A slate roof is the best roofing material you can install bar none!

It is strong, waterproof, fireproof, sterile so no bugs or growths can gain a foothold, it will not rot, warp with extremes of temperature, it is resistant to physical damage and is cheap to maintain because there is virtually no maintenance required.

A properly installed slate roof will last for your lifetime and your grand-children’s!
It is not uncommon for a slate roof to last for more than one hundred years, however there are things you should do to maximize your enjoyment of the slate roof and minimize any potential costs down the road.

The Do’s

Once a year you should inspect the roof for its condition and check in particular for loose slates and ridges. You should perform the inspection externally and internally and check the for dampness or moisture buildup around the supporting roof timbers.

You should expect to find minor issues which require no attention, such as flaking or small cracks and sometimes a change in color. These are naturally occurring features of slate and are not cause for any real concern.

You should ensure that any plant growths are removed and clear any debris from the roof, such as fallen branches after a storm. These will help the buildup of moss or other pests and though slate provides no sustenance to pests, you do not want to run the risk of the slate roof being penetrated to the wooden support below or plants dislodging individual slate tiles.
If you have any concerns about the roof, consult with an experienced specialist contractor who understands the issues with a slate roof. Slate roofs should not be installed or repaired by non-experienced contractors.

Do ensure that you perform any repairs that are necessary as soon as any problem is uncovered. The only thing that can affect the structural integrity of a slate roof is an issue which has been allowed to fester and be neglected for an extended period of time. Where repairs are required, re-use as many of the existing slates as is possible.

Photograph the roof so you have a record of the condition and layout of the slates and especially of the installation, so there is a record which can be referred to at a later date if needed.

The Don’ts

Do not use inexperienced or unlicensed contractors for installation or repairs.

Do not neglect repairs or issues which need attention for any length of time.

Do not turn slates over to offer a new face – some roofing contractors offer this service but the underside of a weathered slate may not be as resistant to the environment as the original face.

Do not try to straighten the roof shape by replacing roof frame supports. The irregularity of a slate roof is a feature which adds character and the shifting distribution of the slate roof will lead to other problems as well as damaging the integrity of the entire installation.

Do not use tar or mortar to bed slates in.

Do not buy slate unless you are certain of the origin because much “reclaimed” slate is in fat stolen. Use authorized dealers and suppliers.

Author Bio: Find quality Slate Roof Tiles from Virginia Slate

Category: Home Management
Keywords: slate roof,installed slate roof,existing slates,slate roofs,individual slate tiles,slate tiles