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COMMON SLATE ROOF ISSUES
Slate roofing is a popular choice among homeowners for its durability and natural beauty. However, like any other roofing material, slate roofs are susceptible to damage over time. Whether it’s due to harsh weather conditions or natural wear and tear, slate roof repair is a task that needs to be undertaken sooner or later.
Identifying Slate Roof Damage
The first step in slate roof repair is identifying the damage. Here are some common signs of slate roof damage that you should look out for:
Cracked or Broken Slates
Cracked or broken slates are the most obvious signs of slate roof damage. They can occur due to extreme weather conditions or natural wear and tear over time. If left unattended, cracked or broken slates can lead to leaks and further damage to your roof.
Missing Slates
Missing slates can also be a sign of slate roof damage. They can occur due to wind damage or improper installation. Missing slates can lead to leaks and compromise the integrity of your roof.
Leaks
Leaks are a common problem with slate roofs. They can occur due to damaged slates or flashing, or due to natural wear and tear over time. If left unattended, leaks can lead to significant damage to your roof and the structure of your home.
Delamination
Delamination is caused by the reaction of certain minerals to long-term moisture cycles. Over time, these minerals expand, causing layers to separate along cleavage planes. Because slates are most likely to absorb moisture along their edges, that’s where delamination is often most obvious. As slate ages, paper-thin flakes separate from its surface, and its interior becomes increasingly soft and spongy as the inner layers also begin to delaminate. Slates with mineral occlusions may show deterioration anywhere on the tile.
Dense slate with more stable minerals lasts the longest. As layers delaminate, they provide an avenue for moisture to be absorbed into the tile’s interior. “Rot” is not an appropriate word to use to describe slate deterioration because rot is caused by decay fungi that don’t affect slate. But the softening, crumbling effects of slate deteriorated by moisture are similar to wood rot.
The chemical and physical changes common to aging slate increase its moisture-absorption properties and reduce its strength and toughness. This general weakening leaves slate tile more vulnerable to breakage, cracking and chipping at the corners. The increase of moisture absorption may not actually cause leaks, but it can hold moisture against the wood sheathing and cause wood decay, which can go undetected for a long time. On homes with older slate, you should check the condition of the roof sheathing.
Efflorescence
UV radiation and moisture also cause lime and other mineral salts in slate to break down. This causes slate to become more porous. These minerals are eventually deposited as white powder on the surface of the slate, and this is called efflorescence. There is some disagreement about the degree to which visible efflorescence indicates failure of slate tiles, but there is general agreement that widespread efflorescence indicates a long-term moisture problem that may be serious.
Contributing Slate Deterioration Factors
Factors which typically affect other roofing types — such as thermal expansion, the freeze-thaw cycle, and UV deterioration — have a lesser effect on slate tiles. Older slate roofs that have been generally weakened are more affected by these elements than newer ones. Southern exposures are less important to the deterioration of slate roofs than with other types of roofs. More important is the direction from which storms approach because long-term, moisture-related chemical changes deteriorate slate.
While slate is rock hard, it is not impervious to damage. If hit hard enough – or if an inexperienced contractor steps in the wrong place – a slate roofing tile can crack. Cracks allow water into undesirable places, causing leakage, and eventually rot or other damage. Slate roof cracks should be repaired immediately. Likewise for misaligned tiles, which might let in animals or debris, in addition to water.
Worse than cracks are missing tiles. In this case, more of the underlying roofing structure is exposed to the elements, which can more quickly damage nearby tiles and other parts of your roof. Slates work best together, without chinks in the armor. If you notice any missing slates, have them fixed right away. Water can infiltrate tender areas of your roof, causing mold, mildew, and rot, as well as algae. All of these are evidence of excess moisture, cause damage to the slates and roof, and are indicators of more serious problems elsewhere.
Unfortunately, the incredible durability of slate is compromised by amateur contractors who don’t specialize in this unique roofing material. While slate is tough, it can be broken if mishandled; the true longevity of a slate roof is due to the slates working together in a mesh, like a phalanx, to prevent water and material from entering your home or business.
To save on costs and compete on price, slate roofing contractors will use poor quality slate, often imported, instead of better but more expensive options.
Let’s be clear: slate roofing is more expensive up-front than other, less durable roofing options. It’s tempting, then, to cut corners and offer a cheaper slate option. But these short-cuts interfere with the natural durability of slate and the functional lifespan of your roof. It will cost more tomorrow to do it cheaply today.
We often fix damage resulting from non-specialist mistakes such as improperly soldered joints; incorrect nails; excess traffic on the slates, causing hairline fractures; incorrect underlayment; and the list goes on.
The beauty of a slate roof is, at least in part, its implied strength. It’s stone – very durable stuff, except when it has suffered a lasting injury, unknown or ignored for years, worsening. It’s tempting to use a less expensive contractor willing to make any promise necessary to sell the job.
A slate roof replacement or repair is not expensive if it is installed correctly and maintained properly. Slate roofs accidentally sabotaged by laymen roofing contractors are a slowly unfolding tragedy; they fail too often, degrading what should be a century strong roof, and add unnecessary expense, worry, and heartache to what should be a nearly maintenance free investment in your home.
Common Slate Roof Repairs
There are several common repairs that homeowners may need to make to their slate roofs. These include fixing loose or broken slate tiles, replacing damaged flashing, repairing leaks and removing moss or algae growth. In some cases, the entire roof may need to be replaced if it is too damaged to repair. It’s important to regularly inspect slate roofs and address issues as soon as they arise to prevent further damage and maintain the integrity of the roof.
The most common slate roof repairs include:
1. Fixing loose or broken slate tiles: Over time, slate tiles can become loose or even break, due to factors such as heavy winds or the natural expansion and contraction of the roof. These loose or broken tiles can be a source of leaks and other damage, so it’s important to identify and fix them as soon as possible. This can often be done by re-securing the tiles with nails, hooks, or adhesive, or by replacing the damaged slates.
2. Replacing damaged flashing: Flashing is the metal or plastic strips that are used to seal the intersections between the roof and other structures, such as chimneys or skylights. Over time, flashing can become damaged or corroded, allowing water to leak into the roof. To fix this, the damaged flashing must be removed and replaced.
3. Repairing leaks: Leaks are one of the most common problems with slate roofs. Leaks can be caused by a variety of factors, including broken or loose tiles, damaged flashing, or a lack of proper ventilation. To repair leaks, the source of the leak must be identified and addressed, which may involve making repairs to the roof itself or to the flashing or other components. In some cases, it may be necessary to remove and replace damaged sections of the roof.
4. Removing moss or algae growth: Moss and algae can grow on slate roofs, especially in areas with high humidity or poor drainage. This growth can cause the roof to deteriorate and become less effective at protecting the home from water damage. To remove moss or algae, a homeowner can use a specialized cleaning product or hire a professional to perform the cleaning.
In general, it’s important for homeowners to regularly inspect their slate roofs and address any issues as soon as they arise in order to prevent further damage and maintain the integrity of the roof. If a homeowner is unsure of how to make a particular repair, it’s always best to consult a professional.
Tips for Preventing Future Damage
Prevention is always better than cure when it comes to slate roof repair. Here are some tips to help you prevent future damage to your slate roof:
- Regular Inspections
Regular inspections can help you identify and address any damage to your slate roof before it becomes a bigger problem.
- Keep Your Roof Clean
Keeping your roof clean can help prevent the buildup of debris and moisture that can lead to damage over time.
- Trim Surrounding Trees