Slate was formed millions of years ago, which means it’s both beautiful and strong. This makes it an ideal material to use in homes. Many people enjoy having natural slate on their fireplaces or countertops, but it makes an even better roof.
The unique look of a natural slate roof is unmatched. It gives any home an old-world charm that can’t be replicated by a man-made material. That also means it requires some special attention to keep it looking as good as ever. The last thing you want is to neglect your slate roof care and leave it looking terrible.
Understanding how to maintain your slate is the key to success. Check out these tips for taking the best care of your slate roof!
Make Repairs Quickly
It’s inevitable that at some point your roof will sustain some damage. The constant exposure to the elements leaves it vulnerable to cracks, chips, or even holes. And that’s really the last thing you want from the thing that’s protecting the inside of your home.
Not only does damage mean you’ll likely get water or debris inside. It also looks bad.
Damage to a slate roof is much more visible than other roofing materials. Those imperfections can take away from the overall effect the stone can have on your curb appeal. Not to mention, damage has a tendency to spread.
The best thing you can do is stay on top of those kinds of repairs. Call in the experts for roof services as soon as you notice anything out of order.
Remove Debris
Often, damage to the slate tiles is done because of debris that falls on the roof. You can avoid this situation altogether by clearing off those things quickly.
But this job is often much easier said than done. The best way to preserve your slate tiles is to avoid stepping on them whenever possible. That’s why it’s better to call in the pros to clean your roof. They have the technique to safely walk along your roof without any issues.
Inspect Other Roof Aspects
While your roofing team is on the roof is the perfect time to inspect the other aspects of the roof. Things like the flashing, chimney, and gutters can impact how well your tile holds up. If you can catch issues with these areas quickly, you can avoid hurting the rest of the roof.
Generally, the flashing is where homeowners run into problems. Especially if it’s an older home.
It’s supposed to act as a barrier between the roofing tiles and other elements of the roof. If it fails, the tiles will become more vulnerable. Flashing isn’t designed to last as long as the tiles, so you have to do more to keep up with it.
They should be painted as a protective coating every couple of years. Your roofing experts can let you know when they need to be replaced.
Use Approved Cleaners
With typical roof shingles made of asphalt or other composite materials, you don’t have to worry very much about what products are used. In fact, normally nothing more than water is needed to clean the roof.
Cleaning slate roof tiles is a little bit of a different process. It’s important that you understand which products can be used. So that you don’t accidentally damage them.
To properly care for your slate tiles, you should avoid using harsh chemicals. This mainly becomes a problem when trying to remove moss or mold. A gentle cleanser should do the trick without causing any etching or corrosion.
Trim Surrounding Landscaping
When you live in a home with mature landscaping, you also have to consider those higher branches.
These branches that hang over your home have the potential to damage your slate tiles if left for too long. They could scratch them as they move in the wind. Or if they break off and fall onto the tiles, you’re looking at even more damage.
Keeping them trimmed nicely is the best way to avoid those problems altogether.
Protect Against Animals
Similarly, it’s a good idea to do your best to protect against animals spending time on your roof. The less pressure on the tiles, the better.
In particular, you should keep an eye out for any kind of nest. This means you have birds, squirrels, or another type of animal living up on the roof. Removing those will eliminate a lot of the traffic.
But it’s also important to remember that these tiles are strong and durable. So even if you can’t prevent every animal from walking on it, the tiles will be okay. But they may stay cleaner if you can accomplish this task!
Prep for Weather Changes
Probably the most impactful thing you can do to keep your slate roof looking amazing is to prep for the season changes. This will help you minimize the impact the weather has on the tiles throughout the year.
For example, before winter comes and it starts to snow you want to get all the leaves off the roof. This will keep them from sitting soggy on the tiles and causing discoloration. Your roofing experts may also suggest doing some waterproofing before then as well.
Other seasons it may look more like a quick cleaning and then moving on.
The main thing is that you’re spending some time inspecting your roof. Making sure everything is in order helps avoid major breakdowns wherever possible.
Keeping Your Natural Slate Roof Beautiful
Often, the roof isn’t the top priority for a homeowner. It’s not something you see while living your life inside. But letting it go too long without any maintenance will lead you to many problems.
Not only will it start to look disheveled, it may lose some of its protection power as well. A damaged roof leads to leaks, which are a huge problem for homeowners.
The best thing you can do is keep up with your professional maintenance appointments. Our slate experts understand exactly how to care for your natural slate roof. Schedule a consultation today to see what we can do for your roof.
Brittany Rich co-owns Roland Slate, where her expertise in roofing and dedication to craftsmanship have established the company as a leader in durable, beautifully designed roofing solutions. Brittany’s focus on high-quality materials and innovative installation techniques ensures that each roofing project is both aesthetically appealing and built to last. Under her direction, Roland Slate is committed to redefining roofing excellence, sharing knowledge on the benefits of slate roofing and how it can enhance the beauty and value of any property.