It is hard to argue with the fact that slate shingles are one of the most aesthetically pleasing options available when it comes to roofing material options. After all, nothing beats the look of natural stone—it gives your home a classic and sophisticated look that is difficult to achieve with other materials, especially those that are synthesized.
It is also well-known that slate shingles outlast all other roofing materials. In fact, a roof made with these shingles can last between 50 and 200 years. This means that if you install a slate shingle roof now, not only will you get to enjoy it for your entire life, but so will your kids and your grandkids!
So, we have established that slate shingle roofs look amazing when installed, and they last forever. However, does their impeccable appearance last over time? The answer is yes; it is certainly possible to keep up the appearance of your slate shingle roof through the years, especially when you are staying on top of proper maintenance practices.
Although slate requires less maintenance than other roofing materials, which is another of its advantages, there are certain maintenance procedures you can do that will specifically target the upkeep of its aesthetic appearance.
Understanding the Characteristics of a Slate Roof
Once you decide on a slate shingle roof, you will have a number of further decisions to make about the specifics of your roof, as slate roof tiles are often available in various sizes from 24” x 12” to 12” x 6”. Slate tiles are split by hand and can also be split into various thicknesses, ranging from ¼” thick to 1” thick. As well, slate tiles can be cut in many different styles so that they are rounded or pointed in various ways, affecting their overall visual appearance.One of the most unique elements of slate roofing is that every single tile has slight variations in colour, shade, veining, and grain since each one is cut from natural quarried stone.
Although grey slate shingles are most common, it is also possible to purchase black, green, purple, red, and other mixed combinations of slate, as the region that slate is mined in affects its natural coloration. No matter where your slate comes from, though, one characteristic that all slate shares is its hardness, which is what makes it strong and durable.
Best Practices for Maintaining a Slate Roof
With slate shingles, you will definitely have the best-looking roof in your neighborhood. To keep it that way, though, there are a few best practices that you should always keep in mind.Of course, the best way to ensure that your slate roof stays in tip-top shape is to schedule annual roof maintenance inspections by experienced slate roofing contractors. This inspection should be scheduled in the fall so that you can adequately prepare for the winter, or in the spring to quickly patch up any issues caused by extreme winter weather.
Even though slate is one of the most durable roofing materials on the market, it is still possible to have a broken or slipped shingle from time to time due to severe storms and fallen tree branches. If a slipped or damaged slate shingle is not fixed promptly, it could lead to a water leak and moisture buildup that causes mould to grow and wood to decay.
One of the most vulnerable parts of a slate roof is the flashings, which are metal pieces located around the chimney, at the roof ridge, and in the hips and valleys. Copper flashings typically last up to 70 years, but if you notice them turning black, it is a sign that they must be replaced. Galvanized steel flashings, on the other hand, only last 15 to 20 years and should be painted to avoid rusting.
When you clean your roof, you must do so with extreme care and caution since even though slate is resistant to extreme weather and fire, the same cannot be said for strong chemicals or high pressure. For this reason, you should never use strong chemicals like bleach or ammonia or a pressure washer when you are cleaning your slate roof.
You may be wondering how to best clean your roof without these items and without walking on your roof, which is also important to avoid with slate shingles. The truth is that hiring a professional who has experience with slate roofs is your best bet. They will know exactly which methods to use to effectively clean your roof without causing any damage.
However, if a slate tile ever does come loose or crack, this could become a vulnerable point on your roof and could lead to leaks. This is why it is important to regularly have your roof checked for such damage, and to repair slipped or damaged tiles right away whenever such things happen.
If you live in an area that gets a lot of snow, you may also want to install snow guards on your slate roof to help snow and ice melt and drift off your roof in small amounts rather than all at once. Ensure that you get snow guards that are specifically made for slate roofs, as some of them need to be nailed or screwed in, which is not possible on a slate roof.
By getting your slate roof regularly inspected, cleaned, and fixed by a professional who has experience with slate, you can ensure that things are done properly. That way, whether you deal with extreme weather or not, your slate roof will last you a lifetime.
Long-Term Care for a Slate Roof
One of the great things about having slate roofing is that it does not require as much maintenance as roofs made with other materials. However, it is important to understand that this does not mean it should be completely ignored, as there are still some maintenance procedures that are necessary to keep it in good shape.When you clean your roof, you must do so with extreme care and caution since even though slate is resistant to extreme weather and fire, the same cannot be said for strong chemicals or high pressure. For this reason, you should never use strong chemicals like bleach or ammonia or a pressure washer when you are cleaning your slate roof.
You may be wondering how to best clean your roof without these items and without walking on your roof, which is also important to avoid with slate shingles. The truth is that hiring a professional who has experience with slate roofs is your best bet. They will know exactly which methods to use to effectively clean your roof without causing any damage.
Protecting the Slate Roof From Environmental Factors
Slate shingles are naturally resistant to extreme weather, and if installed properly, their durability will last no matter what kind of weather you get. Since slate tiles are naturally waterproof, you do not have to worry about placing additional waterproofing to your roof, as you would have to with some other roofing materials.However, if a slate tile ever does come loose or crack, this could become a vulnerable point on your roof and could lead to leaks. This is why it is important to regularly have your roof checked for such damage, and to repair slipped or damaged tiles right away whenever such things happen.
If you live in an area that gets a lot of snow, you may also want to install snow guards on your slate roof to help snow and ice melt and drift off your roof in small amounts rather than all at once. Ensure that you get snow guards that are specifically made for slate roofs, as some of them need to be nailed or screwed in, which is not possible on a slate roof.
Conclusion
Slate roofs have been proven to be more durable and long-lasting than all other roofing materials. Nevertheless, it is important to pay attention to proper maintenance procedures so that you can extend this longevity as long as possible.By getting your slate roof regularly inspected, cleaned, and fixed by a professional who has experience with slate, you can ensure that things are done properly. That way, whether you deal with extreme weather or not, your slate roof will last you a lifetime.
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