Patriarchal

Traditionally, roofs of Georgian homes were constructed from durable slate. So it was imperative the same product be sourced in the re-creation of this early 1800s architecture. Designer William T Baker found the required attributes in Vermont slate.

"There is a sense of quality with Vermont slate," the designer says. "It provides a nice contrast with the red barrel tile roofs which are typical here in the desert. But its biggest advantage is that it is a roof for a lifetime."

Greenstone Slate Co president Jonathan Hill agrees, saying his company's slate is guaranteed for 100 years. But here, he predicts a longer life.

"Slate is often specified because it is particularly helpful in heavy snowloads and icy temperatures," he says. "Because this home is in the dry conditions of the desert, the roof should stay in place as long as the house is standing."

Hill says this is not a typical application, referring to the thicker than normal tiles, which weighed 33lbs each. Each piece was handcrafted individually and in this case a gray/black shade used. While it is predominately black, it reveals lighter colors through weathering, providing a softer appearance than the very black slate roofs of the past.

"The color and extra thickness was specified for aesthetic purposes and as a result it has really set the house apart from its neighbors," Hill says.

Tom Romney of Prestige Roofing says the high quality of the slate made it easy to work with.

"It was simple to use, easy to install and we had less breakage than we have had with imported materials," he says.

Prestige Roofing was commissioned because of its experience with custom roofs and speciality materials. And, the installation of this roof certainly had some special requirements the first being loading and storing the heavy tiles on the steep roof.

"Because of the nature of the product and the look that was required, we had to put aside the usual equipment and do everything by hand. We hand chiseled the tiles and cut them with hand saws to maintain the handcrafted-look edges. We then had to hand nail every tile in place with copper nails."

Contact Greenstone Slate Company, PO Box 134, Poultney, VT 05764, phone (802) 287 4333, fax (802) 287 5720. Email: info@greenstoneslate.com. Website: www.greenstoneslate.com.

Or, contact Prestige Roofing, 3405 Bunkerhill Dr North Las Vegas, NV 89030, phone (702) 646 7536, fax (702) 646 7537. Email: t-romney@earthlink.net.

Story by: Trendsideas