damage. And since he was not a slate and tile roofing contractor with the proper tools and material or knowledge, the home owner got this which in the end cost them more money.

That being said here are some of the things that comes with a roof leak from poorly maintained roofs.

•   Roof Leaks. Dealing with leaks is irritating and a waste of time and money.
  
   
•   Interior Damages.  Those leaks can quickly damage your valuable furnishings and possessions. Carpets, furniture and drywall usually get hit first. Computers and other electronics can easily be destroyed. Irreplaceable family heirlooms and artwork can be wrecked.
•  Structural Damages.  Leaks that go unnoticed or ignored can result in deteriorated roof sheathing and framing. Small problems turn into big ones.
  
   
•   Toxic Mold.  Under the right conditions, mold can start growing within 24 hours of a roof leak. Certain types of mold are toxic... and can be very expensive to eliminate. In severe cases the interior may need to be gutted down to the bare framing!
  
   
•   Unsightly Roof Repairs.  Attempts to repair the leaks can leave your roof with nasty blemishes. if you hire the wrong roofing contractor. Those scars hurt the curb appeal of your home and announce to the world you have had roof problems.
  
   
•   Loss of Property Value.  When it comes time to sell your home, appraisers see all those nasty roof repairs caused by the wrong roofing contractor who knew nothing about slate or tile roof systems and downgrade the value of your home based on condition. Home inspectors notice more roofing problems in the attic, scaring off buyers (or causing them to lower their offers).  

                                                             

•   Premature Roof failure.  Nobody wants to keep putting up with roof leaks, so many people bite the bullet and opt for a re-roof, long before the roofing itself is actually worn out.
  
   
•   Expensive Re-roofing.  When that re-roofing decision finally comes, many people pay far more than they should. That poor roof design they chose when building their home results in much higher re-roofing costs. And they choose roofing systems that cost much more than ones that perform better.
  
   
•   Roofing Hazards.  As if all the expense and trouble is not enough, some roofing conditions are just down right dangerous to roofers and homeowners alike. Every year, thousands of people are injured (some fatally) and property damage is in the millions. 

  When hiring a Slate & Tile Roofing Contractor for your home you should always.......................

   

  1. Make sure that they are licensed.

  2. make sure they are insured.

  3. make sure they have a knowledge of slate and tile roofing.

   Most contractors will advertise that they do, or it will be in there name some how. If I didn't see it in ether of those I wouldn't hire them. You can ask any roofer if he knows how to work on slate and tile and they will most likely say yes to get the job. So don't take the chance.
  
  If You are living in the Atlanta Georgia area And are looking for a great slate and tile roofing contractor then you should try Scott Morrow Of Scott Morrow Slate & Tile Roofing & Repairs. He has been roofing for 25 years and has 20 years experience in slate and tile as well as 20 years experience in modified rubber applications for the little to no pitch roof system. He also has over 20 tears experience in copper fabrication for all your flashing and chimney cap needs. he is licensed, insured, and a member of the better business bureau with an A+ rating who enjoys what he does. He works primarily in the BUCKHEAD & MIDTOWN area but will repair and service anything with in the 285 perimeter. Go see him today @ www.scottmorrowroofing.com
  
  
  
  
  

Slate Roofing V/S Tile Roofing

The high-end, top shelf if you will of roofing materials in terms of quality and looks are Slate & Tile. Depending on the type, your looking at a 50 -100+ year life span if maintained properly. Tile is made out of baked clay, while Slate is quarried. Both types also come made of synthetic  materials such as concrete and plastic in some cases.

The most recognizable of the tile family is the Spanish tile. Spanish Tile is traditionally a great stylish look, and will complement any home. There are other types of Tile that  are just as beautiful as Spanish Tile, there are also flat tile roofing systems. These roofing systems have a look all there own and are just as stunning.

There is also a tile that is similar to the Spanish Tile roofing system but the curves in the Tile are not

as high as they are on the Spanish Tile. Tile is very durable and can withstand fire, hail and other extrema conditions. At the same time you still must be careful when walking around on it, because if your not careful and walk on it wrong you can break the Tile. So always hire a licensed and insured Slate and Tile roofing contractor to work on, or even look at your Slate or Tile roof.

Slate has many of the same benefits as Tile but at the same time it is more expensive. Slate also has a look all its own and is very beautiful. It costs 10x the cost of asphalt shingles but lasts almost forever and requires less maintenance. Not all roofers are familiar with slate, so again hire a real Slate roofing contractor for any maintenance. 

One interesting fact is that light colored roofs significantly reduce the amount of solar energy absorbed. This keeps the house cool in the summer. So in warmer climates pick a lighter colored tile if possible. Slate however is losing some of its popularity because of the price, and the economy being where it is today. There are new synthetic slate roofing materials that are made of either Slate dust or cement and fiber resin that are slightly cheaper and retain many of Slate's good qualities.

If you find that you have any questions about your Slate or Tile roofing system you can visit Scott Morrow Slate & Tile Roofing website @ www.scottmorrowroofing.com 

A Leaking Roof

A leaking roof can cause a homeowner plenty of headaches and nightmares, and the actual cause may come from any number of hidden reasons. What you may see as the most obvious problem may not be, and fixing just the problem you see may not solve it all together. Leaks around chimneys can be especially challenging to diagnose properly as the exact reason for it is not always readily visible. There may be a visible primary problem, but there could also be hidden secondary issues. It takes a real experienced roofing expert to spot the exact causes of a leak and then fix it properly.

These are just some of the main reasons for a leaking roof:

1.     Flashing problems - Flashing refers to a thin piece of metal that is installed in joints and seams to prevent water from getting in. Flashing can be made from several different types of metal, copper is a very common one in older homes and churches. In the case of flashing around a chimney this can deteriorate and cause leaks. In such an instance the old metal would have to be removed and replaced with new hand-soldered flashing's.
2.     Gutters - If a section of gutter  is not draining properly, the water may find its way inside. Cleaning out the gutters and downspouts regularly, re-lining box gutters or adjusting hanging gutters may be required to fix the problem. There are many different types of gutters made from a variety of materials. In some older homes you can even have the situation of having 2 or 3 different types on the same house!
3.     Flaws in the roofing materials - For a slate or tile roof, a missing or broken slate or tile can easily lead to a leak. For a tile roof,the roll roofing under the tile  can be causing the issue. For an asphalt roof, the roof material itself may be beyond its service life. Storm damage is another common cause of leaks in any roof.

You really need an experienced roofer to inspect your roof yearly. Get them to look the roof and gutter system over to make sure it is doing the job it is designed to do. Copper gutters wear down over time and galvanized gutters can deteriorate and rust out. When gutters don't drain rainwater and melting snow away properly water can back up under the roofing surface and cause hidden leaks. On a multi-storied home if the gutters overflow because of deterioration or back up water dripping onto the roof below can cause it to wear away faster than normal, resulting in a shorter service life of the roof.

Most professional roofing contractors offer free estimates to do an inspection. Their findings might locate a simple problem or there could be no problem at all. Fixing a minor problem now will save you the time, expense and heartache of dealing with a major problem later that can cause significant interior damage to your home.

For more information on Slate and Tile roofs go to www.scottmorrowroofing.com

Where slate comes from

Have you ever wondered were slate comes from? Now the slate I am referring to is the type that is used on roofs. There are many different kinds of Slate roofing as you find out from this post. Slate roofing is normally named by the origin of where it came from. In the united states they are still being quarried in  Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York, and Vermont. 

But, Did you know that a century ago there were hundreds more American slate quarries than there are today, including in Maine and Georgia. And each one produced a different color and texture. Most your professional slate roofing contractors can tell you where it came from just by looking at it.

 Slate is made a lot differently theses days with new modern technology. But I remember reading that at a long time ago when limestone was used. They would pull the limestone out of the ground and some times have to go up to 70 feet deep to get it. It would be in a block that was refereed to as a pendle, and let it sit in a field and absorb water. And they would pile dirt on top of it and pore water on top of it to help with this proses. 

They would do this over the course of a few years!. I know right, that's a long time to wait. Over the course of a few cold winters the water that had absorbed would penetrate and split the stone in to usable pieces. 

The Picture above is a gazebo that is using the limestone roofing that I just spoke of. Buckingham slates (below), or Virginia slates, are a gray-black slate with a life expectancy of about 150 years, maybe more. You will see the glint of countless tiny silica crystals in this slate when viewed in the sun, a unique characteristic of Buckingham slate.

Slate is mainly composed of the minerals quartz and muscovite or illite, often along with biotite, chlorite, hematite, and pyrite and, less frequently apatite, graphite, kaolinite, magnetite, tourmaline, or zircon as well as feldspar. Occasionally, as in the purple slates of North Wales, ferrous reduction spheres form around iron nuclei, leaving a light green spotted texture. These spheres are sometimes deformed by a subsequent applied stress field to ovoids, which appear as ellipses when viewed on a cleavage plane of the specimen.

Always remember when having your slate or tile roof looked at or worked on you need to have a real slate and tile roofing contractor to do the work other wise it will cost you more money to get it done right. Below is a picture of a slte roof repaired by a asphalt shingle roofer who didn't have the right tools or the knowledge to do the repair.

Tile Roofing & The Installation Of

Today we will go over the installation proses, step by step of a Spanish tile roof. But before we do, we want to thank Scott Morrow of Scott Morrow Slate & Tile Roofing & Repairs of Atlanta Georgia for letting us use his photos for the purpose of this informative blog. You can Go visit Scott morrow @ www.scottmorrowroofing.com

The first step in the installation of Spanish Tile is making sure that the decking is sound.If there is any water damage it is recommended to replace the damaged area's.

  If you have tore of an existing roof you need to make sure all the existing nails are removed. If you don't then when you apply a water proofing layer of felt, It will poke unwanted holes in it. So after all the decking is replaced and the nails are pulled you will have your starting point.

You will want to apply a layer of felt over the entire decking leaving nothing exposed.  Roofing felt has been in use for over a hundred years. Originally felt was made from recycled rag but today felts are made of recycled paper products (typically cardboard) and sawdust. There is 15 # and 30 #  felt, most people will use a 30 #, I have seen some contractors use a double layer of 15 # felt to make it 30#.

And once the felt is on you will next cover the entire roof in a asphalt base called rolled roofing. It is referred to as roll roofing because of the way it is applied. It is rolled on in the same way the felt is. This is a second line of defense.

After the entire roof is covered in roll roofing, the next step is to start preparing it to start laying tile. The drip edge should already be in place seeing that you already have the roll roofing applied.

 

Depending on the type of tile used you will need to place strips of wood on the roof to nail the tile on too.These are called risers. The fist thing you put on is the bird stops. They are placed on the roofs eave and they are to keep birds from getting under the tiles and nesting. There are many different types that you can use. Some use clay one's and today there are many different types manufactured.

 

In the next picture you will see a example of a Spanish tile roof being installed on risers and with bird stops manufactured out of metal vented.

I also wanted to show you how some tile is also installed with out risers and the next picture is a great example.

    This is a great example of a non riser installation. you can see the whole breakdown from the felt to the roll roofing and on to the tile. Now while most, and not all of these photos were given to us by Scott Morrow to use in this informative blog, we would like to say thanks. And to the readers, keep in mind that you always want to hire a experienced slate and tile roofing contractor to work on your slate or tile roof.

Copper Roofing & The Fabrication of

When copper is used on a roof and is fabricated and installed correctly It is beautiful. You will find that your typical asphalt shingle roofing system does not have copper any where on it. When a metal is used on a asphalt shingle roofing system it is usually a cheaper metal such as tin or galvanized. And that would be used on the areas that require metal such as your drip edge and flashing.

You will find the use of copper on your more expensive roofing systems, such as slate and tile. Depending on the type of slate or tile used, these roofs have a 50-100 + year life span so the metal used needs to last longer then, say tin or galvanized. Copper is the answer to that needed life span. Copper is used in several different areas on a slate and tile roof system. 

The use of copper is needed in the valleys on a slate and tile roof, It is also used for the drip edge and needed flashing for walls or chimneys. And you will also find that a lot of home owners choose to use it when it comes to the fabrication of the chimney cap.

And from the photo above you can see that it is also used to make custom ridge caps. Some home owners choose not to do this out of taste or there budget, but if you ask me I think it makes a slate roof look great. You can also see the use of copper in the valley as well in this photo.

Copper is also used in a couple different ways on parts of the roof that have little to no pitch. Some home owners choose to use a modified rubber application on these, and again ether there taste or there budget is the reason for this choice. But again, for me copper is the better choice. There is a method called standing seam, and that is where the different panels meet and are folded over each other.

 
Now the next method is a flat locking method which requires each joint to be soldered. I'm not as a big of fan of this method as I am of the standing seam method merely out of looks. But that is just my opinion and if it were out of site and no one could see it I guess it would be ok. Have a look for your self.

Its not that it looks bad, I just think standing seam looks better is all. Now copper is also used in gutters. typically a slate and tile roof follow suit with copper gutters as well. and they are beautiful as well too.

Here you see what is called half round gutter system. And with a copper gutter system I think it helps to complement the house along with the copper that is used on the roof.

 
Now in this photo above you will see a box style gutter made from copper. And while it looks good I prefer the half round style over this one. Now there are some amazing gutter systems called hidden gutters or some call them built in gutters. These are gutters that are built in to the roof and not hung on the side of the fascia board. These are some beautiful gutter systems when done right. Take a look for your self.

Here in the next photo is one on a slate roof that has a nice radius to it.

So as you can see copper is used all over in different applications on slate and tile roofing systems. The copper used is a typically a 20 oz. copper and it is beautiful when installed and over time it will start turning to a nice patina. I hope you enjoyed this informative post on copper. And remember when hiring anyone to work on your slate or tile roof, make sure they have a slate and tile background before you let them on your roof.  

Hiring The Wrong Slate or Tile Roofing Contractor

Did you know that there is a large percentage of roof damage that is caused by roofing contractors that don't Know what there doing? Its true, hiring the wrong contractor to work on your slate or tile roof can be detrimental. Not only to your roof but too your wallet as well. Let me help illustrate with a few photos.

 This is called a cricket, it diverts water away from the chimney as it flows down from behind it. As you can see it is real sloppy work. Now our first goal as a roofing contractor  is to make it water tight, yes... but the second is to make it LOOK GOOD ! Just because you cant see it from the ground does not mean you shouldn't take pride in your work. Lets see if we can find a cricket installed properly.

 Now you cant tell me that is not beautiful. That is a roofing contractor who takes pride in his work. Scott Morrow from Scott Morrow Slate & Tile Roofing & Repairs Of Atlanta Georgia installed this cricket. There are a lot of roofers out there, but when it comes to slate or tile you need to make sure you get the right one. And by the right one I mean one that has a background in slate and tile! Don't hire a asphalt roofing contractor to work on your slate or tile roof. Other wise you get work that looks like the next picture.

LOL! Now one can only guess whats going on here. It looks like the contractor didn't have the right material or the right tools to fix this plumbing boot the correct way, so he just put roofing tar all over it. And if you look real close it looks like he also put a Styrofoam cup in the top of it. I'm guessing that that plumbing stack is no longer in use from plumbing upgrades, just a guess. He still could have made it look better. and that roofing tar does not have as long of life span as copper. This next picture looks better.

See when you hire a qualified slate and tile roofing contractor, they have the right tools and material for the job. When you hire a contractor that does not have what he needs for the job you get repairs that look like the next picture.

There is a special tool used just to remove the slate. Its a really thin and long tool designed to slide under the slate and hook on the nails. Then it is hammered on until the nail pulls out. Then the piece of slate slides out. When the contractor does not have this tool you usually get whats in the picture above.

In the picture above is a slate ripper being used. See you cant lift the slate up to get to the nails to remove them like you can on asphalt shingles. And you cant get get under the slate to nail in the piece you just replaced ether, so a copper hook is nailed in to the roof where the slate would sit and hold it in place.

 
You can see the copper hooks used in the photo above. That is how a proper slate roof repair should look. In the next photo we will illustrate a tile repair from a contractor who didn't have the right material to do the repair the right way so he just used a piece of asphalt roofing. My guess is that he was a asphalt roofing contractor seeing that's what he used. What do you think?

Now the next picture is of a ridge cap that was repaired wrong. I personally love a copper ridge cap but like It might not appeal to every one. In cases when a copper ridge cap is not used then some sort of metal should be used underneath the slate where the two sides of the ridge meet.

In this photo you can see where they used felt paper. Felt paper is used to cover the decking of a roof as a second line of defense and is not meant to be exposed  to the elements. And when it is exposed it deteriorates a lot faster.
We hope this has been informative. Keep in mind to hire a slate and tile contractor to work on you slate or tile roof. To see more of Scott Morrow Slate & Tile Roofing & Repairs work you can visit him at his website.

Chimney flashing | Slate Roof

Flashing is used when the existing roof runs in to something, like a wall or a Chimney. Flashing is usually made of some kind of metal that is fabricated to fit against the wall or chimney to prevent water from running in between where the roofing stops, and the wall or chimney starts.

On most your slate and tile roofs they use 20 oz. copper for flashing. Slate and tile roofing systems last 50-100+ years so you need a metal that will compete with that long of a life span.

 In this picture you can see the existing slate around the chimney has been removed and the old flashing also has been removed. To the left of the chimney there is the tool they use to pull the nails out from a piece of slate to remove it, it is called a slate ripper and usually cost around $100.00 to purchase. Be careful when hiring a roofing contractor, to make sure he has a slate and tile background. A slate and tile roofing contractor will have these tools. A roofing contractor with no slate or tile history will not have these tools and do more damage then good.

 In this photo you can see the roofing contractor has finished fabricating the necessary copper flashing for the chimney and reinstalled the slate that was removed.

  
You can see where the previous contractor, kinda buggered up the mortar joints on the chimney. This falls under, making sure you hire a reparable slate and tile contractor. The one thing I like to see on a slate roof is a copper ridge cap! They look so much better but it might not be in every ones budget. In this photo you see the home owner has chosen not to use a copper ridge cap, which in that case the contractor will use tar to seal the top portion where the two sides meet.

  
The ridge looks a lot better once smoothed out. and from the next picture you can see that you can hardly notice it from the ground.

We would like to thank Scott Morrow Of Scott Morrow Slate & Tile Roofing & Repairs In Atlanta Georgia for Letting us use these Pictures for the purpose of this informative blog