How long does a slate roof actually last?+
Natural slate from a named quarry (Vermont, Buckingham Virginia, North Country) lasts 100 to 200 years when properly installed and flashed. Pennsylvania ribbon slate runs 75 to 125 years. Synthetic slate runs 50 to 75 years. The slate itself rarely fails — the copper or steel fasteners holding it do, which is why nail and flashing quality matters as much as the slate itself.
What's the difference between natural slate and synthetic slate?+
Natural slate is quarried stone — heavy (around 800-1,000 lbs per square), beautiful, and lasts 100+ years. Synthetic slate is a polymer or rubber composite molded to look like slate. It's lighter (around 250 lbs per square), faster to install, and lasts 50-75 years. We use natural when the framing supports it and the budget allows. We use synthetic when the structure can't bear the weight or the budget requires it.
Do I need a permit for a slate roof replacement in Boston?+
Yes. A building permit is required for any roof replacement in Boston and most Greater Boston cities. If your home is in a local historic district (Beacon Hill, Back Bay, South End, etc.), you also need historic commission approval. We handle both the building permit and the historic commission application as part of the scope.
Why is copper flashing better than steel?+
Copper doesn't rust. Steel does. On a slate roof rated for 150 years, steel flashing fails in 30-50 years and forces premature roof failure where it touches the slate. Copper outlives the slate it protects. Copper is also more forgiving — it self-heals tiny pinholes through patination, and properly soldered seams flex with temperature changes without cracking.
How long does a slate roof installation take?+
A typical 3,000 to 3,500 sq ft slate roof in Boston takes 4 to 7 weeks from tear-off to final inspection. Complex roofs with multiple dormers, historic-commission requirements, or chimney work can extend to 10-12 weeks. We don't rush the work. If a contractor is telling you slate can be done in a week, the corners that get cut will surface in year 5.
Can you repair a slate roof or does it always need to be replaced?+
Most slate roofs we're called to assess don't need replacement. They need targeted repair, copper flashing renewal, and a maintenance schedule. We replace individual broken slates, re-secure slipped ones, replace failed copper flashing at chimneys and valleys, and address rotted deck where needed. Targeted repair runs $1,500 to $20,000 depending on scope; full replacement runs $35,000 to $80,000.
What's an ice dam and how do I prevent one?+
An ice dam forms when heat escapes from your attic, melts snow on the upper roof, the water runs down to the cold eaves and refreezes, and a ridge of ice builds up. The next melt cycle can't drain past the ridge and water backs up under the slate, finding its way into the ceiling below. Prevention has five layers in priority order: air-seal the attic floor, increase insulation to R-49+, add soffit and ridge ventilation if possible, install ice-and-water shield at the eaves on the next roof replacement, and install a heated roof ice melt cable system for active prevention.
Are you licensed and insured?+
Yes. We hold a Massachusetts Construction Supervisor License. We carry general liability insurance, workers compensation coverage for the full crew, and a roofer's bond. We'll provide a certificate of insurance directly from the carrier on request — not a photocopy.
Do you do emergency repairs?+
Yes. We have a 24/7 emergency line at 617-913-1130 for active leaks, storm damage, and other roof emergencies in Greater Boston. We typically reach genuine emergencies within 4 hours. Emergency tarping doesn't require a full quote — we'll tarp first and assess permanent repair scope afterward.
Do you work with insurance claims?+
We document damage thoroughly with photos and a written scope, and we'll meet with adjusters on-site when needed. But we don't 'handle the claim for you' — the insurance contract is between you and the carrier, and a contractor handling the claim creates a conflict of interest. We provide documentation and scope; you negotiate with the carrier.
Do you offer financing?+
We can provide manufacturer-financing options for qualifying projects through GAF, CertainTeed, and other roof material partners. Roof projects above $25,000 typically qualify. We'll discuss financing options during the assessment. We do not require any financing decisions before the work is scoped.
Why is your quote higher than the other roofers I called?+
Three reasons usually. One: we don't subcontract slate or copper work — every craftsman on your roof is on our payroll, which costs more but is the only way to control quality. Two: we spec copper flashing where most generalist roofers spec steel — copper costs more but lasts the life of the slate. Three: the owner walks every roof and writes every quote himself, so the scope is honest and complete rather than a cheap top-line number that grows mid-project.
What's your warranty?+
Our standard installation warranty is 10 years on workmanship, transferable to subsequent owners. Material warranties run separately from the manufacturer — natural slate manufacturers typically warranty 50 to 75 years against material defects; synthetic slate manufacturers warranty 50 years; copper flashing comes with manufacturer warranties of 20 to 50 years depending on supplier. All warranty terms are documented in the contract before work begins.
Do you work outside of Greater Boston?+
Our primary service area is Greater Boston, the North Shore, the South Shore, and MetroWest — roughly 25 miles of central Boston. We've taken larger historic-restoration projects statewide when the scope justifies the travel. Call us if you're outside our usual area and we'll have an honest conversation about whether we're the right fit.
Do you do shingle or asphalt roofs?+
No. We don't install asphalt shingle roofs. We do remove asphalt to install slate or copper, and we do diagnose asphalt roofs to tell you whether you're a candidate for an upgrade. But we don't quote or install asphalt installations as a service line. That keeps our crew focused on the work we're trained for.