[MassHistPres] Seeking roofing alternatives

[Garrett Laws]

Marcia,

So that you are aware of what you have, red slate is the rarest and most
expensive slate available by a factor between 2 and 3 times. It is
(typical) a very dense slate able to last multiple centuries especially
when there isn’t a roof surface above it dropping snow and ice onto it.

In the photos provided the slate is likely not the problem, the tar and
gravel is more apt to fail. The small piece of copper used to transition
from the slate to the tar and gravel may be an afterthought and probably
has fasteners low enough to the low slope roof to be leak prone.

Lastly locally used traditional materials have a track record of lasting an
incredibly long time in our New England environment but need maintenance,
full replacement is very unusual and frequently has design driven issues.

Garrett Laws
Copper and Slate Co
Waltham
Copperandslate.net

On Tuesday, February 7, 2023, Marcia M Wengen via MassHistPres <
masshistpres at cs.umb.edu> wrote:

> Stoneham's 1904 Library roof leaks (funded by Andrew Carnegie money & on
> the National Register).
>
> Town is interested in replacing slate and clay shingles with standing seam
> metal roofing (reportedly maintenance free and excellent color match BUT
> does not look like existing roof covering).
>
> Apparently there are metal shingles but they may not be as impervious to
> water - does anyone have experience using them or know about longevity?
>
> What other alternative beyond authentic slate might be available?
>
> Marcia M Wengen, Co- chair
> Stoneham Historical Commission
>
>


-- 

Many Thanks,
Garrett Laws

www.copperandslate.net
The Copper & Slate Company, Inc.
Fine Roofing and Historic Carpentry
238 Calvary Street,
Waltham, MA 02453
(781) 893-1916

*LEAD FREE SINCE 2008*
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