Where to find a slate roofer?
Rebecca asks via email:
Irene was kind enough to point out some areas where our roof could use a little leak control. The thing is, we have a slate roof that is 90+ years old and I'd like to keep it for another 90 or so. Just wondering if the AOA community has some tips for good/reputable slate roofers/repairers. There are a ton of slate roofs in the area so hoping someone has had a good experience with someone who SPECIFICALLY works on slate roofs.
We're guessing that roofers will be in high demand the next few weeks as people struggle to both repair after the storm and button up any holes before winter, so finding one who will do good work, especially on something that's such a big expense, is crucial.
So... got a suggestion about good roofers or where to find slate roofing materials? Please share!
photo: nomm de photo via Flickr
Say Something!
We'd really like you to take part in the conversation here at All Over Albany. But we do have a few rules here. Don't worry, they're easy. The first: be kind. The second: treat everyone else with the same respect you'd like to see in return. Cool? Great, post away. Comments are moderated so it might take a little while for your comment to show up. Thanks for being patient.
Comments
I have a similar problem with my Spanish Tile roof. Unfortunately there are not many of those in the area. I have been having a hard time tracking down replacement tiles and someone who really knows how to fix this type.
Not to steal the thread (too late) but I'd love to know if anyone has any advice for my type too. Thanks.
... said Chris T on Aug 29, 2011 at 2:19 PM | link
Francis Lindop, 899-4418.
... said Laura on Aug 29, 2011 at 2:56 PM | link
I used star roofing (http://www.starroofing.net/) this year, and was very happy....although they could not give an estimate beforehand, they carefully laid out how they charge.
... said Brian on Aug 29, 2011 at 3:36 PM | link
My mom had a slate roof on her 70 yr old cape. When she had to have it replaced about 2 years ago she was told by several contractors that no one makes slate roofs anymore. From this experience I would guess that if it's even possible you are probably talking about hiring specialists and paying a pretty penny.
... said Victoria on Aug 29, 2011 at 3:49 PM | link
My wife and I had our slate roof fixed two years ago and our roofer, who specialized in slate demanded that he was retired. Didn't even want me to give his name out. Since then I've had people BEG me for the name. Since he's called it a career, and I'd like to know who to call down the road, I'd also like to know who can fix a slate roof!
... said daleyplanit on Aug 29, 2011 at 4:38 PM | link
I don't know if it makes any difference, but I'm just looking for someone/company for repair/maintenance, *definitely* not a replacement. Our roof is is relatively good shape and would like to keep it that way, but we have leaks where the chimney and plumbing vent meet the roof. And I'm sure we could stand to have a few slates replaced.
I've heard good things about Star---didn't know they worked on slate.
@Laura: did you have Francis do some work on your roof? how did you get his name?
... said Rebecca on Aug 29, 2011 at 7:30 PM | link
A pretty, but well worth penny. Retaining and repairing the original components of an older home is very important, not just for maintaining the visual appearance but to preserve and its systems. It's important to remember that that house was built/designed to have that slate or tile roof, so things like the gutter/rain water systems, ventilation systems, even the heating, cooling, were all designed and operated around that particular roof. I'd suggest a call to your local preservation non-profit, historic albany foundation, for a suggestion on a contractor.
... said sarah on Aug 29, 2011 at 9:11 PM | link
DO NOT use Olde Mohawk. They "repaired" the roof but plugged up the roof drain. The roof drainpipe leaked badly, causing several hundred dollars of damage which they refused to reimburse. Had to take them to small claims court--they didn't show. The really annoying thing was when the leak happened the owner was totally non responsive.
... said Rufus T. Firefly on Aug 29, 2011 at 10:31 PM | link
Scott Clemens of http://www.thecompleteroofingservice.com/
He was very thorough and very reasonable. I try and get my slate roof looked at once every 2 years or so, as every winter seems to take a slate or two.
... said Paul C. on Aug 30, 2011 at 3:44 AM | link
I'll also give a hearty recommendation of Francis Lindop of Lindop Carpentry -- excellent work, honest, and reasonably priced for the quality of work. He's the one who did both the Women's Club and Ronald McDonald House roofs on Madison Ave. in Albany. He's also done very nice work on my own home. 899-4418
... said chezjake on Aug 30, 2011 at 7:56 AM | link
Larry London has done work on our 100 year old slate roof several times, always very very reasonable and a really great guy. Highly recommended: 518-705-6048
... said Miriam Johnson on Aug 30, 2011 at 9:08 PM | link
Had tile work done by same person as Miriam. Awesome job. Very knowledgable and professional # was 866-3355
... said emmie on Apr 13, 2015 at 10:07 AM | link
Eric Braymer does restoration and repair and has done a lot of work on South Allen St in Albany. Call him at 518-258-6787.
... said Sarah on Apr 13, 2015 at 1:21 PM | link
I recently bought a house in Albany that needs slate roof repair. I really appreciated this forum which I hoped would be helpful. Well, it's not the forums fault but let me update the information...
Larry London is, in fact, a nice guy but too retired to do the work I need. He referred me to his friend, Tom Garland who is currently late with his estimate. Scott Clemens of North-East Complete Roofing Service did a very thorough, reasonable, and professional estimate. Unfortunately it will be two weeks tomorrow since our scheduled phone call and I have not heard from him despite NUMEROUS calls and texts (I hope he did not fall off a ladder). Francis Lindop now works under Rosch Brothers, Inc. They gave me two estimates depending on what I wanted to do. The lower estimate was more than three times the cost of any other estimate I have to this point. I just called Eric (or Derrick) Braymer for third time. I had given up on him but I'm getting desperate so, after several weeks of no return call, Thought I'd try again. We'll see. If anyone is still reading this and has a recommendation, please, please let me know. Thanks!!
... said Arnold Morgan on Apr 15, 2017 at 12:44 PM | link
I recommend (the very busy) Eric Braymer. Slate is a specialized trade, and there are few that know what they're doing.
... said Andrew Gregory on Apr 17, 2017 at 11:55 AM | link
Update... Eric Braymer called me and said he left messages for me when I first called him over a month ago (which I never got but that happens).
He's been terrific since we connected. I am hoping for a reasonable estimate because he impresses me as someone I would like to work with.
Thanks Andrew Gregory for the comment.
... said Arnold Morgan on Apr 17, 2017 at 2:54 PM | link
How did Eric braymer work out? I have a 70 year old slate roof and it needs some repair. Thanks for the above feed. Very helpful. But would like to know how things ended? Thanks
... said Ann on Jul 10, 2017 at 4:46 AM | link
I am looking for a roofer that can fix a integrated tile roof,, i have hundreds of extra tiles , and i need to some flashing done , may have snow slide put in where i get ice build up,, recommendations ?
... said karl on Apr 16, 2018 at 11:47 AM | link
I highly recommend Joe Ferracane - 518-432-8098.
He has worked on our slate roof for a few years now. Our block has mostly slate roofs and he has maintained them for many years. Our slate is over 100 years old and has needed minor repairs over the past 15 years.
... said Harriet on Jun 11, 2018 at 12:05 PM | link
I have 70 year old slate roof in need of repair does anyone have a good roofer in the Schenectady area they could recommend?
... said Ronald Ducharme on Sep 26, 2018 at 6:07 AM | link