Frequently
Asked Questions

Yes. Our slates are genuine, hand split quarried slate.

It’s simple: we’ve eliminated the wasted slate needed for an old-fashioned slate roof. Less slate means less weight, so there is no need for additional structural requirements on your roof which can be very expensive. Another advantage is it’s easier to install. Our unique hanger system makes installation a breeze, even for a contractor who has never done a slate roof.

No. In fact, at 1/4” to 3/8” our slates are comparable to old-fashioned slate. Our weight savings comes from the length reduction. We have cleverly eliminated the wasted slate (i.e., the part you never see) and replaced it with an ultra-tough waterproofing material (UnderBlock UV & Moisture Barrier). In short, what you see is real, genuine slate. What you don’t see, isn’t.

UnderBlock™ UV & Moisture Barrier is a specially blended high density polyethylene (HDPE). HDPE is widely known for its durability and is commonly used as a geomembrane for landfill liners and pond liners. It has also been used for decades as a covering for telephone wires and electrical cables. When exposed, properly blended HDPE has shown exceptional resistance to weathering, freezing and stress cracking. Experts claim that when exposed, it should last for over 100 years. When covered (as in a landfill or with slate) it should last for hundreds of years.

It’s not bonded to the slate.
It’s simply installed under each course of slate.

We recommend Deck-Armor™, Premium Roof Deck Protection, a tough, breathable, non-asphaltic product.

For UL Class “A” fire rating, use VersaShield™ underlayment in combination with an approved GAF-Elk Roof Deck Protection, minimum ASTM D-226 #30 roofing felt.

We offer slate from quarries all over the world (e.g., U.S., Brazil, China, etc.). Some areas produce unique colors that are only indigenous to that area.

Geography does not affect the quality of slate. Our slate is mined from around the globe to give our customers a breadth of colors and textures.

In most cases, as long as your roof meets code, it will support a TruSlate™System (on average about 550 lbs. per roofing square). However, we suggest that you check with a qualified roofer, architect or engineer to be sure you don’t need additional support.

No. The asphalt shingles would need to be torn off to provide a clean deck surface.

Yes. You should not install TruSlate™ Premium Roofing on slopes of less than 4:12. On slopes of 4:12 up to and including 5:12, a ASTM D1970 compliant waterproof leak barrier membrane must be applied to the roof deck.

With proper instruction and care (and fall protection in place), you can traverse your roof with almost no damage to the slates. Using a polyurethane foam pad will help distribute your weight and reduce the chance of breaking slates. If major work or traffic is anticipated, it is easy to remove slates and nail or screw steps to the roof. When finished, simply slide another piece of HDPE over the nail holes as flashing and slide the slates back into place working your way down the roof.

No. Real, genuine slate weathers gracefully over time. Because each piece will age slightly differently, a genuine slate roof becomes more beautiful over time adding charm and elegance to any home.

The simplest way is a standard, guillotine-type slate cutter. Some roofing contractors prefer abrasive style saw blades or wet-saw type cutters.

TruSlate™ Field Slate installs without nails. So, unless you have a unique situation or detail, no nail holes are required. If needed, a standard 3/16” masonry bit on a drill motor works fine.

Trim Slate pieces already have pre-drilled holes in them for easy application.

Trim slate pieces are predrilled and ready to install. The standard piece is 7” wide x 16” long and when installed has a 10” exposure. Traditional saddle-type installation is the most popular although some customers prefer copper ridge caps, antique Spanish clay tile, or other custom methods.

Yes. TruSlate™ Ridge Vent was designed specifically for the TruSlate system.

The hangers are made of spring hardened stainless steel wire. After they are formed, they are painted with a baked-on powder coating to match the slates. As the photos show, they are virtually invisible from the ground.

It depends on the color and quantity you need. Although we strive to maintain an inventory, our stock is constantly changing. When ordering slate, it is best to plan on an 8 week lead time although, in most cases, we’ll have it in stock or already on the way to our warehouses.

When installed correctly, you should not see gaps in
between the slate courses or between the slates.

No, because the UnderBlock™ UV & Moisture Barrier is the 
foundation of the TruSlate™ system and is made from a 
high-density polyethylene (HDPE) providing exceptional 
resistance to weathering, freezing, and stress cracking.

TruSlate™ roofing system can be installed even during the 
harshest weather conditions because installation does not 
require that you nail the slate. The unique hanger system and UV & UnderBlock™ moisture barrier provide protection for the roof during all types of weather.

Slate, like any other natural building product, can fade a bit over time with constant UV exposure. The weathered look of natural slate adds to its old world charm.

Because it is a completely natural material, the appearance of a TruSlate™ roof will vary depending on the amount and type of light that reaches the roof. It is not uncommon for the appearance of a TruSlate™ slate roof to vary considerably throughout the day as the sun moves across the sky. This variation is part of the charm and natural beauty of a genuine slate roof.