Slate matching · Guide 120 of 201

Questions to ask about a salvaged slate lot

Reclaimed material can be useful for matching, but the buyer needs to understand the actual lot rather than relying on the appearance of one sample.

By Slate Roofing USA · Published

01

Ask how the lot was assembled

Find out whether the pieces came from one roof or several sources and whether they have been sorted by size and condition. Ask what the supplier considers usable and what defects are excluded. Request representative photographs and samples. A consistent color does not establish equal thickness, remaining condition, or suitability for the intended repair.

02

Plan a practical acceptance check

Have the installing slater review the material before committing it to the job. Agree how shortages or unsuitable pieces will be addressed, and allow the quantity plan to reflect the actual accepted yield. Keep source information and the approved samples. For a prominent historic repair, compare the reclaimed pieces with the required visual characteristics as well as the roof's technical needs.

Further reading

Background and reference material

This original planning article offers questions and checklists for your project. The references below provide broader technical background; product instructions and a qualified assessment determine the details for an individual roof.

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