What are 2 reasons for slate roof failure?

Why do slate roofs fail?

Poor Quality Nails Were Used

One of the most common reasons for catastrophic slate roof failures is related not to the tiles, themselves, but to the type of nails chosen to hold them in place.

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.

What causes slate to crack?

Broken slates

As a natural stone, slate will absorb water over a very long time and eventually start to break.

Do slate roofs go bad?

With proper maintenance and care, slate roofing can last between 50 and 90 years for soft slate, and 75-100 years for hard slate.

Slate Roof Repair - How to replace a slate & broken slates

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.

How long should a slate roof last?

Slate is a natural material with unmatched technical features that will last well over 100 years. In fact, it's usually the fixings and the supporting timbers that deteriorate before the slate tiles themselves.

What damages slate?

Although slate is measured to withstand hail, it can be damaged. Even durable slates can be damaged by large hail and strong winds. Another example of a poor install that looks like storm damage. Incorrect nailing can result in premature damage to your slates.

Do slate roofs break easily?

Durability. Slate is a hard rock and is known for withstanding the elements when first mined, but over time, without proper maintenance, it can grow soft and break easily. Even though slate is hard, it is also brittle and can be broken when walked on if you are not careful.

Does water damage slate?

Water Marks Dark slate tiles look great on garden paths and foyers, but their good looks can be compromised by water spots and marks. Acid rain and hard water are known to leave marks on slate surfaces. For this reason, it's imperative to keep a fresh seal on floor tiles and countertops.

What is the longest lasting slate roof?

Virginia Buckingham is the most durable slate available, lasting in excess of 300 years. It boasts a blue, almost black color and high gloss sheen thanks to its unique mineral composition.

Should slate roofs be replaced?

If more than 10 tiles are slipped or missing, it may still be possible to simply repair a slate roof, but more often than not it is necessary to replace the entire thing. A complete re-roofing can be expensive, but is often required since repair becomes more difficult when more tiles are lost.

Is slate roofing worth it?

Beauty – A home with a slate roof immediately stands out; even newer houses look rustic and classy. Durability – When it is installed properly and maintained well, a slate roof could last up to 150 years or longer. Protection – Water can't penetrate slate, and it also won't be affected by things like mold or fungus.

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 you 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.

Why would someone replace a slate roof?

Slate roofs are designed to last 100 years or more, and when regularly inspected and properly maintained can easily reach this age. To reach this milestone, broken cracked or missing slates should be replaced promptly by an experienced slater to prevent more serious damage.

What size hail will damage a slate roof?

Even very hard S-1 Grade slates (as shown below) can be fractured, punctured and broken by large dense hailstones. If dense hailstones larger than 1.75" in diameter are recorded or suspected there could be damages to s-1 grade slates. Large hail can have even greater effects on older S-1 or softer S-2 Grade slates.

Does slate crack with heat?

Slate can split when exposed to very high temperatures. For example, some slate may crack if a very hot fire is lit directly onto the slate. However, with just a small gap between the fire such as through the bottom of a grate or a wood burner, slate does not split.

Does heat damage slate?

Slate is a metamorphic rock made of compressed shale that has evolved over the years to create a stone that is comparatively soft but able to withstand heat and pressure very well.

How long does it take to repair a slate roof?

Generally, a roof job should take between 1 and 3 days.

How do you maintain a slate roof?

Can a slate roof be sealed?

You can seal natural slate surfaces by applying specially made slate sealant. Always clean the slate surface before using sealant, as this will ensure maximum protection.

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.

How much does it cost to remove a slate roof?

Cost to Replace a Slate Roof

On average, it can cost you about an additional $2 to $5 per square foot to remove the old roof.