A bold answer to modern roofing challenges

By Jesse Sanchez. 

This slate roofing system changes the game with a lightweight and hurricane-tested design. 

In this episode of Roofing Road Trips®, host Karen Edwards spoke with Morgan Cathey, U.S. product manager for READYSLATE, about the product’s innovative approach to solving long-standing challenges in slate roofing, especially those that show up during the final stages of installation and certification. 

Toward the end of their conversation, the focus turned to what contractors really want to have on the jobsite: durability, approvals and support. READYSLATE doesn't just meet expectations; it anticipates them. The company has secured approvals for high-velocity hurricane zones, including Miami-Dade County, a key concern for roofers in storm-prone states like Florida. Even more surprising, as Morgan noted in their conversation, was how little the system had to change in order to meet that standard. 

“We didn't have to really beef up the installation process a whole lot more than it was already done currently,” he said. “The nails are really the same. They're going to require ring shank nails in the state of Florida versus smooth shank, but beyond that, there's very little that changes.” A limited lifetime warranty backs the product, and Morgan explained that with the use of stainless steel or copper fasteners, the system could easily surpass 50 years in service life.  

Even better, the system is compatible with off-the-shelf components, which simplifies logistics and reduces overall costs. “We really only sell the READYSLATE product itself,” Morgan said. “That really drives down the cost. To allow the contractor to be able to offer this at a very good value to the homeowner.” 

Perhaps one of the most contractor-friendly features is the company’s hands-on support. Free training is offered, with most crews that participate getting up to speed in under two hours. “There’s no gotcha moments,” Morgan expressed. “It’s pretty well laid out.” 

READYSLATE has only been available in the U.S. for about three years, but its reception has been overwhelmingly positive. Morgan shared, “Once it clicks in a contractor's head what this product is compared to the alternatives, they see the value in it.” 

Read the transcript or Listen to the podcast to learn more about how READYSLATE is shaking up expectations, offering real slate with faster installs, extreme weather performance and a price point that makes premium roofing more accessible than ever!