Lowrey School in Dearborn got a pretty good return on its investment in high-end roofing materials in 1927.

The original slate roof has served its purpose well but has been showing its age. With leaks becoming more common, the Dearborn Board of Education three years ago decided to embark upon a phased-in project to replace the entire 9,700 square-feet of slate on the Lowrey roof.

The project is about 75 percent complete, and is being manned by a crew of five roofers from Local 149 and J.D. Candler Roofing Co. “We’ve had a number of leaks, especially in the slopes,” said building engineer Keith Kushnir. “It’s time for replacement. The roof is as old as the school, so I’d say we’ve gotten our money’s worth.”

The second-largest school in the Dearborn School District, Lowrey was a K-12 facility until 1969. Today it is a K-8 school with 1,350 students. The school district is spreading out the work – and payments – for the project over several years.

“They’re paying more for the slate, but look how long it lasts,” said Candler Roofing foreman Andy Bunyak. “The old one lasted 75 years, and this one should last just as long.”

Because it can cost four times more than asphalt shingles, slate is not usually a first choice as a roofing material. Slate is difficult and messy to tear out, edges are sharp, and the tiles can get very hot in the sun. On the other hand, these roofers said they appreciate getting a break from uncomfortable hot-tar jobs.

In addition to its longevity, slate is being used on the Lowrey project for the curb appeal and to maintain the building’s traditional appearance. Lowrey school was designed by the same architect who laid-out nearby Fordson High School – which is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and architecturally significant schools in the state.

New green and purple tiles from the Evergreen Slate Co. in New York – sorted all over flat sections of the school’s roof – are being installed in a random pattern. The slate comes in standard sizes, but hundreds of pieces have to be cut and fit by hand. Copper nails secure the slate tiles through two pre-drilled holes.

“There’s a bit of artistry involved in it and you have to be meticulous, but that’s why I like the work,” said roofer Rich Ballard. “This is different than any other kind of work we do. But the payoff is that it looks so good.”