| Imitation slate is a less expensive option for | | | | restoration, I recently asked my main slate repair guy |
| replacement of an original slate roof. It looks like real | | | | to check out a barn roof that has real slate on the |
| slate and is acceptable in most every city for use in | | | | front and imitation slate on the back. To save time the |
| historic districts. The benefits of using manufactured | | | | typical way to inspect an existing slate roof is by using |
| slate are numerous. One excellent reason to use is | | | | binoculars, looking at the roof from the ground. This |
| because it weighs less than real slate, which is a | | | | method minimizes more broken slate from walking on |
| benefit for previously non-maintained older homes with | | | | the roof during the inspection. I had forgotten to tell him |
| questionable roof structures. | | | | about the imitation slate on the back and received a |
| Probably the biggest reason the imitation slate is | | | | call from him expressing amazement at the excellent |
| chosen is because of the cost factors involved. It is | | | | condition of the slate on the rear of the barn, in |
| approximately 4 times the cost of architectural asphalt | | | | comparison to the numerous repairs that were needed |
| shingles, but is significantly less than real slate, both in | | | | in the front. |
| material cost and labor for installation. | | | | As an old-timer in the slate trade, he was shocked and |
| There are basically two companies that manufacture | | | | slightly embarrassed when he was informed that he |
| imitation slate. There is Eco-Star Majestic Slate by | | | | had mistaken imitation slate for the real thing. Yes, the |
| Carlisle and the Lamarite Slate Composite Shingles by | | | | look alike slate had been on the roof for over 8 years |
| Tamko. It is a personal choice as to which brand to | | | | and had developed the typical weathered look that |
| chose as both have very good warranties when | | | | real slate always has, so he couldn't be faulted. |
| installed by a certified installer, as well as very similar | | | | Keep in mind though, that whether you pick real slate |
| characteristics. | | | | or imitation slate, the snow will slide off fairly easily, so |
| Both brands come in various options such as color, | | | | you should spend the money for the correct snow |
| width and style. If your home is a Victorian Style then | | | | guards or when the winter snow comes, someone |
| perhaps the beveled, beaver tail or chiseled point from | | | | could get hurt by the ton's of snow avalanching off the |
| Eco-Star will your best choice. There are many older | | | | roof. |
| Victorian homes that have different patterns of color | | | | Which ever brand you wish to be installed on your |
| and style. These patterns are many and very unique, | | | | home, make certain the installer follows closely to the |
| they also will require extreme skill in both the layout | | | | manufactures installation instructions and you will have |
| and installation. | | | | a roof that will last and look great for many years. |
| As a general contractor specializing in historic | | | | |