We Only Use High-Quality, Long-Lasting Slate
At GSM Roofing, we’re committed to excellence in everything we do —and that starts with obtaining slate tiles and shingles that directly contribute to the longevity of your roof. The quarries we source from have processes that result in the highest quality products, and those processes include:
Mining
Quarries will first locate a vein of slate. They uncover it, break it into coarse three to four-ton pieces, and haul it from the quarry to a stone-cutting area where it’s jackhammered into pieces that are easier to handle.
Cutting
Next, the slate is sawed into blocks using radial saws with diamond-tipped blades. Then the blocks are smoothed by cutting excess stone from all surfaces.
Slate Splitting
The blocks are split by hand into the slate shingles we recognize in the next stage. This step requires extreme precision and skill, and still, the tiles may crack and become unusable. In fact, only about 15% of that slate will make it past this stage.
Slate Trimming
The final stage of slate shingle and tile production is the most customized. Each one is trimmed to meet the specifications for a particular style of slate roofing.
Slate Punching
The tiles will need nail holes to be secured to the roof without splitting or breaking. This task is a specialized skill, since each hole needs to be punched where the slate is strongest.
Shipping
Slate tiles and shingles are tightly hand-packed to minimize damage during transit. Because slate is still easily broken or chipped in shipping, we always account for this when placing orders with quarries.
All of the roofing materials we purchase from our manufacturers offer the best value for your money, and we’re proud to be certified and awarded installers. Let’s talk about how slate roofing can enhance your commercial building in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, or Delaware.
