Slate Roof Installation for Custom & Historic Properties
Slate roof installation is among the most specialized work in the roofing industry. Each slate tile must be carefully selected and set by hand using traditional techniques. This process demands a level of craftsmanship and precision that few contractors are equipped to deliver.
Huber & Associates specializes in new slate roof installation for private residences, and architectural projects. As experienced slate roofing installers, we assess each property and plan the installation based on its structural capacity and architectural requirements.
Awards + Certifications
View all Awards + Certifications
Slate Roofing Installation for Residential & Commercial Projects
Our slate roof installers work across a diverse range of properties. We understand how the structural and design requirements can vary depending on the property type:
-
Residential Homes
We plan installation around a home’s design and the exposure conditions the roof will face over its lifespan.
-
Luxury Estates
Slate work is coordinated directly with the architect so the roof holds to the same material standard as the rest of the property.
-
Commercial and Institutional Buildings
Projects for churches, universities, and municipal buildings typically involve complex roof geometry and strict regulatory oversight.
-
Historic Properties
The installation must replicate the building's original slate work while meeting current preservation requirements.
Our Slate Roof Installation Process
We've refined our process over four decades of installing natural slate on custom and historic properties. Our plan accounts for variables that directly affect how a roof performs and ages over the life of the building.
-
1. Project Planning & Design
Architectural drawings or on-site measurements establish the full slate specification, and material is sourced with lead times built into the project schedule.
-
2. Structural Evaluation
We verify that the roof deck and framing can support the weight of a natural slate system before any material is delivered to the site.
-
3. Underlayment Preparation
Underlayment is selected based on the roof's pitch and climate exposure, with ice and water shield applied as required by local building codes.
-
4. Slate Tile Installation
Tiles are hand-nailed individually to specification, with headlap, sidelap, and exposure verified course by course.
-
5. Flashing & Detailing
All transition points and penetrations receive custom metalwork fabricated to match the roof geometry.
-
6. Final Inspection
We walk the completed roof before turnover to verify structural integrity and drainage performance.
Types of Slate Roofs We Install
We determine the right slate system for a project based on the building's architecture and the performance the roof needs to deliver.
Natural Slate Roofing
Quarried from domestic and international sources, natural slate is sourced to match the project's exact material specification.
Custom Slate Tile Systems
Properties with non-standard roof geometries require custom slate tile roof installation, which we develop in direct coordination with the project architect.
Architectural Slate Designs
Architectural slate roofing installation involves patterned coursing and color sequencing that must be mapped in full before a single tile is set.
Benefits of Professional Slate Roof Installation
A professionally installed slate roof outperforms other roofing materials. Most roofing systems need to be replaced within 20 to 30 years. At that point, a slate roof is still early in its service life.
Longevity: With proper installation and maintenance , a natural slate roof carries a functional lifespan of 75 to 100 years, with documented examples exceeding 150 years.
Durability: Slate resists impact, moisture absorption, and freeze-thaw cycling at a level most roofing materials cannot match.
Fire Resistance: Slate is a non-combustible material with a Class A fire rating, the highest classification available for roofing products.
Aesthetic Value: Natural variation in color and surface texture produces an appearance that adds lasting architectural value to the property.
Low Maintenance: Once installed to specification, a slate roof requires minimal intervention over its service life, limited to periodic inspections and occasional individual tile replacements.
Expertise in Historic Slate Roof Installation
Sourcing slate that matches the original roof is the first challenge with a historic property. If we are unable to find a new matching slate, we work through salvage networks and specialty suppliers to find matching material.
Beyond sourcing, we perform structural repairs without altering the building's historic fabric. Our documentation satisfies the Secretary of the Interior standards and local historic commission requirements.
PRESS
Schedule Your Slate Roof Installation Consultation
A slate roof is built to last generations, but only when installed by a team with the experience and craft to match. At Huber & Associates, we have been installing slate roofs since 1976. Trust our team to plan and execute your project.
Complete our online form to schedule your consultation.