Welcome to Family Roofing

CALL OR EMAIL US TODAY FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE – 202-276-5004   FAMILY.ROOFING@YAHOO.COM

 

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.

 

COMMON SLATE ROOF ISSUES

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.  Below are some of the most common slate roof problems.

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.  Slate roof tiles are primarily made of metamorphic rocks, and the mineral composition determines their color and weather properties.  For example, chlorite produces green, and hematite has purple tones.  Unlike many other roofing materials, slate tiles are fireproof and can withstand rain, high wind, and heavy snow.  These waterproof roofs are perfect for commercial buildings in colder climates.  Although slate roofs are durable, attractive, and long-lasting, they can experience problems over time like any other roofing systems.

What causes missing or slipped tiles?

There are a few different causes of missing tiles or slates on your roof.  The first is obviously weather.  When wind and rain gets high and heavy, it can pull tiles out of their place, especially if they weren’t fixed in securely.  Secondly there’s the possibility of nails wearing away.  The nails that hold your tiles or slates in place can eventually rust and wear away, leaving them too weak to hold the tiles.  In some cases, tiles can even slip out of place because the wood has weakened.  Water damage to roof battens, for instance, means there’s less integrity holding onto the tiles.

Will it cause a leak?

The short answer is yes.  A missing roof tile can definitely cause a leak in your roof.  Even if it doesn’t leave a visible gap in your roof’s covering, that missing tile creates a break in the roof which the weather can penetrate.  It’s also worth considering the knock-on effect.  Allowing wind and rain to penetrate your roof makes other tiles more susceptible to damage. You could soon see more tiles slipping out place, which will only increase the cost of repair.  Alternatively, you might see more tiles slipping out of place simply because of the root cause.  If it’s down to corroded nails or wood damage, there’s nothing stopping other tiles slipping for the same reason.

Broken Slates 

Extreme weather conditions can also result in broken slates.  Although harsh weather conditions can break a few slates, if you notice too many broken slates, it is a sign that the roof is becoming soft and more prone to collapse.  In such a situation, it is best to hire a professional roofing specialist to inspect the roof and present optimal solutions. 

Delamination

The natural material layers the texture of slate tiles.  When the slate approaches the end of its life, you will see the layers begin to split apart, a process known as delamination.  If you fail to deal with the problem quickly, it can lead to other complicated issues, such as leaks and breakages.  It is important to avoid confusing naturally prominent layers with delamination.  Flakes and gaps are common signs of delamination.  Because it is not a DIY job to fix the problem, call a professional roofing contractor. 

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.

Nail Sickness 

Most often, construction companies use nails to fix slates into place.  These nails are made from low-quality steel or iron material and prone to rust and decay over time.  Nail Sickness is a common term used by professional contractors when multiple nails rust or corrosion on one roof.  Hire a professional roofer to diagnose the problem and make any necessary repairs. 

What does nail sickness mean for my roof?

Nail sickness can be a serious problem, as generally all the nails in the roof will have been installed at the same time, so if one fails, then the rest are usually soon to follow.  When roof nails fail, the tiles on your roof are no longer secure or safe, so it is not a problem that should be ignored or left to worsen.  Falling tiles can be very dangerous and loose or missing tiles can let water into your home, causing leaks, damp, and structural damage over time.

Identifying and fixing nail sickness

One or two tiles becoming loose and falling off your roof doesn’t necessarily mean your roof has nail sickness.  A professional roofing contractor or surveyor will need to inspect the condition of your roof to see the extent of the damage.  One or two loose tiles could be caused by incorrect installation or extreme weather.  However, if a considerable number of your roof tiles are loose or showing signs of nail deterioration then this is probably nail sickness.  If it is only a small area of your roof that is being affected by nail sickness, then maintenance and repairs may be carried out on this area only.  Generally, nail sickness will affect the entire roof, in which case you will need to have your whole roof stripped and re-slated.

Flashing Damage

All types of roofs have a common problem known as flashing damage. Flashing is a sheet made of metal material. It lines and protects certain roof areas from water. Because flashing is made of metal, it is prone to corrosion or rust over time. 

When you notice any damages to the flashing, call a professional contractor immediately. Most often, the existing flashing requires replacement with a new one. An experienced roofer can get the job done adequately. 

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.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU’RE EXPERIENCING SLATE ROOF PROBLEMS

The best course of action if you have noticed any problems or signs of deterioration with your roof is to contact a professional roofing company who is experienced in dealing specifically with slate roofs.  Although slate roofs are incredibly durable, there will eventually come a time when you experience problems and, when this happens, it’s best to deal with it properly!

Because roofing is relatively expensive, slate is an excellent material with greater durability properties.  However, if you notice any signs of weakening with your slate roof, the best course of action is to call a reputable roofing company.  Although these roofs are durable, extreme weather conditions can cause problems. It is wise to fix the issues on time to avoid expensive repairs.