Slate Roofing Types and Style: A Guide

Even with all the advances in construction today, when properly installed, slate roofs remain one of the most long-lasting, reliable and low-maintenance roofing solutions available. They can last up to 150 years or more and will often outlive their structures.

Slate tiles come in a range of colors, patterns and styles. Whether you're building a new home or are renovating an old and damaged roof, there are different types of slate roofing styles to consider. After all, you want to create a spectacular roofscape.

Standard (Uniform) Slate Roofs

This is the most common slate roof style used in many homes in the U.S. Standard slate roofs are comprised of 1/4" – 3/8" slate of uniform length and width with square-cut butts. They feature evenly spaced horizontal courses with carefully aligned alternating vertical joints.

Random Width Slate Roofs

These share the attributes of a standard slate roof style but offer more texture and less uniformity. Unlike the standard slate roof, a random width slate roof has slates of one length and thickness in a variety of widths.

Graduated Length Slate Roofs

A graduated slate roof uses slates that vary in length and width, with the longest and widest slates at the eaves and the smaller slates closer to the top of the roof. This traditional style of roof slating came from the days when slate was produced on an "as available" basis rather than in specific lengths and widths.

This roof style shows smooth transition among the sizes, from the wider to the smaller slates as each course of slates approaches the ridgeline. For style and functionality, a graduated slate roof shouldn't reveal any apparent distinction between the different sizes of slates used.

Patterned Slate Roofs

Slates of different colors or shapes can be arranged in a specific design, or in courses, to create noticeable patterns across the roof for a unique roof installation design.

Multicolored Slate Roofs

Considering slates are naturally occurring and therefor come in a variety of colors, they can be mixed and matched to create just about any unique color combination. Multicolored slate roofs are most commonly installed using the random width style to create exciting patterns that make any building truly stand out.

Textured Slate Roofs

This style uses rough-textured slates with varying lengths, shapes, thicknesses, and uneven butts. A textured natural slate look adds a dramatic, visual impact and gives character to any residential or commercial building.

Hang-down Staggered Slate Roof

For this roofing style, slates of varying widths and lengths are laid on the roof to give off the effect of a "hang-down" appearance. As slate courses overlap, the longer pieces of slate are seen to extend beyond the butt line of other slates.

Get the longevity and look of natural slate roofing with the BECK Slate Roof System

Slate roofs are considered to be quite labor-intensive to install. Choosing tools and fasteners that ensure you deliver a quality results while saving time is key to a successful install. No matter the type of slate roofing you choose, install it with the Slate Roof System from BECK. BECK slate roofing solutions ensure you complete every job with accuracy while meeting industry standards for performance and safety.

Contact us at (800) 239-8665 or fill our online form, by visiting our website www.beck-america.com, to find out more about BECK slate roofing tools and hardware. To download our Slate Roof eGuide, click the button below.