Random Width Slate Roof

Slate tiles were provided in a variety of lengths and widths for this project 20 x random width 18 x random width 16 x random width and 14 x random width.

Random width slate roof.

A random width slate roof offers more texture and less uniformity than a standard slate roof. Random width slate roofs random width slate roofs share the attributes of a standard slate installation but employ slates of one length and thickness in a variety of widths. On commercial slate roofing projects 16 18 and 20 random are often seen but 20 x 10 and 24 x 12 are more common on large formal projects. The smallest percentage will be of the largest widths.

Pattern catalogs were available from some quarries and slate distributors in the past. Slate was also used as siding on the multiple dormers. For example on a roof which starts with 20 inch slates at the eaves the 20 inch slate minus three inch head lap gives an eight and a half inch lath gauge. An excellent explanation of random width natural vermont roofing slates in the following quote from the slate book by brian stearns alan stearns and john meyer.

In a random width roof also known as a variable slate roof the widths of the slate will vary in size. Accents may include floral and geometric patterns dates words or names. A variety of widths will generally be provided by the quarry. These slates are laid in courses to provide adequate joint offset while not maintaining joint alignment.

Even though the two styles share some of the same attributes random width slate roofs are cut to one length and thickness in a variety of widths. Further the slate cladding along with the copper accents add an old world style and sophistication to this newer style home. This variable slate pattern creates added architectural detail to the traditionally installed slate roof.