By Jesse Sanchez.

Six projects across Europe show how natural slate, restoration work and skilled craftsmanship come together long before the scaffolding comes down.

A finished natural slate roof can make a project look effortless, but the work leading up to that moment is anything but simple. Across Europe, six projects highlighted by READYSLATE® offer a closer look at natural slate installations still taking shape, revealing how architecture, setting and the demands of each individual building influence the work happening behind the scaffolding.

Restoring history in Ghent

The Château de Gérard le Diable brings natural slate to an imposing medieval structure at the heart of Ghent, Belgium. The project is already at a later stage, with slate tiles noticably taking a prominent place across the building’s roofs. As the project moves closer to completion, the combination of historic architecture and ongoing restoration illustrates the careful work involved before a landmark can be fully revealed.

Slate along the Danish coast

In Svendborg, Denmark, a private home overlooking the sea presents a very different slate application. Natural slate covers clean, simple rooflines that complement the home’s coastal setting. Although the roof is close to its finished appearance, work continues on the surrounding outdoor areas, showing how the roof becomes part of a larger architectural composition.

Work continues behind the covering

The Hôtel de la Marine in Bordeaux, France, remains largely concealed beneath scaffolding and protective sheeting. Located on one of the city’s historical squares, the building has not yet revealed the full impact of its transformation. Natural slate is part of the ongoing work taking place behind the covering, making this project a reminder that some of the most important stages happen well before the finished roof is visible.

A home emerging in Ireland

Another private residence is gradually nearing completion in Ireland. Scaffolding remains in place on this countryside estate, but its natural slate roof is already almost completely visible above the garden and surrounding greenery. The project shows how slate can become a defining architectural element even while construction activity continues around it.

A seaside landmark under restoration

The Grand in Nieuwpoort, Belgium, is a major restoration project underway. Facing the beach and seafront promenade, the large building remains mostly hidden behind scaffolding as work progresses. Its location, unique design details and size make the transformation difficult to miss, no matter the phase of work being done.

The Rotunda approaches the finish line

Beside the River Clyde in Glasgow, Scotland, The Rotunda is much closer to showing its completed appearance. Natural slate is already visible across the building’s notable circular roof, even as machinery and equipment continue to move around the building site.

Together, these six projects demonstrate why slate roofing cannot be reduced to the final photograph. Every building brings its own architecture, surroundings and stage of construction, requiring work that responds to the individual project. The finished roof may receive the attention, but the progress behind the scaffolding reveals the craftsmanship and attention that make the final result possible.

Learn more about READYSLATE and natural slate roofing solutions for projects where craftsmanship and architectural character matter!

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Slate roofers can submit project videos through November 30 for a chance to earn international recognition and experience a trip to Spain. 

Entries are open for Best of the Best 2026, READYSLATE®’s annual competition celebrating craftsmanship and excellence in natural slate roofing. Now in its sixth annual run, the competition gives roofers from around the world an opportunity to showcase their skills on an international stage. Participants submit videos showcasing projects using natural slate, whether that means capturing an installation in progress, highlighting a completed roof, focusing on a challenging detail or sharing drone footage that demonstrates their craftsmanship. 

Submission guidelines note that video entries must be between 45 seconds and two minutes long, with submissions open through November 30, 2026.  

After the submission period closes, the competition moves into public voting. Entries first compete at the national level, with voting taking place December 2-4 on the Best of the Best website. National winners then advance to the international final, where an expert jury will select the overall champion. The Best of the Best 2026 winner will be announced on December 16. 

U.S. participation has become an increasingly significant part of the competition, with RoofersCoffeeShop® President Heidi J. Ellsworth providing judging support. The recognition comes with more than a trophy; the overall winner will travel to Spain for a tour of the quarries in A Medua, Ourense. This year’s prize also includes a VIP experience at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium for “El Clásico,” the Real Madrid vs. FC Barcelona match. 

By bringing together roofers from across the globe, Best of the Best highlights the skill behind natural slate installations and gives contractors a platform to share the work they are most proud of. After entries close, visitors can return to the competition website to vote for their favorites and follow the results through the international final. 

Learn more about Best of the Best 2026 and submit your project!

By Emma Peterson.

Get ready for the largest roofing contractor conference in Texas!

The 2026 annual Texas Roofing Conference is coming up at the end of October (10/21/26-10/23/26 to be precise). This conference is organized by the Roofing Contractors Association of Texas (RCAT) and provides attendees with the opportunity to attend cutting-edge educational sessions, explore a two-day expo featuring the latest roofing products and network at a variety of fun events!

Experience incredible education

This year’s show boasts a variety of industry-leading speakers for its education program. Whether you’re a commercial contractor or residential roofer, attending these courses is a sure-fire way to find new ideas to build your business!

Here’s a few sessions The Coffee Shops® has bookmarked:

• The 5 Revenue Drivers Behind High-Performing Roofing Service Division: This session will be taught by Chad Westbrook of Service Alignment on Thursday, October 22. In the session, Chad will explain how contractors can “turn service work into dependable, profitable revenue.”
• OSHA Defense Mastery: also on October 22, this session will be taught by the incredible Trent Cotney of Adams and Reese. During the 50-minute session, Trent will cover a practical roadmap for handling OSHA inspections. This is the perfect sessions for those wanting “a better understanding of how to reduce exposure before an incident occurs and how to respond if OSHA knocks.”
• NRCA update on roofing industry technical issues: in this session, the National Roofing Contractors Association’s Mark Graham will give attendees an update on building code changes, FM guideline revisions and other technical details that “change how roofing contractors design, bid and install roof systems.”
• Leadership, Performance, Teamwork, Resilience and Accountability: This session is actually the keynote of the 2026 show! It is taught by Clint Bruce, who is a former NFL linebacker, a Navy SEAL veteran and business founder. His presentation will draw on his experiences and focus on the role of leadership, performance, teamwork, resilience and accountability in success.

See the full schedule of sessions!

Explore innovations on the expo floor

The expo floor (which will be open 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. on 10/22 and 10 a.m - 2 p.m. on 10/23) will host more than 150 manufacturers, suppliers, software and service providers such as ABC Supply, QXO, Polyglass, Tamko, Malarkey Roofing Products, Owens Corning, MetalVue by Sherwin-Williams, SRS Distribution, GAF, READYSLATE, JobNimbus, Eagleview and Johns Manville! Each exhibitor booth will showcase the newest, more innovative products and services in the roofing material and technology market.

There are also some fun prize opportunities! On October 22, door prize drawings will kick off at 2 p.m. (you must be present to win). As for October 23, there will be a $5,000 RCAT Raffle Winner drawing at 1:30 p.m.!

Attend events and make connections

And if the education opportunities and expo weren’t enough to keep you busy, RCAT has also planned a few special events during the 2025 Texas Roofing Conference:

• RCAT Annual Golf Tournament: hosted at the Cowboys Golf Club 1600 Fairway Dr, Grapevine, Texas 76051), this is your opportunity for some friendly competition! Players must register an advance.
• Welcome Reception: kick off the show by attending the welcome reception at the Gaylord Texan Mission Plaza. This event runs from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. and is open to all fully registered conference attendees and exhibitors.
• Awards Luncheon: take a break from attending education sessions and exploring the expo floor with RCAT’s Annual Business Meeting & Awards Luncheon!

These are not just a great opportunity have some fun, but also to network with their peers and make connections with industry leaders that will last beyond the show!

The 2026 show will be hosted at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center. Make sure you have your tickets!

By The Coffee Shops®. 

Why many homeowners and contractors consider natural slate roofs to be the gold standard when it comes to building the optimal home.  

When it comes to beautiful aesthetics and reliable durability, few traditional roofing materials come close to what natural slate can offer. Long-lasting and timeless, many slate roofs can prevail for more than a century, protecting the home and property beneath for generations, making it an ideal choice for those looking for a premium roofing solution that hits every mark, whether that be weather, moisture or temperature resistance.  

Natural slate tiles come from slate stone, a material that has been formed by nature over millions of years. This material, because of its composition and nature, offers a look and feel that synthetic, modern materials don’t come close to replicating. Due to its organic composition, slate roofing tiles are durable, resistant to water absorption and harsh weather. 

With a low water absorption rate and durability in particular, many homeowners living in areas with snow, ice, heavy rain or hail can easily opt for slate roofing without worrying about damage. Even homeowners in Florida can find themselves the proud owners of a slate roof! 

Because of this and the historical role slate roofs have played across the globe, many historic buildings and luxury homes opt for slate tiles in their upkeep. It’s well trusted, and again, timeless in a way that few other materials still used today can boast. While the upfront cost of slate roofs might be higher than other materials, slate has been proven to be cost-effective over time thanks to its exceptional lifespan. While other materials need replacing more frequently, and fail more often, slate stands firm.  

Today, brands like READYSLATE® offer homeowners the opportunity to find the right slate shingle fit for their home and climate needs. With quality craftsmanship and excellent customer service on their side, homeowners can look to READYSLATE to make a roof worth loving!  

Read the full article from READYSLATE’s manufacturer, Cupa Pizarras, to learn more about the benefits of slate roofing. 

By Emma Peterson. 

READYSLATE's three-tier loyalty program combines training, marketing resources and financial incentives to help contractors succeed. 

Each contractor program has different requirements and perks for those who join them. To learn what makes READYSLATE’s contractor loyalty program unique, Karen Edwards brought their product manager, Pablo González Rodríguez, onto Roofing Road Trips® to answer some questions about their program.  

Why did READYSLATE build this program?  

The creation of READYSLATE’s contractor loyalty program is tied to their dedication to their contractors. As Pablo put it:  

We wanted to take this relationship that we're building with contractors to the next level. We've been always focused on them, but we wanted to make this commitment more tangible, more real. The loyalty program is our way of saying, ‘You trust us and we want to invest back in your business to thank you.’ 

How do you get started? 

The first step to joining the program is contacting your sales representative, who can nominate you to join. When you get nominated, you will then fill out an online application form. Once that is submitted, contractors will receive an email notification confirming that READYSLATE received their application as well as containing a link to a training platform. Pablo went into detail about this training aspect:  

When they access the training platform, they will see videos and all the most important content that we want them to know. Once they pass through that, they will have a very short questionnaire to make sure that they have understood everything. And once everything is clear and they have passed all the training and questionnaires, they are a part of the program... Why do we have them do this training first? Part of the goal of our contractor loyalty program is making sure our installers feel confident with our systems and products in the field. This training is our way of doing that.  

What are the benefits of joining this contractor loyalty program?  

There are many benefits to being a part of the READYSLATE contractor loyalty program, including lead generation and sales support. Pablo explained:  

As soon as a contractor is approved, they receive a marketing starting pack that helps them sell product. This includes catalogs and samples that allow their customers to really see and understand what they’re getting when they choose slate for their roof. They also will start getting rebates on eligible READYSLATE products... On the lead generation side, we provide them with our logo and product photography for use on social media and, more importantly, we send the leads in their area based on our website inquiries.  

How is the program structured? 

The entire program is structured in a three-tier format – Preferred, Preferred Plus and Preferred Elite. Tier one is the entry-level and will give you access to all the benefits above. As you move into tier two and three, there are more requirements, but there are also more benefits. Pablo dove into the tier system:  

To get into the higher tiers, there are a couple more requirements, including proof of at least one million dollars in liability insurance and passing a job site workmanship inspection. At the same time, these higher tiers provide a couple more benefits. First, being in either tier two or three, you get direct access to our product literature and samples. So whenever you need a replacement, it will be easier for you to get additional materials... Additionally, you will get to put a five-year extended non-prorated period into your warranties and better rebates with each level. 

Overall, the three-tiers within the program showcase READYSLATE’s dedication meeting and supporting all their contractors, no matter how big or small they are.   

Want to learn more about READYSLATE’s contractor loyalty program? Visit www.cupapizarras.com/usa/preferred-contractor-program, Listen to the whole podcast with Pablo or Watch the recording with him.  

By The Coffee Shops™. 

Lightweight slate technology is helping architects and contractors expand the possibilities of natural slate applications. 

Natural slate has long been associated with historic architecture and traditional craftsmanship, but the Hemsley House project showcases what the material can look like in modern residential design. Featured by CUPA PIZARRAS, the project demonstrates how lightweight natural slate roofing and cladding systems brought contemporary style, durability and sustainability together in a striking Utah home. 

Hemsley House incorporated both READYSLATE® lightweight roofing and CUPACLAD rainscreen cladding systems to create a sleek exterior with the natural appearance and texture of real slate. The project reflects the growing demand among architects and homeowners for building materials that combine visual appeal with resilience and low maintenance requirements. 

According to the case study, READYSLATE’s modular design helped streamline the installation process compared to traditional slate roofing applications. The system uses pre-assembled natural slate panels mounted to a waterproof backing, allowing contractors to install authentic slate roofing without the extensive labor typically associated with conventional slate systems. The lightweight design helps projects meet roofing weight requirements while maintaining the durability and weather resistance natural slate is known for. 

The Hemsley House project showcases the versatility of slate in modern architectural design. By pairing roofing and façade applications, the home achieved a cohesive exterior aesthetic that blends contemporary styling with natural materials, CUPA PIZARRAS notes that natural slate offers a lifespan exceeding 100 years, along with fire resistance, weather protection and minimal color alteration over time. 

As architects and contractors continue searching for durable, design-forward building envelope solutions, projects like Hemsley House illustrate how modern slate systems like READYSLATE can support both performance and curb appeal. 

Read the full Hemsley House case study to learn more about the project!

By Jenny Yu.  

READYSLATE’s redesigned slate system delivers durability, sustainability and efficient installation.  

At the 2026 International Roofing Expo, Lauren White of The Coffee Shops™ had a chance to visit the READYSLATE® booth and speak with Jason Rynd of the Vermont Slate Company, READYSLATE's manufacturer. Jason highlighted a growing shift toward lightweight, high-performance alternatives in roofing. 

“There’s nothing else like it in the market,” Jason said of READYSLATE. “It’s real slate in a lightweight system that also has the highest hail rating you can get.”  

With traditional slate weighing about 1,000 pounds per square in a traditional installation, READYLSATE comes in at approximately 550 per square, opening the door to a broader range of applications. “Anything under 600 pounds is considered lightweight, so that gets us into a whole new market,” Jason explained. 

To achieve the unique feat of a lightweight material with impressive durability, the Vermont Slate Company made several key adjustments over the past year based on contractor feedback and the manufacturer’s own research and development efforts. “We've reduced it to four pieces of slate rather than six, so our panel is much smaller now,” Jason said. “It’s easier to maneuver on the roof, lighter. Crews are able to install it at about two-thirds the time it usually takes on a traditional slate install, so it’s more efficient.” 

In addition to advancing efficiency on the jobsite, sustainability was a main focus in the redesign. “We also took all the asphalt out of the backer that creates our panel. It's just an HDPE plastic backer now,” Jason noted. “It doesn't get much greener than slate; it's rock from the earth. By taking the asphalt out, it's even more natural.” The system also boasts a Class 4 hail rating and Class A fire rating, helping meet stringent building and insurance requirements.  

So far, the market response has been extremely positive. “All of the product sold out before we even got it here!” Jason expressed. “We can’t keep it in stock right now, which is a great problem to have.” 

Watch the full interview to learn more about READYSLATE and how it is reshaping the slate roofing market.

By Jenny Yu.  

READYSLATE is investing in contractors with tools and education designed to drive long-term success. 

Contractor relationships are becoming increasingly central to product performance and brand reputation in the roofing industry. In a recent Roofing Road Trips® episode hosted by Karen Edwards, Pablo González Rodríguez of READYSLATE® discussed how the company is strengthening those relationships through a newly launched contractor loyalty initiative designed to support training, consistency and long-term success in the field. 

Pablo emphasized that contractors have always played a critical role in shaping the product itself. “We always say that a product is only as great as the person who is installing it,” he said. “We build the system with them in mind, and once we launch it, we listen to their feedback.” That feedback loop has already influenced product evolution. “We have redesigned the product during the last year, and it was all thanks to the feedback we received from the field,” he said. 

The new Preferred Contractor Program aims to formalize that collaboration. “We wanted to take this relationship that we’re building with contractors to the next level and make this commitment more tangible, more real,” Pablo said. The program combines structured training with business support, helping contractors install the system with confidence while also growing their operations. He added, “We provide the right training so they can feel more secure when they go to the jobsite. No surprises, no guesses.” 

Training is delivered through an online platform that allows contractors to learn at their own pace, followed by a brief assessment to confirm understanding. Once approved, participants gain access to tools, resources, and a portal to track projects. The program also includes tiered requirements, with additional qualifications such as insurance verification and jobsite inspections for advanced levels. 

Beyond technical education, the initiative is designed to protect what Pablo identifies as a contractor’s most valuable asset. “Their reputation, their name is everything in this industry,” he said. “If they avoid surprises, their customer is going to be happier.” 

By aligning product performance with contractor success, READYSLATE is positioning its loyalty program as both a training platform and a business growth tool in an increasingly competitive roofing market. 

Listen to the podcast or Watch the recording to learn more about READYSLATE’s contractor loyalty program. 

By Jesse Sanchez. 

This roofing contractor shares how simple social media posts led to international recognition and business growth. 

For roofing contractors, reputation is often built through one project at a time. Increasingly, however, that reputation is shaped not only by the finished roof, but by how the work is documented and shared. In this episode of Roofing Road Trips®, Lewis Miller, director of Compass Roofing Limited in Edinburgh, Scotland, shared how a straightforward decision to post jobsite videos featuring materials from brands like READYSLATE® ultimately expanded his company’s reach far beyond its local market. 

What began as a simple effort to capture day-to-day slate work gradually gained traction. Lewis said the move into social media was not part of a formal strategy, but a natural extension of the work itself. He shared, “So basically we just started getting into the social media side of things, like taking videos of the work that we were doing, it was fitting the slates, stripping the slates, cutting the slates.” Over time, that consistency began to pay off. “I think maybe one or two videos just took off from there.” 

That growing visibility led to an unexpected opportunity. After being noticed by a manufacturer’s social media team, Compass Roofing was encouraged to enter an international competition showcasing slate craftsmanship. The submission process was simple, centered on a short video highlighting detailed work, but the outcome proved meaningful. “Winning has certainly helped our business,” Lewis said, noting that the recognition continued to generate exposure ell beyond the initial announcement. 

The experience also clarified what resonates with audiences. Rather than relying on polished production or complex editing, Lewis found that straightforward documentation of skilled work was more effective. “People just like seeing good work done well,” he said. “Try and keep it as simple and straightforward because you want to keep people engaged.” 

As competition intensifies across the industry, that approach offers a practical model. By consistently capturing and sharing authentic jobsite work, contractors can extend their visibility, reinforce credibility and create new pathways for growth, without adding complexity to their process. 

Listen to the entire podcast to learn more about how contractors can use social media to grow their business!

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Learn how a panelized slate system is removing weight barriers and simplifying installation for asphalt-to-slate replacements. 

For decades, real slate has been recognized as a premium roofing material known for its strength, longevity and craftsmanship, qualities that have traditionally placed it in a specialized category within residential re-roofing. At the International Roofing Expo (IRE), READYSLATE® leaned into that perception by showcasing a system engineered to bring those same benefits to a broader range of residential projects. Speaking from The Coffee Shops™ sound stage sponsored by SRS Distribution, Morgan Cathey, sales director for Vermont Slate Company, part of Cupa Group explained the structural reality behind that long-held distinction. Traditional slate systems often require additional engineering to support their weight, which has historically limited their use on homes currently roofed with asphalt shingles. 

“Our product is really the only panelized real slate product on the market that fits in the lightweight category,” Morgan said. “So, we're able to tear shingles off and put real slate back on the roof.” That distinction is central to the company’s message at IRE, because by fitting within the lightweight category, the system is positioned as a direct replacement option rather than a project that requires structural redesign, which in turn expands the number of homes where real slate can realistically be considered during a standard re-roof. 

The product’s installation method is designed to reinforce that accessibility. “It is panelized. It looks a lot like a shingle. It's designed to be compatible with a lot of shingle accessories that are on the market today,” Morgan said, noting that while panels are hand nailed, the format mirrors familiar shingle layouts and aligns with the workflows contractors already use. As a result, crews can approach the product with confidence, reducing the learning curve and lowering hesitation about introducing real slate into their proposals. 

The latest version further reflects that contractor-focused approach, as installer feedback led the company to reduce the panel from six pieces of slate to four, improving handling and enabling single-person placement while maintaining a Class 4 impact rating and a Class 8 fire rating. Framed around its first-quarter focus on resilience baked into slate installation, applied to protect what matters most, the system is presented not simply as a lighter slate option, but as a practical way to deliver long-term durability without adding structural complexity.  

Learn more about how READYSLATE® is expanding the reach of real slate by combining lightweight performance, contractor-driven design improvements and built-in resilience to protect what matters most during residential re-roofing!