Random Width Slate Roof

A random width slate roof offers more texture and less uniformity than a standard slate roof.

Random width slate roof.

A variety of widths will generally be provided by the quarry. Pattern catalogs were available from some quarries and slate distributors in the past. An excellent explanation of random width natural vermont roofing slates in the following quote from the slate book by brian stearns alan stearns and john meyer. Accents may include floral and geometric patterns dates words or names.

If the next slate length is 18 inches the gauge is seven and a half inches which will apply to all the 18 inch courses except the first one the drop course. Slate was also used as siding on the multiple dormers. Even though the two styles share some of the same attributes random width slate roofs are cut to one length and thickness in a variety of widths. Random width slate roofs random width slate roofs share the attributes of a standard slate installation but employ slates of one length and thickness in a variety of widths.

Slate tiles were provided in a variety of lengths and widths for this project 20 x random width 18 x random width 16 x random width and 14 x random width. Further the slate cladding along with the copper accents add an old world style and sophistication to this newer style home. In a random width roof also known as a variable slate roof the widths of the slate will vary in size. For example on a roof which starts with 20 inch slates at the eaves the 20 inch slate minus three inch head lap gives an eight and a half inch lath gauge.

The largest percentage of widths shipped will be approximately 2 3 the length of the slate being used. The smallest percentage will be of the largest widths. This variable slate pattern creates added architectural detail to the traditionally installed slate roof.