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SLATE ROOF MAINTENANCE TIPS
Slate roof maintenance requires different care. However, slate roof maintenance and repair can be quite easy if you know what to do. Learn the best tips for maintaining and repairing your slate.
Get an Annual Inspection
If you have a slate roof, by far the most important thing you can do to maintain it is to have an annual inspection by a local slate roofing professional. Though delicate, slate roofs can last a very long time—100 years or more—if taken care of properly. The first step is to have your roof professionally inspected every spring. It will let you know if any damage occurred throughout the winter, and it will keep you ahead of any major repairs. Slate roof maintenance often includes gutter cleaning, inspection for damaged areas, and cleaning of the roof to remove debris, mold, mildew, and moss.
Inspect the Roof:
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Safety First: Before starting any work on the roof, make sure you have the necessary safety equipment or call a professional.
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Visual Inspection: Begin by visually inspecting the entire roof for any visible damage, such as cracked, loose, or missing slates. Note down any repairs required for later.
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Trim Back Tree Branches: Overhanging tree branches provide shade and moisture that can encourage algae and moss growth. Trim back any branches that are too close to the roof to reduce the amount of shade and dampness.
Stay Ahead of Slate Repairs
Your annual inspection will alert you to any damage that might have occurred over the course of the year, and especially during the punishing conditions of winter. When you have a slate roof, you can expect that the most common damage will be to the slates themselves. You are likely to have broken and slipped slates from time to time, especially if you have large trees around your home or there has been a strong storm. A trained slater can repair individual slates easily. Small, chipped corners on slate may look ugly but will not cause a leak. Instead, keep an eye out for missing or badly broken slates.
These aren’t just unattractive. They can also lead to significant damage to your roof, as well as to interior and exterior walls. A damaged roof, for instance, can lead to water leaks and moisture buildup that can contribute to the growth of dangerous mold and mildew and cause your wood to decay and deteriorate.
Mind the Flashings
Proper maintenance of your slate roof flashing is crucial to ensure its effectiveness in protecting your home. Below are tips for maintaining slate roof flashings:
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Inspect Regularly:
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Examine the valley metal, chimney flashings, step flashings, cap or counter flashings, ridge and hip metal, and pipe vent flashings.
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Look for signs of wear, damage, or deterioration. Address any issues promptly to prevent leaks and water infiltration.
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Address Flashing Repairs:
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If you notice damaged or corroded flashings, consider repairs or replacements.
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Flashings can wear out faster than the slate itself, so staying proactive is essential.
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Chimney Flashings:
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Pay special attention to chimney flashings. They are critical areas prone to leaks.
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Ensure proper sealing around the chimney base and where the flashing meets the slate roof.
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Gutter Flashings:
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Check the flashing where the gutters meet the slate roof.
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Properly sealed gutter flashings prevent water from seeping behind the slate and causing damage.
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Use Gentle Cleaning Solutions:
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When cleaning your slate roof, avoid abrasive chemicals or high-pressure washers that could harm the slate.
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Research and use a gentle cleaning solution specifically formulated for slate roofs.
Remember that regular inspections and timely repairs are essential for maintaining your slate roof and its flashings.
Take Care of Your Chimney
Chimneys can be a complete headache for a homeowner if not maintained. You have to consider the chimney itself, the masonry, the flashing, and the cap or flue covers. These different parts all have their own job in keeping water out of your home.
Chimneys can be very tricky because there are several different causes for a chimney leak. To guard against leaks, a professional will look for the following:
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Inspect the flashing to make sure it’s still in good condition
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Check the bricks and joints for any missing mortar
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Verify that the chimney is properly lined if used to vent a furnace
Don’t Forget the Gutters
The final aspect of slate roof maintenance is to keep your gutters and downspouts in good working order. Both box gutters and hanging gutters each have their own maintenance needs. Box gutters are built into the rafter system of your roof, and from the ground, they look like decorative wood molding around the perimeter of your home. Hanging gutters are attached to the eaves of your home using hangers and are visible from the ground. The trough of the gutters is typically lined either with copper or galvanized steel.
Both types of gutters will also need inspection at least once a year to make sure there are no holes and that the solder seams are still intact. This is also a great time to remove debris from the troughs. Gutters are responsible for getting the water away from your home, so improper maintenance can be as damaging to your home as the failure to repair and replace your slates can be.
