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.

maintaining your slate or tile roof, the impotance 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
  
  
  
  
  

Is it Leaking

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

Beautiful Slate & Tile roofs

Slate and tile roofs are some of the most beautiful roofs there is. What I like the most about a slate roofing system is when they use copper as a ridge cap. some home owners choose not to do this. some out of style and some out of budget, but to me it just makes the roof pop by adding a contrast to it. See they already use copper in the valleys and when it follows with a copper ridge it just complements everything else.

Now you cant tell me that that is not a beautiful roof in the photo on top.That is 20 oz. copper in the valley as well as the ridge cap. Now the price for a roof like this is a lot higher then your standard asphalt shingle roofing system, But it adds style to your house and will not have to be changed every five to ten years. You see a will out last you! 

There are different kinds of slates that have varying life spans. Depending on the type, slate can last from 50 years to over 200 years. Of course, the slate must be maintained and the flashing's will have to be replaced periodically.

So see, investing in a slate roof might save you some money down the road by not having to keep reinvesting in a new roof every five to ten years.

Broken Spanish Tile Replacement

I want to start off like I always do, and that's by giving thanks to Scott Morrow of Scott Morrow Slate & Tile Roofing & Repairs of Atlanta Georgia.facebook provides us with the pictures of his work which brings this blog to life and helps to illustrate our topic.

I don't always mention how important it is to hire a experienced slate and tile contractor in each post, but I should. Today we are going to share with you some simple Spanish tile replacement.
Now Spanish tile is a very durable roofing system, but some times storms or wind can cause tree branches to fall and occasionally brake one from time to time.

So if it ever happens to you, make sure you hire a real slate and tile contractor or you will end up with a repair like this.

Now I know this is a different type of tile but it is a perfect example of hiring the wrong contractor. What has happened is the contractor they hired was not a slate and tile contractor, so he did not have the right material with him to replace the broken piece so he put part of an asphalt shingle in its place, at least he didn't put a bunch of tar all over it like most of them do.

Just like this one! So these home owners hired the wrong contractor to fix this broken piece of tile and this is what they got. The tar ended up failing and they had to have it fixed again. Money down the drain.
But the next contractor they hired was Scott Morrow Slate & Tile Roofing & Repairs. Scott pulled out the broken piece of tile.

Then he replaced the broken piece of tile with another piece of tile, he didn't use tar or a piece of a asphalt shingle. Fellow roofers take notes! And this is what it is suppose  to look like when it is done right the first time.

I just want to give you another example of how it is done right.

This is before. there are two broken pieces there that need to be changed that were most likely broken by a contractor who didn't know how to walk on a Spanish tile roof the right way.

And this is a picture of the two tiles properly removed.

And this is the finished product. NOTICE there is no tar! And just one more example before we go.

Before...........................

Broken tile removed......................................

And finally the finished product. Again we want to thank Scott Morrow of Scott Morrow Slate & Tile roofing & Repairs of Atlanta Georgia For Providing pictures of his work to help with this blog.

boxing the slate

properly mixing of the slate

When it comes to a new slate roofing system it is always important that you properly distribute a proper mix of the slate when it is installed. Slate come on pallets, and some roofing contractors make the mistake of pulling from one pallet at a time until its gone then they start on a new pallet.
This is the wrong way! Let me explain why, when slate is mined and processed and packaged on pallets, even though it all comes from the same place and went through the same proses it is not all the same color 100% on every pallet.
So if you install one pallet at a time, then you will have different parts of your roof surface that are different colors and stand out and look bad.
The proper way is to pull from each pallet a little at a time. This way there is a proper mix of the slate.
Painters do the same thing with there paint because they don't want there walls to have two different colors. they call it boxing the paint.
so they mix all the paint together before they start to make sure it is one color.

what to look for in a slate or tile roofing contractor

When It comes to your roof it is important that you get the right contractor for the job. If you have a slate or tile roofing system Its even harder finding the right contractor for the job, because good slate and tile roofing contractors are few and far between. You want one that has extensive slate and tile background, and not in just slate and tile ether. When it comes to slate and tile roofing systems there are other variables that come in to play.

The ability to be able to custom fabricate copper is a must because copper is used in many areas of a slate and tile roof. For starters custom fabricated drip edges are needed all along the roofs edge.

Two, valley pans that are also fabricated out of copper . they are placed in the valley to catch and direct water off the roof.

Flashing is also made from copper, and used on chimneys and walls to fend off water. Also chimney caps are needed and often fabricated out of copper as well. Copper is a highly durable metal that is also very Eco friendly, and stunning when installed right.
Copper is also used for ridge caps, while not necessary they make a roof stand out and beautiful.
so far we have discussed the importance of your roofing contractor needing to be skilled in the slate and tile roofing field but also the copper fabrication side of roofing. they will also need to know there way around modified rubber roofing applications.

Modified rubber roofing comes in a roll and is applied with a torch. It is melted as it is rolled on. there are a lot of flat areas on a roof that will need this type of roofing system in place of the preferred copper system. price is always the deciding factor in this choice. but the right contractor with this skill can make it just as beautiful, well almost as beautiful.

so when choosing the right contractor make sure you do your home work!