Exit

Blog

Tag Archive: slate and tile roofs

  1. Tile & Slate – Natural and Sustainable Roofing Options

    Leave a Comment

    Are you looking for a steep-slope roofing solution that offers a stately aesthetic appeal, requires minimal maintenance, and lasts practically forever? Then two traditional building materials, tile and slate, both used by craftsmen over many centuries for constructing long-lasting roofs, might be the right choice for you.

    Roofing tiles, made of kiln-fired clay ore, exhibit outstanding strength and durability. Available in a full spectrum of custom colors, profiles, and historical styles, they are so robust that our world-renown supplier, Ludowici Tile, offers a 75 year performance guarantee! Slate – actual shingle-like slices of rock – is another natural and durable roofing material. Used for centuries, slate roofs built by ancient Roman tradesman are still in existence today. They may have needed a repair or two along the way, but their long lifespan is a testament to their resilience! Slate offers a natural look and can be laid out in a variety of intriguing and appealing patterns.

    Specialty roofing installation requires a unique set of skills, and with the knowledge passed down through generations of roofing professionals, Knickerbocker Roofing has them in spades! To protect the underlying structure of these weather-shedding roofs, we apply a self-adhered bituminous membrane along the eaves, valleys, and other penetration sites, while heavy duty 30 lb felt is installed under the roofing field. Combining old-world tile and slate with modern underlayment technology guarantees our roofs will achieve unmatched longevity.

    And the benefits don’t stop there! If the roof should outlive its structure, slate and tile can be re-used as-is, or crushed and used as fill. As a sustainable roofing solution, LEED points are awarded for projects that specify these materials. If you seek to add the old world charm and sustainability of a slate or tile roof to your next construction project, Knickerbocker is the one to call!

  2. Sustainability and Roofing

    Leave a Comment

    What does sustainability mean to the roofing industry? Seems like a simple question, but it’s not so simple to answer. Different roof types impact the environment in different ways. When sustainability in roofing first became relevant, the thought immediately jumped to green roofs, which provide rainwater management while protecting the underlying materials, insulating the building, and offering an appealing aesthetic. White roofs, which reflect heat off the building and reduce the ”urban heat island” effect, have caught on as energy cost cutters in certain climates. However, their reflectance may be wasting the suns rays and increasing heating costs during winter months in colder regions, and controversy exists over whether they are a help or a hindrance to global warming.

    Of paramount importance to sustainability, then, is durability. A roof with a long service life requires replacement less often, which reduces the need for construction materials, saves the energy used to produce them, and avoids having to send discarded material to landfills. It is necessary, then, to consider a roof’s life cycle when opting for sustainability—ensure the roof is built properly and made to last. Choosing environmentally-friendly products, such as those that are recyclable and/or made from recycled products, are a good option if the material demonstrates acceptable longevity. Using natural materials, such as slate and tile, gives you a roof with a useful life upwards of 75 years. Ballast roofing, which can be replaced without affecting a structure’s insulation, is another option to consider. Additionally, new international building codes are requiring higher levels of insulation, in order to essentially reduce heating and cooling costs.

    So, you can see that there are many effective choices for adding a sustainable element to any roof. And when you’re planning your next roofing project, Knickerbocker Roofing is ready to help you select the right strategy to meet your sustainability goals.