Is it safe to stand on slate roof?

Pitched slate roofs are particularly dangerous and the fragility of the slate when it is walked on only adds to the danger. Slate is also resistant to water so any surface water will run down the slate and make it even more dangerous to walk on.

Is it OK to walk on a slate roof?

Slate is hard-wearing and durable but it can easily crack under pressure. That's why professionals use hook ladders, jacks and planks on slate roofing. This allows them to walk on the roof without putting any weight on it. If you don't have the proper materials on hand, it's best to let a professional tend to the roof.

How much weight can a slate roof hold?

In fact, the normal roof is engineered to support a dead weight (the weight of the shingles and occasional snow load) of 15 pounds per square foot. A slate roofing system would need to be engineered to hold 27 to 50 pounds per square foot — a substantial difference — in order to avoid collapse.

What is a drawback of a slate roof?

The main detraction of a slate roof is its cost. On average, you can expect to spend up to $20 per square foot to have slate installed. This higher cost is due to two factors: the materials and the installation. The materials for a slate roof are much higher than a standard asphalt shingle roof.

How to safely work on a slate roof?

New-age roofers prefer to use a “chicken ladder” during slate roof repairs. This ladder offers enhanced safety to the roofers. As this ladder hook over the roof ridge, roofers gain secure hands and footholds during the repairing process.

How to walk on an old tile roof

What is the biggest problem with slate roofs?

What is the biggest problem with slate roofs? The biggest problem with natural slate roofs is their excessively heavy weight. Except for clay tiles, no other conventional roofing product is as heavy. Per roofing square (or, 100 square feet), slate weighs from 675 to 1,870 pounds.

What is the most common problem associated with slate roofs?

What is the life expectancy of a slate tile roof?

''Hard slate will last anywhere from 75 to 200 years, while soft slate will last only 50 to 125 years,'' he said, adding that as a result, a homeowner trying to decide whether to repair, restore or replace a slate roof should first determine whether the existing slate is hard or soft.

What are 2 reasons for slate roof failure?

Does slate roof increase home value?

Slate is specifically designed to withstand elements like temperature extremes, fire, ice, and wind. It's also resistant to moisture and mold growth, so you don't have to worry about dangerous issues developing any time it rains. This translates to a higher home value than a comparable house with an asphalt roof.

Can a roof hold a 300lb person?

Roof Weight Standards

A minimum requirement is for roofs to be able to support a concentrated weight of 300lbs. Concentrated weight means that this load is placed directly on a single area on the roof.

How do I know if my roof is safe to walk on?

Shingle - Mostly safe as long as it isn't too steep and the shingles are in good condition. If the shingles are deteriorated or crumbling, do not attempt to walk on the roof. Flat, Rubber or Thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) - Safe, but remember you're still on a roof. Avoid the edges.

Are slate roofs fragile?

Fragility – Slate may look tough, but it is actually pretty fragile. If, for example, a tree branch fell on your slate roof, this could cause a lot of expensive damage. It may also be difficult finding replacement tiles that match perfectly.

Do slate roofs have plywood underneath?

Roof deck and underlayment

Never use plywood or particle board, as it will reduce the usable life of your slate roof. If slate is properly installed, it will be watertight on its own and does not require underlayment.

Is slate roof heavier than concrete?

Like natural slate roofing, concrete tiles are heavy, which means if you need a new roof, you may need to have your building structurally inspected prior to installation. However, concrete tiles are lighter in weight and less costly to install than natural slate tiles.

Do slate roofs need to be cleaned?

Regular roof cleaning is critical for your roof, as slate is easy to cleave and water absorbent. Buildup of moss and debris on slate roofs hold moisture in the slates that can split them during winter. When cleaning a slate roof, don't use chemicals like ammonia or chlorine bleach.

Can a slate roof last 200 years?

While a typical asphalt roof should last for about 20 to 30 years, a slate roof should last 50 to 200 years. For those who don't want to reroof in their lifetime, slate's an appealing option. Slate is also a natural material and remains recyclable for other applications after its use atop your home is complete.

What is the big advantage to a slate roof?

Slate roofs are long-lasting

The biggest pro for a slate roof is that it's one of the longest-lasting roofs on the market. As long as a slate roof is installed and flashed properly, it'll be the last roof you ever put on your home. We even like to say your grandkids won't have to worry about it.

How often should a slate roof be cleaned?

The Importance of Slate Roof Maintenance

Maintenance servicing includes gutter cleaning, inspections for damaged areas, and cleaning about three times annually. Slate roofs are delicate, and repairs can be costly, but quick action is vital to preservation and longevity.

How often should a slate roof be replaced?

Natural roofing slates, like clay roof tiles, have very long lifespans with many roof slates from leading manufacturers such as SSQ, currently being offered with guarantees between 75 years and 100 years.

Does slate shingles have asbestos?

There is absolutely no slate on our house, simply asbestos shingles made to look like slate. In fact, they are so old that the asbestos fibres are showing. Like corrugated asbestos roofing, asbestos shingles or tiles are safe as long as they're in their original condition.

What is under my slate roof?

Underlayments. : Underlayments are installed on the roof deck, prior to the installation of the slate roofing shingles. Roof underlayments include traditional asphalt saturated organic felts as well as many synthetic underlayments and ice dam protection membranes.

What type of roof should you not walk on?

The older the shingles are, the more susceptible they become to damage from foot traffic. The granules begin to come off as the asphalt becomes brittle. The shingles may crack or break off when it's cold, and could tear off during warm temperatures. This will typically be the case on shingle roofs over 25 years old.

What is the best roof to walk on?

How heavy is too heavy to walk on roof?

Residential roofs can hold a minimum of around 20 pounds per square foot then top out at 100 pounds per square foot.