Slate roofs have been used for generations, taking advantage of the natural beauty and durability of slate. Despite its durability, slate comes with drawbacks. Because it is a natural material that requires significant labour to produce, slate is pricey. It is extraordinarily heavy, up to four times the weight of asphalt shingles, which means that certain buildings will need to add structural support to withstand its weight, which can add cost to an already expensive job. If you discover that your slate roof is exhibiting signs of wear or damage and needs maintenance, you’ll need to determine whether to repair or replace the damaged tiles or the entire roof.
How do you determine whether to repair or replace a roof?
You should be making regular visual inspections of your slate roof from ground level, especially after a strong storm or severe winds, to make sure the tiles are unharmed. Damaged tiles should be handled quickly by a roofing contractor to avoid water seeping beneath the tile and causing damage to the roof deck or generating a leak inside the property.
A roofing contractor with knowledge of slate roofing should do an annual assessment of the roof and slate tiles to ensure they are undamaged and not in need of repair. If repairs are needed, it’s up to you to decide whether you should repair or replace the roof.
When should you repair a slate roof?
Sometimes a slate roof needs repairs to extend the life of the material and isn’t in need of a full roof replacement. Here are some examples of when you could repair your slate roof:
- A few tiles are broken or otherwise damaged
- A few tiles are missing or slipped
- Tiles in a small area or a few tiles are discoloured and unattractive, dampening the overall attractiveness of the house
- The flashings need repair or replacement
- The gutters need repair or replacement
When should a slate roof be replaced?
When slate roof damage is severe, you should consider replacing the roof. Here are some examples of when you should consider the replacement:
- Missing or broken shingles in larger regions: If you observe that 20–30% of the shingles are damaged or missing, the roof may be nearing the end of its functional life.
- Discoloration throughout vast areas: If a slate roof absorbs moisture, it can seep through, causing damage and leaks.
- Leaks in the interior: If there are leaks inside, this usually suggests the slate roof must be replaced.
When it’s time to replace a slate roof, consider slate tiles
Slate creates a gorgeous and time-tested look, although its weight and maintenance needs make it a difficult material to install and maintain. Modern technology has enabled the invention of new, long lasting, and lower-maintenance materials that create the same aesthetic but without the drawbacks. Composite slate roof tiles are a wonderful alternative to slate that mimic the look and feel of slate. The composite material is lightweight, which makes it easy to install and doesn’t create the need for additional structural support.
Conclusion
If you need to repair a slate roof, get in touch with a professional roofing contractor and have it repaired by professionals like the experienced team at The Slate Roofing Company. Contact us today to experience the difference of quality workmanship and friendly customer service.
