Few roof coverings carry the character of natural slate. Its colour, texture and fine lines suit period homes and distinctive new builds alike, and a well-kept slate roof is one of the most durable ways to cover a house.
Slate Roofs in Toronto
Goldstar works on slate roofs of every age. We fit new slate roofs, restore older ones that have been neglected, and carry out the smaller repairs that keep an existing slate roof sound for as long as possible.
Slate is a natural stone split into thin pieces. Because it is dense and resists water, it holds up well through heavy rain, snow and repeated freezing, provided the slates are properly fixed and the details around them are sound.
Roof Shapes We Work On
Slate appears on many kinds of roof, and each shape brings its own detailing. We handle:
- Straightforward pitched roofs with plain gable ends
- Peaked gables and steeper decorative pitches
- Hip roofs, with their mitred or capped hip lines
- Mansard roofs found on older and more historic buildings
Valleys, hips and the junctions with walls need particular care on slate, because that is where water is concentrated and where poorly fitted work tends to fail first.
Restoring an Older Slate Roof
Slate itself often outlasts the fixings and flashings that hold it in place. A roof that looks tired may simply need attention to those parts rather than a whole new covering, which keeps the original character of the house intact.
Restoration work can include:
- Replacing cracked, slipped or missing slates with a close match
- Refixing loose pieces that have started to move
- Renewing worn flashings at valleys, walls and roof openings
- Repairing the ridge and hip details
If broken slate is turning up in the eavestroughs or on the ground, it is worth arranging a look sooner rather than later. One missing piece exposes the layers beneath it to the weather.
New Slate Roofs
Where an old roof cannot be saved, or a new home calls for a traditional finish, we install complete new slate roofs. The deck and lower layers are prepared first, then the slate is laid to suit the pitch and shape.
Slate is heavy, so the roof structure must be able to carry it. We check this at the planning stage, and where slate is not practical we can suggest alternatives that echo its appearance.
Other Coverings to Consider
Slate is not the only way to achieve a handsome roof. Cedar shake roofing brings a warm natural texture, and premium designer asphalt shingles are made to mimic the look of slate at a lower weight and cost.
If you are weighing up materials as part of a wider project, our roof replacement page explains how a full re-roof is carried out.
Arrange a Slate Roof Inspection
Whether your slate roof needs a few pieces replaced or a complete renewal, call Goldstar on (437) 243 1908. We will visit your home in Toronto, assess the slate and its fixings, and explain the options for your roof.
