Lightweight installation technologies for slate roofs make all the difference!
Now, you can upgrade to the durability, longevity, and the elegance of genuine slate at a competitive cost to cedar shakes
Sounds too good to be true but with the StateTec™ installation system, it can be. The usual, and widely discussed, concerns about slate roof weight are no longer an issue because now a genuine slate roof can be installed at under 6 lbs/sq ft. and with no compromise in slate quality! In fact, SlateTec makes installing a genuine slate roof so much more affordable for virtually any home, business, or public building—even for historic restorations.
The lightweight real slate roof
The SlateTec installation system reduces roof weight by roughly 40% because it requires less slate—the key to its cost-effectiveness. The reduction of roof weight (less than six pounds per square foot) lowers structural costs for new construction or renovation, contributing further to the system’s high value.
Lower cost of ownership
There is no denying the elegance and durability of a natural slate roof but many still consider a natural slate roof to be too expensive to install. However, when you consider the overall cost of ownership and its minimum 75-year life expectancy, SlateTec’s makes a slate roof more cost-effective than cedar shakes at the time of installation.
Slate: The 100-year roof
The biggest complaint from owners about cedar shake roofs is the maintenance and lifespan. Both of these issues increase cost of ownership for any roof. Slate has both of these issues covered—it’s known as the 100-year roof for a reason. A genuine slate roof has a lifespan of more than double that of cedar shakes.
In general, a professionally-installed slate roof will require minimal maintenance over the life of the roof. Genuine S1-rate slate is just that durable. When you add SlateTec’s very rugged, patented interlayment, at installation it not only allows for less slate to be used, but adds additional protection of your home with its ASTM E-108: (Class A) fire resistance and protects the roof deck from leaks if a slate happens to need repair.
Softwood lumber tariffs
With the 2006 Canada-U.S. softwood agreement having expired eight years ago, and as of January 2023 there still being no replacement, this impacts the cost of cedar shakes. And although the tariffs have decreased from 17.99% to 11.64% last year, this factor has to be considered in overall installation costs.
https://www.international.gc.ca/controls-controles/softwood-bois_oeuvre/index.aspx?lang=eng
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-canada-softwood-lumber-tariff-refunds/
Any way you look at it, slate is a better alternative to a cedar shake roof or re-roof for your home. But, if those reasons aren’t enough to convince you, here are 10 more reasons.
Or call 800 619 4333 to speak with a Greenstone Slate sales representative
Installing a SlateTec™ reduced weight slate roof
10 Reasons why a SlateTec™ genuine Vermont slate roof is better than a cedar shake roof
| SlateTec™ Genuine Slate Installation | Cedar Shake Installation | |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity | ASTM S1 slate roof is rated to last at least 75 years. | 30-40 years in ideal conditions |
| Warranty | 100-year warranty on both Greenstone slate and SlateTec installation. | Cedar Shake manufacturers offer their own independent limited warranties and the coverage length is determined by the manufacturer. |
| Installation | Any professional roofing contractor can install a slate roof using the SlateTec installation method. | A cedar shake roof can be installed by any professional roofing contractor. |
| Maintenance | A slate roof requires minimal maintenance. | High maintenance: Cedar needs to breathe. Leaves and branches must be cleared from roof to prevent moisture damage. Ice dams can also cause water damage and if not repaired in a timely manner additional damage will occur. Reapplying preservation treatments. |
| Repairs | Occasionally, individual slates are damaged. They can be repaired without having to repair the entire row. | When a shake is damaged, sometimes the entire row needs to be replaced for proper performance of the roof. |
| Hail resistance | Greenstone Slate® has excellent resistance to hail. At 3/8″, slates have received a Class 4 hail rating for Architectural Grade as confirmed in independent laboratory testing. This slate will not dent or split. | Some cedar shakes also carry a Class 4 rating. After a hail storm, the hail damage will be most apparant. The visual dent will fade, however, and later if it starts to leak the insurance adjuster could consider the leak as resulting from “natural shake weathering” and not the previous hail damage. |
| Fire resistance | Slate is 100% fireproof naturally. The SlateTec system passes ASTM E-108: Class A with their fire retardant underlayment and has passed all non-combustible deck tests. | Class C and Class B treatments are available for cedar shakes. However, the Cedar Shake and Shingle Bureau** does not support, endorse or promote topical fire retardant treatments. |
| Water absorption | Greenstone Vermont slates absorb less than .0025% of their weight when submerged for 72 hours, giving them the prestigious ASTM S1 classification, the highest rating available. | Cedar shakes absorb water and without proper sunlight they are susceptible to mold and mildew and rot. |
| Mold and Bio-growth | Stone is impervious to fungi and mold. | Cedar roofs are prone to mold, moss and algae buildup. |
| Miami-Dade Approved for hurricane zones | Yes | Some |
| Environmental impact | Slate is often re-used on another roof, mixed into road pavement or used as the pavement itself—from driveways to highways. There are no environmental concerns about placing the stone back in the ground. | Cedar shake roofs often end up in the landfill, as they can’t be reused on roofs. However, some contractors promote using them as wood chips or art projects. |
*Roofonline.com; “Weight of Roofing Materials”, January 16, 2023
**Cedar Shake and Shingle Bureau is a non-profit trade association that promotes the use of cedar roofing and sidewall products.
For more information
To discuss this article or for more information about Greenstone Slate or the SlateTec slate roof installation system, call 800.619.4333 or contact us here.
Cedar Shake Replacements using the SlateTec™ installation method
