To us, installation is everything. We use traditional methods that have been favored by skilled artisans for centuries, but we’re equally interested in modern materials when it comes to installing or restoring your roof—whether it’s metal, slate, or cedar shake. That means no exposed screws, rivets, or caulking and roofs that are Hudson Valley–ready, primed to weather heavy snowfalls, pounding rain, and severe winds.
METAL ROOFING
Metal roofing materials, especially zinc and copper, have been commonly used throughout Europe for centuries, and are gaining popularity in the United States. While they require a bigger investment at the outset, metal roofs are valued for their durability (lasting 50 to 100 years or more) and are virtually maintenance-free. Their lighter weight adds less stress to the structure of a home, an important benefit here in the Hudson Valley where heavy snowfalls can be an annual occurrence. And for green-leaning construction there are few better alternatives. No chemicals are used in the manufacturing process, and metal is fully recyclable.
ZINC ROOFING
Some 70 percent of residential roofs in Europe are made of zinc, and for good reason. The natural, non-corrosive metal is lightweight, “self-healing,” and virtually maintenance-free. Its pretty silver-gray coloration complements both modern and classical architecture and its malleability lends itself equally to graceful curves and sharp angles. Zinc is coveted for its durability, lasting 100 years or more. And because zinc roofs aren’t treated or sealed, rain run-off is chemical-free. UniKorn Construction is trained and certified to buy and install zinc.
copper roofING
You can easily spot a copper roof by its color—a bright, orange-brown hue at the outset, maturing over time into a striking blue-green or blue-gray patina. But beneath that charming exterior is a lightweight, long-lasting (100 years or more), fully recyclable powerhouse. And because metal roofs reflect heat rather than absorb it, a copper roof may help reduce your cooling bills.
PAINTED STEEL ROOFING
Painted steel roofing offers many of the benefits of its pricier cousins (zinc and copper), including durability, heat-reflecting properties, lighter weight, and recyclability. With proper installation a painted steel roof can last 40 to 70 years and it comes in a dizzying array of colors (standard, premium, and custom). We only use mechanical-lock standing seam steel, a fully interlocking panel system that produces a beautiful, modern weather-tight roof without exposed rivets or screws.
CEDAR SHAKES
Cedar shakes, made from natural, renewable materials—usually red cedar—are biodegradable and provide a rustic look that weathers to a beautiful silver gray. They’re relatively lightweight and pre-treated with fire retardant but do require periodic spray applications of preservatives, fungicides, and additional fire retardant. Properly cared for, a cedar roof can last 50 years.
SLATE ROOFING
Elegant slate roofing, with its natural color variation, is as hardworking as it is beautiful, lasting up to 200 years if properly maintained. For the best results we work with hard, durable New England slate of the highest grade, which comes in more than a dozen hues of grey, green, purple, black, and red.