SlateTec® Introduces Simple Lightweight Roof System Using Natural Slate

WHEAT RIDGE, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SlateTec, Inc. announced today the launch of a new simple lightweight roof assembly system using natural slate: the SlateTec system.

The patented SlateTec system layers highest-grade slate (grade S1) over a recyclable high-tech polymer interlayment to reduce roof weight, and slate pieces used, by approximately 40 percent while yielding a roof “made of natural slate and looking exactly like a traditional slate roof,” according to Mike McDonough, president of SlateTec.

“Homeowners, contractors and architects now have the option of quickly and easily replacing asphalt or wood shingles with beautiful long-lasting slate.

“Our simple process reduces roof weight to the level of asphalt or wood shingles without compromising the aesthetics and durability of natural slate.”

In the past, a shift from, for example, petroleum-derived asphalt shingles to slate required improving the roof structure to support the greater weight of stone. (Clay and concrete tiles are similarly heavy.) The cost and time of this work typically either deterred homeowners or led them to synthetic slates, which are lighter.

SlateTec is priced similar to imitation slates and to the few complicated lightweight slate methods presently available.

“Weight and price are comparable to synthetics, but we supply natural S1 slate—we are greener—and the roof will last up to 100 years, versus 50 years, and look identical to a traditionally installed slate roof,” McDonough added.

“The curb appeal is unequalled. And with our simple installation process, almost any roofing contractor can now install natural slate.”

Building and roofing contractors, homeowners and architects can visit www.slatetec.net or call 303-462-3037 to order the SlateTec lightweight natural-slate roof system.

SlateTec also announced licensing its weight-saving roof technology to Ludowici Roof Tile, the largest clay tile manufacturer and maker of the finest clay roof tile for over 123 years, for use in the new TileTec clay tile roof system, exclusively offered by Ludowici.

Is the SlateTec roof system “green?”

The environmental impact of SlateTec roofs is low, largely due to their long life: 75 to 100 years. This is twice that of cement tiles and three or four times that of wood and asphalt. Roofing systems with shorter life spans generate more negative impacts over time because they must be replaced more often. Long lifespan also decreases lifetime cost.

About SlateTec

SlateTec is a simple lightweight roof system using natural slate that weighs approximately 40 percent less than other slate roofs, allowing old and new homes to be roofed in slate without costly reengineering and strengthening of the roof-support structure. The patented SlateTec system consists of two highly durable components: American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) grade S1 slate and SlateTec’s recyclable polymer interlayment, which is lapped beneath and concealed by the slate pieces. With a cost comparable to synthetic or imitation slate and twice the lifespan, 100 years, SlateTec offers outstanding value in natural slate roofing. Information on SlateTec can be found at www.slatetec.net. The company is headquartered in Wheat Ridge, Colo.

8 Preventive Measures in Avoiding Falls during Roof Construction

When it comes to any roof construction, fall protection systems are very crucial in order to prevent accidents or physical injuries. These safety systems include standard precautionary measures such as assessing and identifying possible fall hazards, ensuring ladder safety, providing and wearing of personal protective equipments, installing an edge protection system, using safety nets, using of catch platforms when working on the roof’s edges, practicing good housekeeping, and suspending work on bad weather.

After several years of being exposed to various elements such as rain, strong winds, or snow, roofs eventually wear out which generally results to leaking problems. The best solution for these problems would be hiring a roofing contractor to do the job. But as a home owner, it is very vital that you only hire roofing contractors who have with them a fall protection plan. This plan should include the following:

Assessing and identifying possible fall hazards

This is the first step that every contractor should do in preventing falls and other accidents. Every area of work should be assessed thoroughly so that potential hazards can be identified. After identifying, they should be rectified accordingly with measures that could eliminate or avoid them.

Ensuring ladder safety

Ladders can also lead to accidents if not used properly. Ladders to be used should be inspected regularly for any damage or loose parts. It should also be positioned on solid ground, should be well-stabilized, and erected at the correct angle. Ladders should only be used for access or short work durations and never as a working platform.

Providing and wearing of personal protective equipments

Each worker should be dressed with personal protective equipments such as proper footwear, clothing, harness, snap hooks, karabiners, and so on. These equipments are actually very helpful in ensuring worker safety in work areas on the roof like the proper footwear to prevent slipping or the harness to prevent from falling.

Installing an edge protection system

An edge protection system consists of guard railings. They prevent workers from falling in case of slipping. They are securely placed on the edge of the roof and are often times attached to scaffoldings.

Using safety nets

Safety nets are often installed when edge protection systems like railings are not present, but it is best tied to work platforms and scaffoldings. They are usually installed before any construction work is done. It is hung close to the work area and should be suspended that nothing comes in contact underneath it.
It is never advised to do any welding or cutting jobs above the nets because this can cause deterioration of its material.

Using of catch platforms when working on the roof’s edges

Catch platforms or working platforms consists of scaffolding components placed just below and close to the work area. They should be utilized when working on roof edges and on long working durations. Catch platforms should have the capacity to carry huge amounts of loads.

Practicing good housekeeping

Many slipping hazards or accidents are mostly caused by an unorganized and dirty working area. Thus, good housekeeping should be practiced before, during and at the end of each working day. Equipments should be placed in the right storage boxes and litter should be thrown away accordingly.

Suspending work on bad weather

When bad weather conditions such as strong winds, rain, and snow occurs, it is advisable that work should be suspended and resumed when weather is accident-free and conducive for work.

The safety and welfare of every worker is also a concern for every home owner. They could be held liable for damages when accident or any fatalities occur. It is always a wise choice that home owners should hire roofing contractors with fall protection systems. At least, they could be at ease of each worker’s safety every working day.

5 Popular Roofings that Will Beautify and Protect Your Home

There are so many types of roofing materials you can see in different places. The most common types include asphalt shingles, slate, tiles, wood shingles, and metal roofing.

When planning for a new house or renovating your home, roofing is one thing you need to consider well since it plays an important role in beautifying your house while protecting it from different weather conditions. You need to be familiar with the different types of roofing as well as its characteristics to make a wise choice. Here are the most common types of roofing:

Asphalt shingles

Asphalt shingles are one of the most common types of roofing for residential houses. They are usually composed of fiberglass or recycled paper mixed with asphalt and covered with colored mineral granules. With the arising problems of being easily damaged by high winds, heavy rains, and very high heat, asphalt shingles are now made thicker, more textured, and more durable. Homeowners prefer this type of roofing since it is cheap to install, durable, stylish, available in many colors, and basic repairs can be done without the need to hire a roofing company. A roofing contractor would also love to take on asphalt shingles roofing projects because they are faster and easier to install than other materials used for roofing.

Slate

A Slate roof is popular because of its traditional classic beauty and exceptional durability. It is water-proof and very hard to wear despite of extreme weather conditions. Some even last for hundreds of years. It is made by splitting big blocks of slate rock, which is a sedimentary rock usually composed of clay and volcanic materials. Because of its expensive nature, it has become popular mostly in upscale houses. Aside from from being an expensive material, installation and maintenance of slate roofing is also costly because it is difficult to put up due to its heaviness. In addition, only a few contractors accept this kind of roofing project. As an alternative, some homeowners who want a slate look in their homes, prefer to use rubber slate or compositions slate, which are only about one-third of the weight of real slate, making it easy and cheaper to install.

Tiles

Tiles have become popular roofing, usually made of clay or ceramic materials. These are durable, insect-proof, fire-proof, and are available in many different sizes and shapes to fit the look of your house. The problem with clay tiles though, is that they are expensive and heavy in nature. Like using a slate for your roof, you will be needing a roof support and the structure of your house must be strong enough to bear the weight of your roof.

Wood shingles

Wood shingles have become a favorite to many homeowners because of its pleasant, natural look. Its installation needs to be done by a roofing contractor because of its complexity. Usually made out of cedar, cypress, or red wood, they need to be regularly maintained to keep it from rotting as well as to get rid of molds and insects that can ruin your roof. When properly maintained, it is said to last from 30-50 years.

Metal

A metal roof is durable, which can last up to 75 years. In the past years, homeowners would not prefer using this type of roofing material for aesthetic reasons. However today, metal roof fabricators have come up with shingles look, and made metal roofs available in many attractive colors to fit your home. This type of roofing almost does not require maintenance as it is suitable for all weather conditions. It is also very lightweight compared to other roofing materials. Finally, it is environment friendly, especially when using aluminum roofing, since aluminum can be recycled over and over.

With the options given, what you need to consider when choosing your roof now would be the style and structure of your house. Follow your taste, too. These days, roofing materials are designed to last longer, so you better choose what look you really want your house to have. As long as it is durable and well-maintained, and as long as you have the budget, then go for it.

5 Smart Ways in Choosing a Reputable Roofing Contractor for All Your Roofing Needs

In choosing a reputable roofing contractor, you just have to research on several contractors, ask for the company’s physical address, hire a licensed contractor and look for credentials, inquire if the company has insurance and a safety plan, and ask for references and a list of completed projects.

Looking for a roofing contractor is a very critical part for every homeowner. Whether you’re stuck on a leaking roof that needs some repair or you need to install a new roof, you’ll always want to get the best service there is from a reputable roofing company. Now that there are dozens of contractors out there, you’ll probably find yourself confused on which company is the best. But it’s never hard to look and choose for the most reliable roofing company as long as you keep in mind the following:

Research on several contractors

This is the first step you will take in choosing a reputable roofing contractor. You can a get a list of these companies by talking to neighbors or close friends or even scanning through the yellow pages. A thorough research on different companies will help you compare and evaluate on their different price range and honest services. In this phase you will also be able to know how long they’ve been on the business and their background. If you need to go through them yourself, call them on the phone or visit them on their address and ask for some questions.

Ask for the company’s physical address

If the contractor has a permanent address, it only means that the business is permanent. With a permanent address, you can visit and check if they have the proper equipment and enough manpower to complete the job.

Hire a licensed contractor and look for credentials

Roofing repairs and installment are only done by professionals. One way to check it is by looking for their license or other credentials such as business permit, policies, National Association of Roofing Contractors membership, and so on. They must also be knowledgeable on roofs as to alternative roof covering products to new styles or roofing procedures.

Inquire if the company has insurance and a safety plan

Even though you’ll pay more when hiring an insured company, but this is the best way to save you from future liabilities such as accidents. Look for a certificate of their insurance and check the coverage and limits that it carries. A reputable roofing company should also have a safety plan. This only means that the company values their workers and that they are genuinely dedicated to completing the project without any emergency delays.

Ask for references and a list of completed projects

A reputable company is never afraid to give out references from satisfied or even unsatisfied customers. This probably is the finest way to know if the contractor is indeed very good in their line of business and most probably will be able to meet your expectations. If you find that the company has several complaints filed from their clients, looking for another contractor would be a smarter idea.

With the following points, you will now learn to choose which company deserves your trust and confidence in taking care of your roof. With a reputable contractor to do the work, rest assured you’ll have the best for your family and home.