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SLATE ROOFING
Repairs Restorations Replacements
Second Generation Specializing Exclusively
In Quality Slate Roof Repair and Steeple Restoration
Improper Face Nailing & Cement Use
Flashings |
Valleys
Mismatched Color |
Snow Guards |
Pans |
Gutters |
Masonry
Imitation Slate |
When It's Time for a Replacement
The Problem With Imitation Slate Products
Here are several photos of the new vulcanized rubber imitation slate. This historic reproduction in Lititz, PA was only 2 or 3 years old when the photo was taken. If you look closely you will see several shingles beginning to lift up and curl. Notice how the pieces curl and cup. Also note the discoloration.
These man-made materials are already changing color, making the roof to appear like it has been extensively patched.
 
 
Below: This barn roof on an estate outside of Lancaster, PA was re-roofed using vulcanized rubber slate. The owner could have saved a lot of money and had a more aesthetically pleasing roof had they chosen to install a designer shingle roof. While each manufacturer may state that their materials have been performing for a specific number of years, it has been our experience that past attempts by other manufacturers and the current "new and improved" slate has yet to deliver a product that performs consistently.
As experienced slaters we are always open to exploring new and truly improved products. We have not seen a manufacturer of imitation slate warrant against discoloration. Even though some imitation slates are not coated and have the colorant throughout the tiles, it is still subject to color change as seen in some of the above photos.
We have not seen a warranty against the warping or curling of the priduct by a company where the product has been marketed over 20 years.
While the longest warranties against premature roof failure are issued by the newer companies in an attempt to capture a portion of the market, the warranty in our opinion is nothing more than a marketing tool. Most
warranties cover only the defective material and not the cost of the labor to install the product. It should be noted that the labor is the greatest cost of installing the roof and not the material.
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