Though humans have been using slate roofs for almost two millennia, we’ve only been using slate in our roofing since the 1650s here in the United States. If you have an aging roof with obvious signs of wear and tear, it might start to feel like your old slate roof has been around since that time!
Slate roofs can last decades with proper care and upkeep, and they’ll maintain their beauty as well. However, it’s not always easy to tell what to do with them, especially if you’ve never had a roof of this style before.
Whether you’ve inherited an old roof on a home you’ve just bought or you’re trying to maintain an installed roof that’s a few decades old, here’s what to know about preserving your investment.
Keep Your Roof in Good Condition
No matter the age of your roof, you’ll need to do your part to preserve its condition.
Do a Visual Check
Start with a regular inspection once every few months or after a bad storm. You don’t even have to climb up onto the roof, though you can do so if you feel comfortable on a ladder.
Check for cracked, slipped, or missing tiles. This is easiest when the sun is hitting the side of the roof you’re inspecting, as you can look for anything that strays from the usual pattern of the tiles and their shadows.
You should also check for cracked or damaged slates that have fallen around the perimeter of your home. If you find any, have it repaired as soon as possible. Leaving part of your roofing system bare can allow water to creep into the underlayment and leak into your home.
Inspect Your Flashing and Gutters
Next, check your roof flashing and gutters. Look for dents and damage as well as any signs that these components are coming loose. You should also remove leaves and other debris from your gutters.
Experts recommend doing a gutter cleaning at least once every fall. If you find yourself cleaning them much more often, consider installing a leaf guard to keep them clear.
Inspect Your Chimney
If you have a chimney, maintaining it is an important part of keeping your roof in good condition. These features are prone to leaks and shifting, so make sure to inspect the flashing, bricks, joints, and flue cover often for signs of wear.
Be Careful When Cleaning
Your slate roof will be beautiful when first installed, but it’s prone to collecting the same dirt, algae, and debris as any other roof. Over the years, you may notice a heavy buildup of these substances. Keeping your roof pristine means cleaning it, but you’ll have to be careful when doing so.
Remove debris like leaves, twigs, and branches as they accumulate. This can prevent clogs and excess weight. You can use a leaf blower or a soft-bristled brush or broom, though you should always be gentle as you use these tools.
If mildew, mold, dark spots, or other discoloration builds up on your roof, never use high-force cleaning strategies like pressure washing to remove it. These roofing services often use harsh chemicals and excess pressure to remove stains, but both of these things can damage your tiles.
Instead, make sure you’re using gentle roof cleaners, and check your installation paperwork to be sure you aren’t choosing something that voids your warranty. Using a garden hose is often enough to wash these chemicals away.
You can also find products that kill or prevent fungus, moss, and algae growth. These organic nuisances can cause your roof to deteriorate, so it’s crucial to get rid of them as soon as they appear. However, you should again be sure to check the labels before applying them.
Get Professional Roof Inspections
One of the best things you can do for your roof is get a professional roof inspection at least once a year.
While there’s a lot of slate roof maintenance you can do on your own, an expert eye can catch far more than you could on your own. During a professional inspection, a contractor will look for wear and tear, damage due to severe weather events, moisture issues, material expansion or settling, and more. They’ll also do an interior inspection of your home to look for structural wear.
Experts recommend scheduling an inspection every spring. This is a good way to make sure your home hasn’t taken any damage during the winter, and it also keeps you on top of your roof’s condition as you prepare for heavy summer storms.
If you want to enjoy the full lifespan of your slate roofing, which can be up to 200 years with proper care, regular inspections should be on your to-do list.
Stay Ahead of Slate Roof Repairs
If your roofing contractor lets you know that your roof needs repairs, don’t wait! It may be tempting to put off the work and avoid the expense, but this can leave your roofing system vulnerable to further damage.
Bad breaks can create a moisture buildup that invites mold, fungus, and mildew. In turn, this can cause the materials of your attic to begin deteriorating. Invest in timely repairs to maintain your home’s structure!
Having an expert repair a few slates now and then is relatively inexpensive, and it can keep these issues at bay. Even for minor damage, repairs can keep unsightly cracks and chips from affecting the look of your roof.
Take Better Care of Your Old Slate Roof
The chances are good that your old slate roof can last several decades more with proper care. As long as you’re proactive about inspections, cleaning, and repairs, you can continue enjoying the classic look of your beautiful slate roof.
If you need a partner in your efforts to preserve your roof, Roland Slate Service Co., Inc. is here to help. Our roofing contractors are proud to have offered incredible customer service and expert craftsmanship throughout the area for over three decades. When you’re ready to get award-winning service for your old slate roof, contact us today at (410) 532-9037 or fill out our online form for a free estimate.