A slate roof is famous for being strong, beautiful, and weather-resistant. Obviously, it is an extraordinary venture!
According to The New York Times, slate roofs last between 50-200 years, depending on the type.
But even the strongest roofing materials need proper care so they last for generations. So, in this blog, you will learn about the best ways to take care of your slate roof and keep them as good as new for years.
In this article
1. Check it out regularly
To keep your slate roof in good shape, you need to check it often. You should inspect your roof twice a year, ideally in the spring and fall.
During these checks, look for broken, cracked, or missing slates and signs of leaks, water damage, or mold.
If you see a problem, you must fix it immediately to stop it from worsening. However, you can contact a trustable slate roofing contractor if you don’t know what to look for.
However, in case you don’t know which contractor will be the best for the check, approach a slate roof material seller and seek their help to find one!
2. Get rid of trash and moss
Over time, things like leaves, twigs, and dirt can build up on your roof. It can clog your roof, causing water pooling, and damage your slate tiles.
So, make sure you clean your roof often to get rid of any waste and prevent them from accumulating.
You can remove them without damaging the tiles by using a cleaning product made for slate roofs.
3. Keep gutters and downspouts in good shape
A functional gutter system is important for water to flow out of your roof without obstruction. Ensure your gutters and drains are clean and are working well to avoid damaging your slate roof.
To ensure the system works well, you should clean your gutters regularly, check for leaks, and fix any damage.
4. Trim trees close to your house
Tree and plant trimming is a smart landscaping practice. However, overgrown trees often leave a lot of leaves and other waste on your roof.
If these things accumulate on your roof, they can cause severe damage to your roof to the point of making cracks. So, it can make it easier for pests to get into your home.
5. Don’t walk on your roof
Slate roofs can be flimsy; if you walk on them, you could crack or break the tiles. Instead, use a ladder and work from the edges to get on your roof for checks or repairs.
If you aren’t sure what to do, contact an expert beforehand. They will ensure the repair is done without causing more damage.
6. Take care of flashings
You must also pay attention to flashings as it keeps water from getting in through vents, chimneys, and other holes in the roof.
Flashing can get damaged, rust, or lose its seal over time. Consequently, this leads to leaks and water damage. Check your flashing often and fix or replace it to keep your roof from falling apart.
7. For major repairs, hire a pro.
If your roof needs major repairs, like replacing several slates, fixing a lot of water damage, or re-flashing, it’s best to let a professional do the work.
Slate roofs can be hard to work with, and if you don’t know what you’re doing and try to make big fixes, you might cause more damage or even hurt yourself. Instead, consider getting a professional slate roofing expert to fix your roof properly and safely.
8. Take extra precaution if the cold seasons
Before winter approaches, remove all the junk and debris accumulated on the roof. If you don’t do this, ice can form on your slate, breaking your tiles. When ice melts and freezes further down, it makes ice dams, stopping water from running off.
However, this will be a hectic step if you live somewhere cold all year round. Since you may not always be available and can’t climb the roof when it has ice, it’s better to get heating cables for the gutter.
Over to you
Always follow these essential tips to keep your slate roof in good shape and enjoy its beauty and strength for many years. But, if you can’t follow them regularly, always seek experts to avoid major damage.
