Random Width Slate Roof

In a random width roof also known as a variable slate roof the widths of the slate will vary in size.

Random width slate roof.

A random width slate roof offers more texture and less uniformity than a standard slate roof. Pattern catalogs were available from some quarries and slate distributors in the past. On residential slate roofing projects 16 to 18 random width 16 x 8 or 10 18 x 12 and 20 x 10 constant width are the most common sizes. A variety of widths will generally be provided by the quarry.

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. The smallest percentage will be of the largest widths. The largest percentage of widths shipped will be approximately 2 3 the length of the slate being used. 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.

If the next slate length is 18 inches the gauge is seven and a half inches which will apply to all the 18 inch courses except the first one the drop course. 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. This variable slate pattern creates added architectural detail to the traditionally installed slate roof. 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.

Further the slate cladding along with the copper accents add an old world style and sophistication to this newer style home. These slates are laid in courses to provide adequate joint offset while not maintaining joint alignment. 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.