Why Do Slate Roofs Have Spikes

Even green asphalt shingles have to be.

Why do slate roofs have spikes.

If the ice comes down in one solid sheet it is heavy and can damage property and hurt people. A roof s support doesn t come from the roofing material it comes from the framing and finishing beneath the surface. It is less destructive if it gets broken up on the way down. Slate roofs were introduced in boston as early as 1654 and philadelphia in 1699.

They are designed to hold snow on the roof so that it won t avalanche off the roof possibly damaging decks shrubbery other property or even causing personal injury. Worried that she would end up with a shoddy job she delved in and did her own research. We ran across roofing contractors who did not have much experience in slate roofs messick said. The idea is that they hold the snow up allowing it to gradually melt off your roof or fall in small harmless chunks.

Archeological excavations at jamestown virginia have unearthed roofing slate in strata dating from 1625 1650 and 1640 1670. Slate is not affected by fungus and mold nor does it rot. Fiber cement shakes slate and concrete tile tip the scales at three times the weight of metal roofs. Seventeenth century building ordinances of new york and boston recommended the use of slate or tile roofs to ensure fireproof construction.

The strengths as mentioned above of slate roofs are the bane of many non slate roofs. Metal roofing can t be stood on. Those little spikes are there to break up sheets of ice and snow that will be falling off the roof this season. Along with being susceptible to many issues non slate roofs are much less environmentally friendly.