The Slate Roof Bible: Understanding, Installing, and Restoring the World's Finest Roof

by Joseph C. Jenkins

Completely revised, greatly expanded and updated version of the award-winning The Slate Roof Bible, with 21 chapters including six that are new: International Roof Slate, European Slating Methods, Roof Inscriptions and Designs, Recycling Slate Roofs, and separate chapters on Chimneys and Valleys. The profusely illustrated full color format of this comprehensive book, with 330 color photos and hundreds of charts and line drawings, has elevated it into a work of art. Yet, the down-home writing style of Joseph Jenkins has converted a potentially tedious subject into a delight.

With chapters on slate roof history, slate geology, roof safety, tools, installation, repairs, flashings, and regional slate quarries, as well as sections on ceramic tile roofs, asbestos roofs, and flat-lock copper roofs, The Slate Roof Bible is a fascinating book on its own, essential for anyone who wants to build naturally and permanently, and a must-have for architects, builders, roofers, designers, historians, and slate roof owners.

Genres: Architecture

320 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1990

Reviews

[Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Thought he did an excellent job of expaining How to roof with slate and maintain a slate Roof,lots of pictures and diagrams,Well worth the money

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew basically nothing about slate roofing before reading this book. I read it because I was considering using slate on our future house. I feel like I know a lot now and have a great basis to proceed with finding reclaimed slate and possibly even installing it ourselves. Jenkins is thorough and makes what could be a dull topic actually a very interesting and even mildly entertaining read. Highly recommended to anyone who wants to know more about one of the finest roofing materials abailable.

[Christine Cato · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything you ever wanted to know about slate, and probably more. It IS interesting though :)

[Joseph Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joseph Jenkins climbed on his first slate roof in 1968, authored the first edition of The Slate Roof Bible in 1997, and published the second edition in 2003. Both editions received national awards. Now, a dozen years later, Jenkins is still very active in the slate roofing industry. The third edition of the book reflects more than a decade of additional experience being passed on to the reader by the man who is arguably the foremost expert on slate roofs in the United States today.

The third edition, hardbound, completely updates and expands the material in the second edition, with more emphasis on the craft of slate roof installation. Expanded sections include slate siding, eyebrow dormers, turrets, soldering, flashings, international slate, American slate history, slating styles, installation and repair tips, sweep seams, soldering, and trade secrets. Dozens of new color photographs have been added, as well as step-by-step illustrations and line drawings.

This book is sure to become a classic. It belongs on the shelf of every architect, roofer, slate roof owner, architectural consultant, history buff, and anyone in the roofing industry.