Preserving the past in Charleston, South Carolina

By Dani Sheehan. 

Surrounded by buildings rich in history and craft, NSA 2024 Conference attendees were reminded that slate roofing is not just about durability – it's about preserving a skill that connects us to our architectural past. 

The National Slate Association (NSA) 2024 Conference took place October 24 – 27, in Charleston, South Carolina – the perfect location for a gathering of roofing professionals passionate about heritage and preservation. Known for its historic architecture and Southern charm, Charleston provided an inspiring history with beautiful examples of the craft and evolving standards of slate roofing. Alex Tolle, R-Club coordinator for The Coffee Shops, attended the conference this year and shared key insights that highlight the durability and modern challenges of slate roofing. 

Charleston’s historical perspective 

The conference began with a presentation by John Chan of the Durable Slate Company, who talked about Charleston’s vibrant roofing history. As Alex recounted, the early American colonies relied on wood shingles, but a devastating fire in 1861 led to a shift toward more fire-resistant materials like slate, clay and metal. Prone to hurricanes and heavy rain, the climate also necessitates more durable materials, and Charleston’s resilience and adaptability is evident in its roofing history. Since 2014, the Board of Architectural Review has required the repair or replacement of historic roofs to preserve the visual experience of the city. 

The value of slate roofing today 

Slate roofing is recognized not only for its beauty but also for its longevity. Jared Ribble’s session on PROCertification® programs really highlighted the importance of quality training in order to preserve this centuries-old trade. With fewer qualified slate roofers in today’s market, certification ensures that the skill is not lost and that slate roofs will maintain the longevity they boast. Alex shared a surprising statistic from this presentation, saying, “Jared noted that 92% of ProCertified contractors stay with the companies that invested in their training, which improves both the craftsmanship and quality in their company as well as the rest of the industry.”  

Slate does come with its challenges. It’s more costly than many other roofing materials and with multiple slate quarries closing, it has made it less accessible. However, the investment often pays off in the long run. Slate roofs can last over a century if installed and maintained correctly. In fact, Alex learned that the St. Asaph Cathedral in Northern Wales had a slate roof that lasted 473 years before they had to remove and replace it. Graeme Millar, president of the International Federation for the Roofing Trade (IFD), flew in from Scotland to discuss slate roofs in Europe. Not only does slate last longer than most roofing materials, but when it comes time to replace the original roof, up to 50% of the slate can be reused and mixed in with new tiles.  

Historic tours and trade education 

Conference attendees also had the chance to explore Charleston’s architectural history firsthand. They toured notable historic homes, including the Nathaniel Russell House and Aiken-Rhett House, both of which stand as testament to the city’s rich heritage. At the Nathaniel Russell House, Alex told us, “It’s a really important neoclassical home in American history, and has had a lot of restoration over the years to bring it back to its original beauty. Throughout the tour, we learned a lot about how merchant elites lived in the late colonial period and the incredible craft involved in adorning these extravagant homes while also acknowledging the enslaved men and women who made this type of lifestyle possible.”  

Additionally, a visit to the American College of Building Arts highlighted Charleston’s dedication to teaching hands-on historic preservation and other trades like stone carving and ironwork. Jason Lucas from Clemson University shared more about the emerging roofing programs and their goals to improve the standards of the trade through education. 

The NSA 2024 Conference in Charleston this year served to inspire, educate and connect professionals in slate roofing. The educational sessions and tours highlighted both the lasting value of slate and the need for a new generation of roofers trained in this skillful, sustainable trade. By fostering a community dedicated to maintaining high standards, NSA is helping to ensure that slate roofing remains a respected and viable option for homeowners and historical preservationists alike.