You may not know how to tell if a slate roof needs replacing, but seasoned professionals can help. Learn what signs indicate it’s time for repairs and when it’s safer to get a new roof altogether.
Is Your Slate Roof in Good Condition?
Slate tiles offer durability and long-term protection unlike any other roofing material on the market. They also provide a timeless appearance to residential properties. Although slate tile may look great and is robust and reliable, it still needs the proper care and ongoing maintenance to keep it in pristine condition from the inside out.
There could be underlying issues that homeowners and passersby can’t see, which is why you need to have a professional to inspect it periodically. You don’t want your system just to look nice; it also has to be safe, durable, and reliable. Protect your home as well as everyone inside by prioritizing residential roof care. By doing so, you save lots of time and money and boost your peace of mind.
The Importance of Routine Inspections
No matter what kind of roofing system you have, it’s vital to keep up with annual inspections. Think of everything your building must endure on a daily basis; your roof gets the brunt of the weather’s impact. With all the rain and snowfall, excessive sun rays, high winds, and temperature extremes, your roof needs the eyes of professionals to spot trouble spots as soon as possible.
Get a roof inspection immediately after a severe storm or inclement weather. Additionally, schedule annual checkups to ensure things are in tip-top shape. You can’t fix something if you’re unaware it’s broken, so the issues are neglected until professionals intervene.
What Are Common Slate Roofing Issues?
Contractors take note of issues such as hail damage, which appear as holes with rigid edges. They may also spot broken tile corners. These red flags may seem minor, but they can spiral out of control if left unaddressed.
Fastening and flashing are vulnerable to damage as well. Commonly used materials for slate roof flashing include lead-coated copper, lead sheets, galvanized steel, or sheet iron coated in copper or terne. If the flashing leaks, eventually the roof will too, which requires immediate attention. Roofing contractors confirm the best plan of action after a thorough inspection.
When To Repair a Slate Roof
Broken or cracked slate tiles clearly indicate it’s time for repairs. Otherwise, your roofing system is vulnerable to moisture damage since rainwater and melted snow can drip inside your home. A seasoned contractor knows exactly how to fix a slate roof. When they replace the missing tiles, they also inspect the underlayment for signs of deterioration and make sure to check the flashing.
When To Replace a Slate Roof
Slate roof replacement is the answer to a worst-case scenario. Small problems become significant when your roof’s been neglected for years, missing out on vital inspections and repairs. Although damaged tiles are repairable in most cases, the contractor will confirm if your tiles have exceeded their service life.
If 20 to 30% of slate roof tiles are too old and damaged to function correctly, it’s wiser to get a replacement. Another sign that the roofing system is beyond repair is when most of the tiles are flaking, or their undersides are powdering.
Professional Installation Is Key to Slate Roofing Reliability
Since slate is a durable, heavy-weight roofing material, it’s one of the most costly systems on the market. Slate tile roofing for residential properties starts at $1,000 per square foot. On the bright side, you get what you pay for. A slate roof can potentially last for over 100 years, so there’s no need to search “how often does a tile roof need to be replaced.” Improperly installed slate roofing by unlicensed or inexperienced roofers results in issues later down the road, so it’s best to hire seasoned, industry-trusted roofing contractors to install your slate tiles.
Kirberg Roofing Keeps Your Slate in Great Shape
Kirberg is proud to be Missouri’s trusted roofing contractor for over 100 years. We’re skilled with all materials, including slate and tiles. Once we install your roofing system, we take pride in keeping it in proper working condition. Our annual maintenance program includes a detailed report of your system’s performance, a projected estimate of future services, and a thorough evaluation from the chimney to the gutters. We aim to earn your business year after year with our stellar customer service and professionalism.
Whether your home is located in St. Louis, Kansas City, or Springfield, Missouri, we’re happy to provide our services to you. We also offer 24/7 emergency services to eliminate your worries as soon as they arise.
Don’t wait any longer—call Kirberg today to get started on your residential or commercial roofing project. We look forward to working with you!
