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.
WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT SLATE ROOFS
There are countless roofing options available on the market. Regardless of a homeowner’s style, there is something out there that will fit the look they desire for their home. However, not all roofing options are made equal, and each offers distinct advantages and disadvantages that are important to keep in mind. Because of this, it is vital to do research and know the best options before you buy.
A natural slate roof is one option that many choose for various reasons. Here is why slate roofing is popular as well as some slate shingles problems to keep in mind, before committing to this roofing option.
Why Do People Choose a Natural Slate Roof?
Slate roofing has proven popular for many different reasons. For one, slate is a beautiful product that has a distinct look, unlike options such as asphalt or composite tiles. Slate roofing tiles are available in different sizes, thicknesses, and even colors. These roofs have a long lifespan and were a popular choice for many years for that reason. Once a slate roof is in place, it will last decades before it needs replacing, which makes them an environmentally friendly option as well. Their long lifespan is due to their durability. They can handle cases of extreme weather with relative ease and are also fire resistant.
Since your roof is one of the most important investments you’ll make in your home, you want to choose the right one. With this in mind, here’s everything you need to know to decide whether a slate roof is right for your home.
What Is a Slate Roof?
Slate is a metamorphic rock derived from clay or volcanic ash. It’s mined in Vermont, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and internationally in Italy. Thanks to its physical makeup, it can be split into layers or sheets that are then cut into tiles, which are used to cover surfaces like roofs or floors.
Slate comes in a palette of several natural colors and can be cut into a variety of sizes and shapes, making it a versatile roofing material. It’s also water, fire, mold, temperature, insect, and weather-resistant. Because of its durability and low maintenance requirements, it’s a favorite when it comes to long-lasting, durable roofs.
Are Slate Roofs Expensive to Install?
One of the downsides of slate tiles is that they’re much more expensive than traditional asphalt shingles. They can also involve some additional installation costs.
If you’re looking to transition from an asphalt roof to slate, you must make sure your home’s structure can support the tiles’ weight. Most homes aren’t designed to carry slate’s heavy load. You may need to add support or redesign your home’s structural components, depending on how it’s currently built.
As with any roof, additional factors can affect the installation costs, including:
The cost of roofing accessories, like flashing and venting
Accessibility
Size and complexity of the roof’s design
The number of penetrations
Replacement of roof decking
Labor costs
All of these costs can quickly add up.
How Do You Maintain a Slate Roof?
The first step in maintaining any roof is an annual roof inspection. Note that slate is a brittle rock, so walking on it may crack or break the tiles. Inspections should be completed from the ground or on a ladder. Look for missing, broken, or cracked tiles. If tiles have chipped corners, you don’t have to repair or replace them.
Any damaged tiles should be repaired or replaced by a professional roofer as soon as possible to prevent roof leaks. Water can seep through tile cracks, damage your roof deck, and potentially infiltrate your home’s interior.
You can clean the roof using a soft brush and household soap and water. After scrubbing the tiles to remove moss and dirt, rinse them with a spray hose. Don’t use a pressure washer to clean your roof as it can damage it.
When Should You Replace a Slate Roof?
Cracked slate tiles can be repaired, which can save you money on upkeep in the long run. However, if your roof is reaching the end of its lifespan, it may be time to replace it entirely. Here are some features to look for that may signify it’s time to replace your roof:
Missing tiles
Tile color changes due to moisture
Broken tiles
Moss growth
Roof leaks
If you notice any of the above, call a professional roofer to inspect your roof to determine if it can be repaired or needs replacement. Keep in mind that because slate is a natural material, it can be hard to find slate that matches the exact color of your existing roof. This may mean you’ll need to replace your roof to maintain a consistent color.
Pros and Cons of a Slate Roof
Before deciding if this roofing material is right for your home, weigh the pros and cons.
Pros
Slate is a durable material. You can expect it to last a long time with regular maintenance and in a mild climate.
It’s versatile and comes in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, so it will complement any decor or building style.
Slate is a sustainable resource. It can be recycled and has a long useful life, so it doesn’t have to be replaced as often.
Cons
Slate is heavy. It weighs 8 to 10 pounds per square foot. Your home must be designed to carry that weight.
It’s expensive. Slate costs more than asphalt shingles, and it may come with the additional cost of adding structural support to carry its weight.
Since slate is brittle, it can’t withstand the weight of someone walking on it. Storm debris can also break the tiles.
As slate is a natural product, there’s no warranty on it. You can receive a warranty on the roof installation, but any material defects won’t be covered.
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.
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 professional roofer.
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.
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 roofer 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!
CALL OR EMAIL US TODAY FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE – 202-276-5004 FAMILY.ROOFING@YAHOO.COM
There are countless roofing options available on the market. Regardless of a homeowner’s style, there is something out there that will fit the look they desire for their home. However, not all roofing options are made equal, and each offers distinct advantages and disadvantages that are important to keep in mind. Because of this, it is vital to do research and know the best options before you buy.
How Do You Maintain a Slate Roof?
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.