Slate is a strong, dense, durable material mined from quarries mostly located in the eastern United States such as Vermont and Pennsylvania and right here in New Jersey. Roofing slate comes in many different sizes, thicknesses, and colors.

Basic roofing slate colors are black, blue-black, gray, blue-gray, purple, mottled purple, green, and red. All slate will change in color as it weathers. The degree of color change varies based on the quarry it’s mined from. Slates with minimal color change are called "unfading" while those which exhibit a more obvious color change are known as "semi-weathering" slates. Standard roofing slate is 3/16 to 1/4 of an inch thick, but is available up to 2 inches thick if desired. The longevity of a slate roof can be anywhere from 50 years to 400 years depending on the quality of slate used and the skill level of the slate roofing contractor. There are many people who do roofing in NJ, but far fewer who can do a quality job with slate.

The Best Roofs Ever Built

Similar to slate roofs, tile roofs are strong and long lasting. Tile is available in many different styles, colors, and sizes. The 3 most common materials used for making tile are clay, cement, and concrete. Cement and concrete roof tiles do not have the longevity of clay tiles but are less expensive. The 2 most common types of tile systems are “real” and “cosmetic”. In a real tile system, the tiles themselves are intended to provide the water shedding and drainage necessary to form a dry covering over the building. Cosmetic clay tile roofs are installed over a completely functional waterproof membrane. Cosmetic clay tile roofs protect the roof membrane from deterioration from sunlight, but the tiles themselves are not forming the waterproofing covering. Clay roof tiles are typically 1/4" to 1/2" in thickness, shaped in molds, and fired in a kiln to 2000 degrees. This “baked on” process makes the tiles hard and waterproof by melting and fusing silicas and aluminas in the clay. Clay roofing tile surfaces may also be decorated with an embossed pattern to resemble wood, slate, or stone. Un-glazed tiles are terra-cotta red, a color provided by iron oxide in the clay.

Real Slate vs. Simulated Slate

In deciding whether or not a slate or tile roof is a good choice for your home, there are several items you need to consider. Most important, is your budget. Slate and tile roofs are far more expensive than traditional roofing products, in addition to making sure the slate roofing contractor you choose is skilled enough to do the job properly. Another factor to consider is the structural load capacity of your home and pitch. Both roof systems can weigh almost 10 pounds per square foot, which is 4-5 times the weight of a standard asphalt shingle roof. They are not recommended on roofs with a shallow pitch. That being said, these roofs have very low “life cycle” costs, are environmentally friendly, and are also the most fireproof roof systems available. In recent years, imitation products have surfaced that mimic the look of slate and tile, but are less expensive and significantly lighter.

Slate and Tile Roof Maintenance

These systems more so then any other, must have a professional to install and maintain them. Like we said earlier, a qualified slate roofing contractor or tile roofing contractor can be difficult to find. Most performance issues relative to these systems, are due to improper workmanship and not material defects. On existing slate and tile roofs, it’s a good idea to have them inspected at least once a year, looking for obvious defects like slipping pieces or delamination of the surface. Trying to repair these roofs yourself or hiring a contactor without a thorough background is not recommended. Nailing and even walking on these types of roofs have their own unique considerations that only someone experienced in roofing would be familiar with. In NJ there are many to choose from. Make sure you make a well-informed choice.

New Jersey Certified Roofing has been serving property owners in Northern and Central Jersey including Burlington, Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union, and Warren counties.

We STRONGLY RECOMMEND knowing the answers to these questions before hiring any roofing company:

Do they have enough qualified, long-term experience?
Do they offer workmanship warranties that exceed industry norms?
Do they have proper roofing insurance?
Do they have a current New Jersey contractor license?
Do they offer 100% financing?
Do they have detailed written proposals with photos?
Do they have a quality assurance inspection process?
Do they have references from satisfied customers?
Do they use "green" certified and solar products?
Do they have sufficient office and repair staff for emergency service calls?

New Jersey Certified Roofing is fully licensed, bonded, and insured. We have over 6000 satisfied customers. We have 17 service vehicles available 6 days a week with a 24 hour emergency service available. In addition, we also offer 100% financing and accept all major credit/debit cards for payment.