Slate Roofing

FireRock Slate Roofing

More than any other material, the roof protects the inside of a home from the elements. In addition to protection, the roof also defines the style of a home. A slate roof is the perfect combination of durability and classic style, and that’s why we offer the best slate roofing materials for the FireRock collection.

The Strength of Slate and Attributes

Longevity – A slate roof can easily last a century and usually much longer
Slate is unaffected by weather extremes
Tolerates temperature fluctuations and severe weather events
Some slate is Miami-Dade accepted for hurricane zones
Slate is very dense and does not absorb water
100% fire proof: exceeds all standards for fire resistance
Since slate is stone, it simply doesn’t burn
Hail is a major cause of roof damage each year - Slate offers excellent hail resistance
In fact, S-1 slate has been tested to withstand class 4 ice balls in simulated severe storm conditions
Slate is impervious to mold, mildew and insects

Color Options

Slate is never artificially colored. Its color is determined naturally by geological conditions at its formation. Just as slate from different regions vary in durability, it will also vary in color. Slate also varies in its color retention. Some slate is very consistent or “non-weathering” while some exhibit new shades of color over time and are known as “semi-weathering”. Shown here are colors found in Vermont quarries.

Slate’s natural colors can be mixed in endless combinations to create a particular hue to match a design or environment. There are computer simulations for slate color selection. Depending on the intention of the designer, the positioning of the building to viewpoints, and surrounding geography, the roof can become an important visual element.


Semi-Weathering Gray/Green	Non-Weathering Purple	Vermont Clear Gray	Unfading Green	Vermont Strata Gray

Vermont Unfading Purple/Green	Non-Weathering Mottled Green/Purple	Vermont Wells Gray	Vermont Gray/Black	Non-Weathering Gray/Green

Slate Roofing Specifications by Weight

Slate Density
Each “square” of slate covers 100 square feet.

Slate Grade	Pounds (LBS) per square	LBS per sq ft
Standard Grade “Selects”	680 - 780	6.8 - 7.8
Rough Texture Grade	800 - 1,000	8.0 — 10.0
Architectural Grade	1,200 - 1,600	12.0 - 16.0
Heavy Grade	1,800 - 2,200	18.0 - 22.0
Estate Grade	2,500 - 3,000	25.0 - 30.0
The density of slate contributes to indoor temperature stabilization. Its density makes it heavier than most other roofing materials, particularly in traditional-style slate roof installations. Therefore the overall roof weight must be considered.

Applications

Thanks to new installation technologies, genuine slate is being used more widely in new construction and renovation / re-roofing projects. These new installation systems use approximately 40% less slate (final weight less than 6 lbs/sqft) — reducing material cost and costs related to structural support. This allows projects that were traditionally limited to utilizing asphalt or cedar shakes the opportunity to take advantage of slate roofing.

Slate is also often the material of choice for upscale residences where the aesthetic appeal is also desired. These property owners can also take advantage of the low cost of ownership that is attained through slates’s longevity and enhanced property value.

Slate is particularly appropriate for large institutional projects where the aesthetic appeal of slate is desired and the budget exists to take advantage of the low cost of ownership that is attained through longevity and enhanced property value.

Grades of Slate (by thickness, uniformity, texture)

Standard Grade “Selects” are a very uniform 1/4" thick and have a fine texture.

Rough Texture Grade slates exhibit unique natural texture and vary from 1/4" to 3/8" with prominent grain definition.

Architectural Grade slates have the same characteristics as rough texture with more dynamic grain and texture with thicknesses from 3/8" to 1/2".Can be installed on a combustible floor using LiteRock installation application

Heavy Grade slates are similar in character to architectural grade and offer more overall roof texture with thickness variation from 1/2" to 3/4".

Estate Grade slates exhibit the greatest dynamic range in texture and asthetic appeal in a stone roof as well as extended longevity, with all slates at least 3/4" thick.