Here is something from another board.

They talk very frequently how so many novice slate installers totally destroy an entire structure by not having the required experience.

Ed

Message reply from another board from about 6-7 months ago:

"I tried to buy VA slate from the Virginia Slate Company. They sell only imported roof slate, but they will not tell you this. In fact, I believe they intentionally try to mislead potential buyers into thinking they sell domestic roof slate. For instance, they brag about their quarries in Va, but will not tell you that they do not mine roofing slate from those quarries. Just ask if you can pick it up at the quarry.

You can buy VA slate from Buckingham Virginia Slate Corporation (a different company with a similar name), but I have read not so good things (on this board) about the current slate they are quarrying.
It also costs more than other domestic slate.

I finally decided to buy Vermont slate, where it seems to me there is enough competition and supply that a cautious shopper can get a good quality product. The price is cheaper and the slate is beautiful with more color choices. I bought thicker slate from VT and feel good about the prospects for longevity. (I'm certain it'll outlast me!) I bought mine from Camara Slate and I'm happy with the product.

I've heard that the going rate for an installed slate roof is $1000 to $2000 a square, but the quote I was given was a lot closer to $2000 than $1000. A year or two ago, Vt slate was just under $400/sq (just materials) and Va slate was over $500."

 

I've heard that the going rate for an installed slate roof is $1000 to $2000 a square, but the quote I was given was a lot closer to $2000 than $1000. A year or two ago, Vt slate was just under $400/sq (just materials) and Va slate was over $500."[/I]

you got your answer...in post 2...why set yourself up for torture?

 

Slate roofing is only for slate roofers. If you are not trained in it you will learn a hard lesson.

 

I agree with rooferJim on this one. It's a slow going process. It requires lots of patience and HELP. Just knowing how to move around on a slate roof is key to not damaging the roof you just installed. Even the flashings require different techniques for longevity.

Last time I bought slate I bought it from Greenstone slate and paid about $550 a square which included freight. Our installed cost on a new construction starts at $1,700 plus flashings and difficulty.

 

I am not the best but I have installed them before along with repaired them in california. I have also installed clay tile roofs. Thank you for your concern but can anybody tell me the price per square? Thanks again

 

why?

if you've done it before - wouldn't you know better than anyone else???:blink:

 

I am in Chicago, so I need local prices for slate a square. Just the slate to the jobsite. Not installed

 

oh - yeah, good idea

ask a buncha dudes on the internet


they'll be able to tell you alot better than the salesman at the quarry will

 

Hey you know what go **** your self along with pounding sand. I thought I would ask in the roofing area because maybe just maybe somebody does slate roofs in my area and wants there supplier a new customer. It will be 10,000 square foot of material needed. I figured somebody's supplier may want that but I guess with jack off's like you they don't. So I will not ask here anymore, simple as that. I would possibly even sub it out if it took that to get a good price on the slate. I would rather not but anything goes. I am building 4 condo's in this existing building.

 

I figured somebody's supplier may want that but I guess with jack off's like you they don't. .

:laughing::laughing:

that was my favorite part ... haven't been called that in awhile ... gittin all misty eyed & nostalgic.

 

Ya know what I asked for a simple answer on where and what kind of price I would be looking at and well this what i got. So most of you guys are cool and help a lot. Then the rest well are the assholes HO always complain about when i do work for them. Thanks guys.

 

100 sq. That's $3,500 for nails. (Slate)
$130. for felt nails.
etc,etc.

$2,000. a sq.



Ed. Castle has Buckingham Slates. 2 seperate quarries. Virginia Slate and BuckingHam Quarries.

Virginia Slate is heavy on China slate, but has Vermonts, too.

I think both quarries are down past all the 'good' stuff. I look for used slates now. Have to add 30% to any new slate. Breakage is awful now.:sad:

Send 10 to roof, 3 are broken. 2 others will snap in half when nailing. THat's50%, but it's nearly that bad on some orders.:sad:

Used slate? 1 in 10 breaks.

 

I don't even understand how you would install roof jacks on slate roofs. I've heard that guys free walk slate roofs even on 12/12 pitch. I am still baffled as to how it's done.

 

Same brackets I use on shingles. I've heard them called slater's brackets.

 

I have done a lot of slate roofs. what size are they first of all ? I assume you will go with a three inch headlap. Are they random with ? is there any specified pattern ? snow gaurds,flashing work etc.. How will you cut them? Esco Cutter, stake and slaters hammer"my prefered method"
RooferJim
www.jbennetteroofing.com
ps
2000 is not to a high price per square.

 

Jenkins has all the tools anyone would need and Rennaisance Roofing Supply out of Rockford handles alot of used slate.

The prices can vary from $ 500.00 per square to way over $ 2,000.00 per square just for the slate materials, not including the exceptionally high shipping charges.

If you really want a price on slate, and you want us to give you a quote, we would need to know what type and color and thickness and width you are looking for.

Where in the Chicago area are you?

I am out of Carpentersville, which is near Elgin. If the prices are off the wall for the true slate, would you consider a concrete or clay tile instead?

Ed

 

Hey tinner thanks man for the info. So I am going to look for used slate then! :thumbsup: See some of you guys are alright.

 

The thing I didnt like about Greenstone is that they will send you slate with drilled holes rather than punched. Pre-punched holes are countersunk and make the slates sit much better. If you ask them they will do it for more $ but its worth it.

RooferJim

 

I had punched holes on my last order. I didn't even know they did drilled. It wasn't an option that was offered either way. Maybe I said something in our conversation, who knows, or maybe the sales person just added it in for the higher commission.

I agree with you punched is a must... otherwise over time the rubbing of the nail against the over lying slate will wear the nail head out. Not good.

 

Hey thanks guys for your help. It would be most likely a 3inch lap. I have installed clay tile roofs and also fixed slate roofs. I am not going to say i am the best but i can get around one without to much of a problem. I would not be as fast as say ed or anything but it will get done.

Ohh as I guy I work with says I have feet of a butterfly! Well that is not saying to much as he is 250 pounds!

 

Just don't use galvinzed nails! Copper only.

 

I have heard that I never knew if it was true, I have repaired a couple of roofs that had galvinzed nails. Is that why the slate begins to change color at the top where the nail is and then bleed down the slate? Well Do on the copper. Thanks

 

Thats why slate comes loose and falls off.

Ed