Where to find a slate roofer?

Rebecca asks via email:
slateroof.jpg

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

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.

Francis Lindop, 899-4418.

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.

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.

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!

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?

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.

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.

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.

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

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

Had tile work done by same person as Miriam. Awesome job. Very knowledgable and professional # was 866-3355

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.

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!!

I recommend (the very busy) Eric Braymer. Slate is a specialized trade, and there are few that know what they're doing.

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.

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

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 ?

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.

I have 70 year old slate roof in need of repair does anyone have a good roofer in the Schenectady area they could recommend?

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.

What's All Over Albany?

All Over Albany is for interested and interesting people in New York's Capital Region. In other words, it's for you. It's kind of like having a smart, savvy friend who can help you find out what's up. Oh, and our friends call us AOA.

Search

Recently on All Over Albany

Thank you!

When we started AOA a decade ago we had no idea what was going to happen. And it turned out better than we could have... (more)

Let's stay in touch

This all feels like the last day of camp or something. And we're going to miss you all so much. But we'd like to stay... (more)

A few things I think about this place

Working on AOA over the past decade has been a life-changing experience for me and it's shaped the way I think about so many things.... (more)

Albany tightened its rules for shoveling snowy sidewalks last winter -- so how'd that work out?

If winter ever gets its act together and drops more snow on us, there will be sidewalks to shovel. And shortly after that, Albany will... (more)

Tea with Jack McEneny

Last week we were fortunate enough to spend a few minutes with Jack McEneny -- former state Assemblyman, unofficial Albany historian, and genuinely nice guy.... (more)

Recent Comments

My three year old son absolutely loving riding the train around Huck Finn's (Hoffman's) Playland this summer.

Thank you!

...has 27 comments, most recently from Ashley

Let's stay in touch

...has 4 comments, most recently from mg

A look inside 2 Judson Street

...has 3 comments, most recently from Diane (Agans) Boyle

Everything changes: Alicia Lea

...has 2 comments, most recently from Chaz Boyark

A few things I think about this place

...has 13 comments, most recently from Katherine