WE OFFER SO MUCH MORE

The FSI Difference

slate roof philadelphia

Reclaimed Slate Roof

A slate roof that is not only beautiful, but it comes with a story. See more about it by clicking on the red tab.

Job Story Page
ludowici roof tile roof replacement

Ludowici Tile Roof

These roof tiles last a long time, a really long time: They can be removed and reinstalled for another lifetime of service when the nails are no onger holding them.

Job Story Page
yankee gutter

Integral-Yankee-Built-In Gutters

Custom Copper Integral Guttering takes not only skill but planning. There is a whole more to it than just fabrication and installation. Continue to read about how it is done so it will last without seam failure, etc.

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Cedar Roofs

Cedar Shake & Shingle

We were the first to call it out... Once a viable option for a long lasting roof cladding, the industry is finally agreeing with us that New Growth Cedar is not what it used to be.

Commentary
flashing repairs

Custom Flashings

Flashings are the most neglected areas because they take the most time. Most Roofers are for the most part just single-trade applicators looking to do as little as is possible and sealants and tar just will not do the job!

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copper roofing

Copper Turret

Hand Crafted Copper Turret

Some of our copper work
chimmney repair philadelphia

Chimney repair

Chimney repair sometimes takes a lot of work to get it right.

Chimney Repair
st davids copper pent

Pent Eaves St. Davids'

Copper Pent Eaves Saint David's

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NO FACE NAILS SLATE

Zero Face Nails

We believe that there should not be any face nails on a slate roof.

Job Page
repairs to SLATE ROOFS

Authentic Tin-Knocker

We are old-school as you will see. New Age metal will make the roof on your home look like it belongs on a shopping center.

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roof cement destroys copper

Custom Flat Lock Seam Copper Roofing

Low Sloped Roofing done in Flat Lock Seamed Copper and Soldered with an Iron dates back the founding of this country. This is similar to Flat Lock Seamed TinPlate Roofing.

Job Pics
standing seam roofing

Authentic Standing Seam Roofing

Metal Roofing was once an art. Today's offerings are prefabricated than ever relying on rubber seals that wear out - What is the sense? Faux Standing Seam Roofing is not really Old World Craftsmanship

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slate roof repair philadelphia

Experience Matters

We have the knowledge. We have the experience. No other company comes close to our level of expertise. Since 1978 we have serviced the exterior needs of clients throughout the Delaware Valley. Many have entered the trades since that time and many have gone. We remain devoted to the methods that work and shun new-age nonsense. Much of the manufacturer driven products are flawed primarily because the imperative for maximizing profit has been put before the ideals of solid specifications. The industry is always in flux and building codes cannot keep up the pace. “Refer to the manufacturer specifications” is the common thread in any area where codes are not up to date and the testing ground has become the very field where there should be assurance of proper methods, not the guesswork of new-age offerings.

EXPERIENCE

Our techs have knowledge of all facets of your rooftop that can affect the success of the installation.

HIGHLY SKILLED TECHS

They are trained and overseen by seasoned life-long trade professionals.

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Slate & Natural Roofing Links of Interest

Commentary & Information

slate roof philadelphia

Open Metal Valleys

Read about Open Valleys on Slate and Natural Roofs and why the type of metal chosen is so important

Commentary
ludowici roof tile roof replacement

Copper Pipe Jacks

Pipe penetrations have been around since modern indoor plumbing was implemented. They need permanent Pipe Jacks. Neoprene Boots do not last. Get an authentic Pipe Jack that will last as long as your roof.

YouTube Video
mixxing metals for flashing details

Do not mix metals!

Shocking it is to find that big name roofers are actually mixing metals on their flashing details. You don’t have to be a scientist – just don’t mix metals.

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Cedar Roofs

Do not use Copper on Cedar Shake & Shingle

When you see shiny copper, you know that it is being eaten by acid. Ever since Follansbee discontinued Terne Coated Steel, misguided industry specifiers and installers thought it was a good idea to use copper instead. This is a big mistake and you will see it a lot if you look for it.

Commentary
flashing repairs

The Anatomy of the Built-In or Box Gutter

It takes a lot more than the equipment and knowledge of fabricating metal to successfully install one of these integral gutters. Failure looms when novices attempt this work.

Expert Commentary
thermal movement of metal flashings

Thermal Movement of Metal

Our competitors will direct fasten metal. They screw it down and caulk it and cause kinking and blow-offs and failure. You have to allow for thermal movement.

Expert Commentary
chimmney repair philadelphia

Proper Flashings

Proper Flashings are often skipped in favor of a sealant, etc. There is no substitute for proper metal work. An artisan will do the job right. A hack will try to get away with not doing these very important elements.

Custom Flashings
ice dams

Ice Dams

Devastating ice dams are caused by heat. Slate roofs seem to have some immunity because of less hotspots - but not always.

Expert Commentary
ATTIC MOLD

Attic Mold

Mold in the attic is a mystery to some people and contractors alike. Many say that ventilation is the answer. It is not. Get the facts. Gain understanding. Click below.

Valuable Information
repairs to SLATE ROOFS

Proper Attic Ventilation

Natural Roofs always were immune to the many problems that we find are common today but with modern energy conserving homes that are tighter, additional measures are required to prevent the attic problems of mold, mildew, etc.

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THE BEST SIDING

What is the best SideWall Cladding?

Never Vinyl Siding! It leaks! FiberCement Siding is one of the best sidewall claddings.

Gallery
rubber slates

Synthetic Slate

We are going to let John Stortz & Son say it for us - Just say no!

Commentary

There are and always have been novices. "Roofers" are not necessarily 'Slaters' and in most cases they are not. The slate & copper arena should be left to the professionals because rooftops are ruined evey day by those who know little about natural rooftops.    

Contact FSI
FREE CONSULTATION

Every year a new company, or two will pop up to take the place of the ones that folded last year. It is sad but true. Stay with us and we will stay with you with the best warranty coverage in the business.


Our Commitment

We Have Been A Trustworthy Company Since 1978

Truth

You have our word that our main focus is doing right by you. We will inspect your roof and accompaniments free of charge and you will receive a true report as to the condition with options that fit your needs. We will not lie to you to make a buck. We will not withhold information in order to present a proposal knowing that you will be hit with additional charges later. Contractors do this and it is wrong. We only offer what will work because we will be here tomorrow to service our work.

Integrity

We are family run and we care. We care about getting the details right first. Profit is a reward and it comes after the job is done right. Every member of our team will value your home as if it were their own. We are clean, respectful, honorable and we do the right thing every day. That is why we have become the company trusted by so many homeowners in the Delaware Valley.

Warranty

We stand behind our work for 10 years. We will show up to service our workmanship free of charge in response to your request. We put it in writing on day one when you receive your estimate.

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