Slate tiles are known to be the longest-lasting roof materials. They can even last up to 100 years since; they are made of natural rocks. Therefore many believe they are indestructible, and the roof repairing is not necessary. Still, you might sometimes need to do slate roof repairing because, with age, they will eventually start leaking. You will want to hire slate roof repair specialists if you need to do the installation of slate roofs. With regular maintenance, your slate roof can go for another 25 years without any repair. Let’s get to know the simple methods of slate roofing maintenance below.
- Check for the slate tiles
It is wise of you to do the roof tile annual inspection during the spring to evaluate if there is any damage caused throughout the winter. Check for the broken or chipped slates, sliding, and unstable flashing so that your roof can withstand the heat of the summer and rain. It is essential to do a prior inspection to save you from major slate roof repair.
- Inspect the flashings
The flashing and gutter of the slate roof are the most vulnerable part of the slate roof. Hence, keeping them maintain will keep your slate roof in good shape for many years. Flashing should be made of thin and weatherproof material, which could be as durable as the slate covering. Flashing is installed to keep the water from getting under the tiles.
You can choose aluminium, copper, or galvanized steel to surround the windows, doors, gutters, chimneys, and if no exterior joint. A flashing sheet is cut to fit around the pipe and then nailed to the roof with galvanized nails through the shingles. Therefore you will also need to replace the roof slates that have nail holes if your old flashing has cracked and is leaking. It is best to install a new slate roof with copper and lead flashing for the pipe.
- Inspect the gutter
The major role of gutters and downspouts is to direct the water away from your home. There are two types of gutters, i.e., box gutters and hanging gutters. Whereas the box gutters are built to direct the water into the rafter of your roof, the hanging gutters are attached to the overhangs of your home. The trough of those gutters should be lined with metal such as copper or galvanized steel. Make a good inspection of the gutters for any holes or blockages to ensure the seams are intact.
- Check for the sheathing and roof decking
The wood sheathing fastened around the roof rafters, and the tiles are laid on top of the sheathing. Those sheathing can withstand the weight of the slate roof and can be as durable as the slate roof. Hence, it’s important to check for any damage to protect your home.
- Check for the chimney
Any damage to the masonry, chimney ca, or flue cover can be a major headache since their job is to keep water from leaking inside the home from different parts. Check the bricks, joints to see if there is any missing mortar and if the chimney is properly lined. If the chimney is used to vent over any furnace, then it’s good to shield against any leakage. It is better to consult Slate Roof Repair Specialists for repairing chimney leakage since it can be very tricky if you are not professional.
Do the annual inspection to avoid any further damage, and always recruit a professional roofing contractor to repair your roof. You can contact Top Tier Slate Roofing to do comprehensive slate roof inspections and repairing at affordable repairing costs.
