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I just purchased my first home. My wife and I are talking about a kitchen expansion, which will probably require a small addition to the footprint of the home. The house has slate shingles which are original (1956). I have read that some slate roofs last 80 to 120 years. I don’t want to disturb the current roof if it really has 35 to 75 years of life left in it. I have done a lot of asphalt roofing, but never worked with slate. Is it possible to roof the new section with asphalt and leave the slate on the original part of the home? If not, is slate roofing a realistic project for an experienced carpenter/do-it-yourselfer? Where can I get a good how-to book or information on working with slate?
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aaron.. you can make the new addition with asphalt roof... any style..
you could also look at Certainteed's Grand Manor..
if you want to tackle slate,... see about hiring a slater for a couple of days to apprentice and help you out with the hard parts...like a consultant..the quarry they came from in that era.. may still be operating and you may be able to get the same slate...without the 50 years of weathering...
they are beautiful roofs, but labor intensive... the tools are remarkably simple..
*Aaron,you want to buy a copy of " The Slate Roof Bible" by Joseph Jenkins.Pretty much every thing you need to know is in there.Be warned that the author is a bit of a slate roof fanatic and his declarations about how long slate roofs last may not hold true in your locale or with the grade of slate used on your building.In my state there are at least 2or 3 companies dealing in new and used slate.I have paid from $2/slate( small---used slate) up to over $6/slate (very large new barn slates) when buying for repair work.If you are interested you will be able to match the existing roof very closely.
*Guys,Thanks for the input. Is the Certain teed Grand Manor an asphalt product? Is it fabricated to look like slate?I am going to try to get the book and then maybe get a professionalwho could teach me what I need to know.Thanks again!!
*<< Is the Certain teed Grand Manor an asphalt product? Is it fabricated to look like slate? >>yes, it is..yes , it does!
*Red cedar shakes w copper flashing nicely compliment slate...my opinion. Shakes are not too difficult for a handy DIYer to install, either.Slate is wonderful. Whenever I go to the stoneyard I always seem to end up passing by and checking out the pallets of slate shingles. Nice stuff.
*b WBA At Your ServiceAaron,If your addition will have a roof that will be only one story above grade (approx 10'), any roofing product other than slate will be quite obviously just an impersonation. The higher it is, the less noticeable. If it is low, try to stick with the slate. It is more work, but you'll be thrilled with the appearance.
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I just purchased my first home. My wife and I are talking about a kitchen expansion, which will probably require a small addition to the footprint of the home. The house has slate shingles which are original (1956). I have read that some slate roofs last 80 to 120 years. I don't want to disturb the current roof if it really has 35 to 75 years of life left in it. I have done a lot of asphalt roofing, but never worked with slate. Is it possible to roof the new section with asphalt and leave the slate on the original part of the home? If not, is slate roofing a realistic project for an experienced carpenter/do-it-yourselfer? Where can I get a good how-to book or information on working with slate?