It Began in 1968
Joseph C. Jenkins began working in slate roofing in 1968, dedicating himself to mastering a craft rooted in centuries of tradition. While much of the roofing industry shifted toward modern alternatives, he remained committed to preserving the time-tested practice of slate roofing, believing that a properly installed slate roof was the highest standard for a quality building. That philosophy guided his work for more than five decades and helped establish the Jenkins name as one of the most respected in the slate roofing industry.
He also wrote the book on it, literally. The Slate Roof Bible, authored by Joseph C. Jenkins, is one of the most respected publications in the trade and a standard reference for slate roofing in North America. Architects, contractors, and preservation consultants have learned the craft from its pages.
In 2005, the family founded the Slate Roofing Contractors Association of North America, the trade body that brings together slate professionals and helps set standards for the craft. It remains one of the family's proudest contributions to an industry it has spent generations helping to preserve.
"I have confidence in the job that Jenkins Slate Masters has done because Orion's dad, Joe Jenkins, maintained and repaired our slate roof for over 25 years."
- Pamela Jenkins
(not a relative) · Multi-generational client family
Today the business continues as Jenkins Slate Masters, Inc., led by Orion Jenkins. He grew up in the craft on the roof with his father, in the workshop watching copper formed by hand and has carried the family's standards into a second generation (soon third) of work in slate and copper across the country.
The People Behind the Work
Jenkins Slate Masters works as a small, dedicated crew - not a franchise, not a sales operation. Every roof gets the attention of craftsmen who know slate, know copper, and know how the work is meant to be done.
Orion Jenkins · President/Owner
Orion Jenkins leads Jenkins Slate Masters, Inc. as the second generation of the family in the craft. He grew up around slate and copper, learning the work directly from his father before taking it on as his own. He has spent his career deepening that knowledge - touring slate quarries around the world, studying historic roofs across North America, Europe, and Asia, and attending several roofing world championships over the years.
He has trained with master sheet metal craftsmen in Russia - among the first Americans to study at their school, bringing back traditional techniques that few American roofers ever encounter. He shares what he has learned at industry conferences, including those of the National Slate Association and the Slate Roofing Contractors Association, and through training programs the company offers at its own facility, where it teaches slate roofing and traditional flashing techniques.
"Orion Jenkins is a bona fide master in the niche market of the roofing industry that he serves — slate roofing... You will be hard pressed to find a better slater anywhere."
- Richard Becherer · Google Review
Joseph Jenkins · Master Slate Roofing Consultant
Joseph Jenkins began working on slate roofs at 16 in Butler, Pennsylvania, in 1968. Over a career spanning more than five decades, he has worked on thousands of roofs across the United States and consulted on nationally significant restorations, including the Smithsonian Institution Building, the Dakota in New York City, and Ford's Theatre.
He is the author of The Slate Roof Bible (now in its 3rd edition), published Traditional Roofing Magazine, and is the founder and Executive Director of the Slate Roofing Contractors Association of North America. Today he serves as a trusted advisor to the team on complex installations and historic restoration.
Zeb Rubaker
Operations & Estimating Manager
Zeb began his roofing career at the age of 16 through a vocational training program and has since built years of experience in slate and specialty roofing. After gaining additional experience with a respected roofing company in the Denver, Colorado area, he returned to Jenkins Slate Masters, Inc. with an expanded knowledge of roofing systems and project management.
Today, Zeb oversees estimating, project coordination, billing, and daily operations. Known for his honest communication, attention to detail, and commitment to customer service, he helps ensure every project is completed with the quality, craftsmanship, and professionalism that define Jenkins Slate Masters.
Viktor Dymchevskyi
Architectural Sheet Metal Specialist & Foreman
With a degree from the Kyiv National University of Construction and Architecture, Viktor brings decades of experience in architectural sheet metal fabrication, having worked on a wide variety of projects throughout Eastern Europe. His expertise includes traditional double-lock standing seam roofing, flat-lock systems, and intricate 3D metal diamond fabrication, along with highly detailed custom flashing work.
From curved dormers and domes to turrets and other complex architectural features, Viktor's craftsmanship reflects a deep understanding of traditional metalworking techniques. His precision, creativity, and commitment to quality make him an invaluable part of every historic restoration and custom roofing project.
Dominic Nave
Lead Foreman & Project Manager
Dominic brings years of experience in traditional slate and copper roofing, with specialized training from the WUKO Academy and the Savros Master Metalworking School in Russia. Having worked alongside Orion Jenkins for more than a decade, he has developed exceptional expertise in historic roof restoration, intricate slate installation, and complex copper flashing details.
Known for his honest, straightforward approach and meticulous attention to detail, Dominic takes great pride in preserving the craftsmanship and integrity of every roof entrusted to his care.
What We Believe
"He who works with his hands is a laborer. He who works with his hands and his head is a craftsman. He who works with his hands and his head and his heart is an artist."
- Saint Francis of Assisi
This philosophy defines our approach to every project we undertake.
At Jenkins Slate Masters, we view our work as more than roofing; it is a craft that demands technical expertise, artistic skill, and unwavering attention to detail. Our small, dedicated crew combines generations of knowledge with a meticulous approach to every aspect of the work, from the placement of each slate to the hand-forming of intricate copper details.
We believe exceptional craftsmanship exists where precision and artistry meet. Every roof requires careful planning, a thorough understanding of traditional materials, and an eye for proportion, symmetry, and detail. No element is overlooked, because the smallest details are often what distinguish an ordinary roof from an extraordinary one.
For that reason, we work exclusively with slate and copper materials that have proven their durability and beauty for centuries. We carefully select the appropriate slate quarry, copper ounce, and installation methods for each project, ensuring every component is historically appropriate, technically sound, and built to endure.
Our work is guided by traditional techniques and a commitment to doing things properly, never simply quickly. We believe a roof should be built with the expectation that it will outlive the person who commissioned it and continue protecting the structure for generations to come.
This is not simply our trade, it is our craft, and we approach every project with the mindset of artisans dedicated to preserving a centuries-old tradition.
Working With Us
Whether we are completing a full roof installation or a minor repair, our approach remains the same: do what is right for the building while respecting the client's goals, priorities, and budget.
As a small, owner-operated company, Orion is involved in every project from start to finish. The craftsmen on your roof are the same people who have dedicated themselves to mastering the trade, ensuring consistency, accountability, and an exceptional level of care throughout the process.
We believe in straightforward communication, thoughtful planning, and attention to every detail. Each project is carefully measured, materials are selected with intention, and adequate lead times are built into the schedule so the appropriate materials can be sourced rather than settling for what is readily available. If unexpected conditions are uncovered, we discuss them openly and provide clear recommendations before moving forward.
Our responsibility does not end when the work is complete. We document our work, provide guidance for long-term maintenance, and remain available for future repairs and inspections that help preserve a slate or copper roof for generations to come.
We view every project as the beginning of a long-term relationship. The goal is not simply to install or repair a roof, but to become trusted stewards of a building that will endure for decades, often centuries ahead.
"Wonderful people with years of experience. Craftsmen and artists together."
- Stephen M.
Google Review
From the People We've Worked With
We are grateful for the homeowners, architects, and preservation consultants who have trusted us across generations. A few words from one of them, below.
"His knowledge gained working under his father in the business is evident. And the quality of his finished product was above my (very high) expectations."
- John Morningstar
Roof installation · Google Review
Where We Work
Our shop is based in Grove City, Pennsylvania, about an hour north of Pittsburgh. Most of our work is concentrated throughout Western Pennsylvania, the Pittsburgh region, and the surrounding area, where we handle new slate and tile installations, restorations, repairs, ongoing maintenance, and consulting.
We also travel nationwide for projects that require specialized slate and copper expertise, historic restorations, architect-specified designs, and copper work with complex detailing. Over the years, our work has taken us well beyond the continental United States, including projects in Hawaii and the Bahamas.
If a project calls for the level of care, precision, and craftsmanship we provide, distance is rarely a limiting factor. We approach each opportunity with the same consideration, whether it is close to home or across the country.
