Over the years, the reputation of slate roofing among consumers diminished somewhat. The reasons for this are many to be sure, but primary among them are inferior imports, poor flashing detailing, fierce competition among producers, dubious material grading standards, and incorrect installation methods. This is, of course, unfortunate, because natural slate remains one of the most durable and aesthetically pleasing roofing materials available. In an effort to revitalize the slate roofing industry and help define quality, ethics, and standards, the Board has set three critical goals for the National Slate Association:
- Material Standards: Take the mystery out of slate grading standards and make them something we can all rely upon when specifying and selecting slate.
- Design Guidelines: Details, details, details. The weathertightness and durability of a slate roof depends largely on proper detailing at flashings, gutters, downspouts, and underlayments. Our goal is to help promote proper detailing of roof systems among design professionals and contractors by developing and disseminating technical information and design manuals (e.g., details and specifications) on the repair, replacement, and maintenance of slate roofing systems.
- Professional Contractor Registry: Instill confidence in building owners that their new slate roof will be installed correctly. Our goal is to develop and implement a method for registering roofing contractor members of NSA in order that design professionals and building owners may rely on such Professional Registration as a way of identifying contractors dedicated to excellence in slate roofing practices.