If you have invested in installing slate roofing products on your home, you want them to last as long as possible. This means that they will need some care and maintenance to keep the in good shape. This can be things like cleaning the roof, repairing damaged slate and replacing slates from time to time. It is something that you may want to have the help of a professional roofing service to do for you. Here are four tips to help make your slate roofing last for many years:
1. Light Cleaning Of Slate Tiles
Lightly cleaning your roof from time to time will help to keep the slates in good condition. This can be done by just hosing off any debris with a water hose. You will want to be careful using a broom to remove debris because you may work a tile loose. Instead, just use a garden hose to remove any debris on the roof, and a broom if there is something that you cannot get to with the hose.
2. Inspecting Roof For Damaged Slates
Slate roofing can be damaged just like asphalt shingles. Hail can cause pitting in the slates and crack them, which can lead to roof leaks. You will want to have your roof inspected from time to time for any damage to the slates. When you look at the slates, if you notice that one has a chip or pit in it, this can be a sign of hail damage and you may want to replace it. Any slates that are not securely in place also need to be replaced.
3. Replacing Damage Slates On A Roof
It is not too difficult to replace a damaged slate on your roof. You will want to take a roofers tool, and slip it under the slate to the nails. Pull up on the slate until the nails are loose. If you cannot loosen the nails, hit the bottom of the tool to cut the nails and remove the slate. You will then want to use a metal clip and nail it to the exposed wood batten. Slide the new slate in place and then fold the metal clip over the bottom of the slate. It is important to not move nearby slates when doing this repair to your roof.
4. Replacing Rotten Battens And Wood
Sometimes the wood batten that holds the slates can become damaged. You can repair it by removing some of the slates on the roof, and then cutting the old batten out. You can put the new one in place by sliding it under the slates. This is sometimes easier to do from inside the attic if you do not want to remove too many slates on your roof while replacing the batten.
These are some things that can help you to get the most out of your slate roofing. If you need help with repairs or the replacement of your roof slates, contact a roofing contractor like K&H Exteriors that has experience with the installation of slate roofs.
