Slate roof tiles do require replacement regardless of how much effort and investment you put into maintenance. Even if the whole of your roof might stay intact for decades or even centuries, some of the tiles might need to be replaced due to damage. Especially in Sydney you can get some wild storms and big chunks of hail.
Natural slate used for roofing purposes across NSW and the rest of Australia is one of the most durable material choices. While they are quite resilient compared to other tiling options, damage does occur. Tiles on your roof might break due to impacts such as falling tree branches, various types of debris and hail. Accumulated water can also lead to ice dams that cause severe tile damage.
But how do you know that your tiles are damaged enough to warrant replacement? Read on to find out.
How To Find Signs of Slate Tile Damage
Follow these guidelines to detect signs of slate roof tile damage:
- Perform a visual inspection from all directions if you are able to climb safely.
- Call a certified NSW slate roofing company professional to perform a maintenance check.
- You can also look for fallen tile sections and chunks around your property.
- If you find new damp formations or leaks on your roof, some of your tiles might be damaged.
Damage can spread from a single slate roof tile to large sections of your roof within very short time periods. So you should try not to ignore even minor signs of tile damage.
Most Easily Identifiable Slate Tile Damage Signs
- Slate tile has slid off – If a visual inspection reveals that a tile has slid off from its usual position, there is a need for concern. This problem can arise if roofing nails are loose or damaged. The solution is to remove the tile and reinstall it properly again.
- Signs of efflorescence – Efflorescence is a phenomenon that leads to the formation of a powdery coating on the surface of slate roof tiles. The powder is nothing but salt left after accumulated water has run off. If you observe powdery deposits, it has definitely been caused by excess moisture. You might need to replace tiles affected by this issue.
- Layers peeling off – You might notice that your slate roof tile layers have drifted away from one another to a certain extent. It means that your slate tiles have been affected adversely by moisture or pooling water. When the temperature goes down to freezing levels, the water encapsulated freezes, causing significant tile damage. Your only option then is to replace the affected tiles with new ones.
- Tiles suffering from flaking – If you come across tiles whose edges are worn out or chipped off at places, your slate tiles are affected by flaking. Using a sealer material can cut down the chances of any further flaking. But you should consider removing the tiles that have been affected to maintain a uniform look of your roof.
If you need help regarding ascertaining the needs of slate tile replacement, get in touch with certified NSW roofing professionals at The Slate Roofing Company.
