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At Family Roofing, we take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality and customer service. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. Our reputation is based on service, safety and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.
Causes of Slate Roof Failure
Slate roofs are valued by homeowners mainly because of their impressively long service life of more than 100 years. Although initially, they cost more than most roofing options, slate roofs are popular for their ability to withstand extremely high winds, heavy snow, and rainfall. In addition, the material itself can be modified into pleasing shapes and specific design accents that can instantly enhance the curb appeal of any home. However, without the expert installation skills and maintenance services of trained specialists, the slate roof can only do so much.
1. Choosing the wrong flashing. The metal flashing surrounds chimneys and vents to seal exposed gaps where rainwater can seep through. If you use a less durable metal like aluminum or stainless steel, the flashing will corrode quicker than the slate roof and begin to allow water leaks and mold growth under the roof deck. In this way, the weather-resistant feature of the slate roof is compromised. Replacing the old flashing with copper flashing is an effective way to support the overall durability of your slate roof.
2. Using poor quality nails. Similar to flashing, poor quality nails will start the premature failure of the slate roof. If the nails start to corrode and loosen their grip, the slate tiles may be torn off in the event of high winds. Reputable roofing contractors use two heavy-gauge, galvanized roofing nails per tile with the next tile covering the nails completely. If not strictly followed, roof damages will soon start appearing.
3. Walking over the slate roof. During installation or repair, professional slate roofers use hook ladders to keep off their weight from pressing down on the slate tiles. This is to avoid cracked and broken tiles that can potentially let in moisture into the roof. If you want your slate roof to reach its promised service life, make sure to prevent unnecessary foot traffic all the time.
Slate roofs are extremely durable and long-lasting, as well as being very attractive but, like any roof, they do experience their share of issues over time.
ADDITIONAL SLATE ISSUES
MISSING AND SLIPPED SLATES
Extreme weather conditions, such as heavy rain, strong winds, hail and snow, can result in slates becoming misplaced. Whether they are completely removed or slip out of position, it’s important to see to this quickly so that the roof doesn’t become compromised. Slate tiles can be easily replaced but it’s important that this is done by a roofing specialist.
BROKEN SLATES
As well as slates which go missing or slip out of position, extreme weather can also cause existing slates to break. This can be caused by extreme weather, but if many of your slates are broken or fractured it could be a sign that the slate is actually becoming soft and might need inspecting by a professional.
NAIL SICKNESS
Originally, nails used to fix individual slates into place to form the slate roof were made from iron or poor-quality steel. This means that they are likely to rust and decay over time. Nail sickness is a term used to describe the situation where this happens to multiple slates on one roof. If this happens, it is again important to get a professional roofer in to assess the situation and make any necessary repairs or replacements.
DELAMINATION
The texture of slate tiles is layered due to it being a natural material. When slate begins to approach the end of its life, the layers you see might begin to split apart and this is the process that we term delamination. If this is not dealt with quickly, it can lead to further problems with your slate roof such as breakages and leaks. However, the layers in slate can be distinct so be careful not to confuse naturally prominent layers with delamination. The most obvious signs tend to be flaking and gaps.
FLASHING DAMAGE
Damage to the flashing is a common problem for all types of roofs and this is no different for slate roofs. The flashing is the sheet metal that lines and protects vulnerable areas of the roof from water. However, because it is typically made of metal, it is vulnerable to rust and corrosion over time. If this happens, the flashing will most likely all need to be replaced by a professional roofer.
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