Slate Roofing Curriculum
Master the art of premium slate roofing with our comprehensive two-week program taught by industry expert Kurt J. Kettering.
Master the Art of Premium Slate Roofing
Our comprehensive slate roofing program teaches you authentic installation techniques and material knowledge that set premium slate roofs apart from standard installations. Led by Kurt J. Kettering, a master roofer with over 27 years of experience, this program will give you the skills to excel in high-end slate roofing projects.
Detailed Curriculum
Our comprehensive two-week slate roofing program covers everything from material knowledge to advanced installation techniques.
Week 1: Fundamentals & Material Knowledge
1-2Days 1-2: Introduction to Slate & Material Knowledge
- Introduction to slate roofing history and applications
- Slate types and characteristics: fading, unfading, weathering, and semi-weathering slates
- Slate sizes, thicknesses, textures, and shapes
- Slate roof types: standard width, random width, patterned, multicolored
- Graduated slate roofs: length, thickness, and textural variations
- Hang-down (staggered butt) slate roofs
- Slate material standards and quality assessment
Practical Exercises:
- Slate identification and quality assessment
- Handling and sorting different slate types
3Day 3: Roof Construction and Preparation
- Ordering, receiving, and handling slate
- Roof decking and sheathing options
- Spaced sheeting and draped underlayment techniques
- Battens, counter battens, and nail base systems
- Lightweight gypsum and concrete substrates
- Deck requirements and underlayment options
Practical Exercises:
- Deck preparation and underlayment installation
- Batten and counter batten installation
4Day 4: Preparation and Tools
- Trim details and flashing preparation
- Blending and sorting slate for installation
- Ventilation systems for slate roofs
- Laying out the roof and establishing reference lines
- Roof access and safety considerations
- Loading the roof with materials
- Slate tools: hammers, anvils/stakes, rippers, cutters, and punches
Practical Exercises:
- Tool handling and maintenance
- Roof layout and chalk line techniques
- Material staging and organization
5Day 5: Basic Installation Techniques
- Installing slate: reroofing vs. new construction approaches
- Fasteners and fixings for slate roofing
- Cutting slate: techniques and best practices
- Nail hole punching and drilling slate
- Head lap, exposure, and offset principles
- Nailing slate: techniques and common mistakes
- Alternative fastening: slate hooks and wire ties
- Starters/under eave slates installation
Practical Exercises:
- Cutting and punching slate
- Installing starter courses
- Basic field slate installation
Week 2: Advanced Techniques & Final Project
6Day 6: Field Slate and Pattern Work
- Field slate installation techniques
- Finish slate/finishing course installation
- Single width slate installation
- Random width slate installation
- Creating patterns and designs with slate
- Multicolored slate layout and installation
Practical Exercises:
- Pattern layout and installation
- Random width slate installation
- Creating decorative elements with slate
7Day 7: Valleys and Transitions
- Open valley installation techniques
- Closed valleys with continuous flashing
- Closed valleys with step flashing
- Canoe valley construction
- Swept valley techniques
- Round valley construction
Practical Exercises:
- Open valley installation
- Closed valley construction
- Swept valley techniques
8Day 8: Hips and Ridges
- Saddle hip construction
- Boston hip techniques
- Fantail hip installation
- Mitered hip construction
- Mitered hip using approach slate
- Capped hip installation
- Saddle ridge construction
- Strip ridge, comb ridge, and clay tile hip and ridge
- Ridge roll and ridge vent installation
Practical Exercises:
- Saddle hip construction
- Mitered hip installation
- Ridge construction techniques
9Day 9: Special Features and Flashing
- Conical/turret roof construction
- Eyebrow dormer construction
- Bell shape installations
- Dormer cheek sides installation
- Sweeps and swept eaves construction
- Slate wall cladding techniques
- Snow retention systems/snow guards installation
- Flashing materials and techniques
Practical Exercises:
- Dormer flashing installation
- Snow guard installation
- Special feature construction
10Day 10: Repair, Restoration, and Final Project
- Repair and restoration techniques
- Removing slates safely
- Slate hook method repair
- Nail and bib repair techniques
- Valley and flashing replacement
- Gutter replacement techniques
- Cleaning slates and maintenance
- Ice dam prevention and remediation
- Attic stock management
Final Project:
Students will work in teams to complete a comprehensive slate roofing project that incorporates multiple techniques learned throughout the course. The project will include:
- Layout and preparation
- Field slate installation
- Valley, hip, or ridge construction
- Flashing installation
- Special feature incorporation
Career Opportunities
Graduates of our slate roofing program are qualified for a variety of high-paying positions in the premium roofing industry.
Slate Roofing Specialist
Apply your skills to install and maintain high-end slate roofing systems for residential and commercial properties.
Historic Restoration Expert
Work on prestigious restoration projects for historic buildings, applying traditional slate roofing techniques.
Custom Slate Designer
Create custom slate roofing solutions for high-end architectural projects and luxury homes.