The Slate Roof Bible: Understanding, Installing and Restoring the World's Finest Roof (The Slate Roof Bible, 2nd Edition)

Rating:
Summary: Authoritative book on the subject
Review: A complete education about slate roofs is the only description that seems appropriate for this book. "The Slate Roof Bible" not only covers the various types of slate, installation techniques, and other items you would expect but also the history of slate roofing, slate quarrying, and other information. With photographs or illustrations on almost every page it is easy to understand the techniques as well as everything else discussed. With the knowledge in this book you can easily create the impression of being an authority on slate and slate roofs. "The Slate Roof Bible" is a highly recommended purchase for anyone who wants to gain a thorough education on slate and slate roofs.

Rating:
Summary: Authoritative book on the subject
Review: A complete education about slate roofs is the only description that seems appropriate for this book. "The Slate Roof Bible" not only covers the various types of slate, installation techniques, and other items you would expect but also the history of slate roofing, slate quarrying, and other information. With photographs or illustrations on almost every page it is easy to understand the techniques as well as everything else discussed. With the knowledge in this book you can easily create the impression of being an authority on slate and slate roofs. "The Slate Roof Bible" is a highly recommended purchase for anyone who wants to gain a thorough education on slate and slate roofs.

Rating:
Summary: Authoritative book on the subject
Review: A complete education about slate roofs is the only description that seems appropriate for this book. "The Slate Roof Bible" not only covers the various types of slate, installation techniques, and other items you would expect but also the history of slate roofing, slate quarrying, and other information. With photographs or illustrations on almost every page it is easy to understand the techniques as well as everything else discussed. With the knowledge in this book you can easily create the impression of being an authority on slate and slate roofs. "The Slate Roof Bible" is a highly recommended purchase for anyone who wants to gain a thorough education on slate and slate roofs.

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Summary: Joe Jenkins takes the mystery out of slate
Review: During the 1990's, I purchased an old house in Pittsburgh Pa. It has the original slate roof from the 1920's. I was new to slate roof ownership but knew that they were of higher quality and much more durable than the common asphalt roofs preferred by most roofing contractors. For the most part, my roof was in good condition and had been maintained over the years. It was now up to me to maintain this beautiful old roof. But slate roof maintenance isn't a do-it-yourself type job. I talked to a couple of contractors and they all had different opinions on what I should do with this old roof. At that point, I decided that I needed to do some research on slate roofs. I went online and read all about slate. It was here that I stumbled on Joe's book. I ordered a copy and read it cover to cover in a couple of days. After reading the book, I had a couple of questions. I emailed them to Joe and he provided a quick reply. The book is now a valuable title in my home reference library. After reading the book, I was much better prepared to evaluate the recommendations of my local roofing contractors and have found a roofer who has the skills to maintain this exceptional old roof. You really need to be able to "talk slate" with a contractor if you want the maintenance done right. Were it not for Joe's book, I would have probably torn the slate off and installed a 10 yr asphalt roof. I am also in the process of building a new house. I hope to put a slate roof on the new house using the guidelines from the "Slate Roof Bible".

Rating:
Summary: Highly Recommended
Review: Frankly, I wish all home improvement/do-it-yourself books were this detailed. This is a thorough explanation on durable roofing--for the professional, the do-it-yourselfer, or the consumer just looking for information.

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Summary: Thank you Mr Jenkins!
Review: I enjoyed very much reading this book which is crammed with interesting and useful information. Being the owner of a 65 year old slate roof I am particularly concerned about being armed with sufficient information, to evaluate roofer's work or contracts, when repairs are needed to my Buckingham slate roof. This book has provided that and much more.

Rating:
Summary: exceptional
Review: I think this book may have saved my slate roof because so many contractors were wanting to put asphalt shingles up and tear down our purple slates but this book talked me out of it. I am even thinking of doing it myself.

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Summary: A "must-have" for slate roof home owners
Review: I work for a roofing company that specializes in slate. I can tell you from experience that this book is indeed full of very good tips on preserving what is, imho, the very best roof covering a person can possibly have on his or her home. Mr. Jenkins is absolutely correct in his assertations that bemoan the 'artificial roofing" we tend to use in this country. The history and the tips expressed are an invaluable resource to those of us who appreciate the natural beauty and durability of a slate roof. My commendations on a fine effort.

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Summary: The World's Best book about slate roofs
Review: If the reader wants a roofing book that will answer questions, explain processes, avoid pitfalls, educate, entertain, and finally leave you wondering why anyone would roof with a non-slate material, this is the book. During a construction project I was overwhelmed with conflicting roofing information. I heard more reasons as to why something couldn?t be done than how it might be. Everyone wanted the ?asphalt? approach even though asphalt shingles were not being used. I stumbled onto Joe Jenkins and The Slate Roof Bible while searching for slate information. I sent Joe an email asking for help. He suggested first reading the book. I bought the book and loved it. Then, I bought one for the contractor (I highly suggest doing this). Joe?s book has saved me falling into the normal pitfalls that await a building owner when getting only information from a roofing contractor. I am now the proud owner of a lifetime beautiful slate roof. Thinking of slate? This is a must read book.

Rating:
Summary: Should be required reading for anyone with an old home.
Review: Joseph Jenkins writes about the history, installation and repair of slate roofs with a hands on approach. The sources for tools and slate listed in the reference section alone is worth the price of the book. Where asphalt and fiberglass shingles will possibly last 20-25 yrs., the ability of a slate roof to last 75-100 plus is a worthy investment, and can only add to the value of any home. This book should be required reading for home remodelers, contractors, builders, and historic preservationist.