What is a drawback of a slate roof?

The weight of a slate roof tile is what most homeowners consider its biggest drawback. On average, the combined weight of slate tiles per square foot can be up to 15 pounds. Just imagine how heavy a residential roof will be if there are 1,500 square feet of roof to cover.

What is the downside of slate roof?

What are 2 reasons for slate roof failure?

What is the most common problem associated with slate roofs?

Is a slate roof worth it?

The longevity of slate is key to its value in the eyes of homeowners. After all, roofing can be expensive. Slate is one of the few roofing options that doesn't need to be replaced within the span of a lifetime. In most environments, slate shingles will last at least 125 years and sometimes as long as 200 years.

Slate Roof Basics

Are slate roofs high maintenance?

While slate and clay tile roofs are generally low maintenance compared to other roof types, a roofing technician should still perform the maintenance tasks listed above at least once a year. Doing so resolves small problems quickly and immediately so those problems don't harm your entire roof or the home beneath it.

What is the life expectancy of a slate roof?

A slate roof will last 60 to 200 years, depending on the roof style, type of slate and where the home is located.

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.

Do slate roofs get hot?

Slate Can Handle Extreme Temperatures

This feature is one of the reasons it's such a popular stone to use on a roof. An outdoor slate tile surface or roof will keep the interior cool even when it's hot outside, because it doesn't quickly absorb the sun's heat.

Are slate roofs obsolete?

High-grade slate, with a service life in excess of 100 years, continues to set the standard for durable roof shingles. Today, after a long market decline, roofing slate is beginning a comeback in North America.

Why is my slate roof turning black?

Algae commonly cause streaking and staining on roofs. The dark color that appears as a black stain is caused by a specific type of algae called gloeocapsa magma. This growth is a type of bacteria that forms when algae spores group together.

How do you maintain a slate roof?

Can hail damage slate roof?

Slate tiles may be punctured, cracked or broken by hail. Any of these conditions could be deemed functional damage if the damage is serious enough. Because slate is a sedimentary stone composed of layers, hail damage may appear as a slate with a portion of layers missing.

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.

Why do people get slate roofs?

Slate shingles are very heavy and expensive to install and maintain. At the same time they are very natural looking. Due to their durability and strength they can withstand any weathering over time –water, freezing, wind storms or hail storms are a breeze for slate shingles.

Do you need vents in a slate roof?

Roof tile vents and slate vents need to facilitate essential airflow in the roof space without spoiling the kerb appeal of properties.

Are slate roofs noisy?

'Chatter' in high winds is an unavoidable phenomenon associated with most roofing tiles and slates. The sound, which can be heard within the building, is caused by the tails of the tiles or slates being lifted and then dropped by the wind forces.

What color roof is coolest?

White roofing products stay coolest in the sun, reflecting about 60 – 90% of sunlight.

What happens if you don't seal slate?

Unsealed slate tiles will react to everyday wear, water and other environmental factors in different ways: Where tiles aren't sealed at all or haven't been sealed properly, they are more likely to become dulled over time – and with more traffic, stained shoes and rain, they can become stained forever and need to be ...

Do slate roofs have underlayment?

Traditionally, a slate roof will have #30 (thirty-pound) asphalt saturated organic felt unperforated roof underlayment. Required by many building codes, a slate roof's underlayment serves many purposes and application may vary depending on thicknesses of slate, weather conditions of the area and size of slate.

Is it OK to power wash slate?

The simple answer is, no. using a pressure washer is not recommended as power washing can break apart slates especially those slates that are nearing the end of their usefulness.

Can you walk on an old 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.

Are slate roofs energy efficient?

Energy-Efficient Properties: Slate is an energy-efficient roofing material, as it helps keep your business cooler during the summer and warmer in the winter, which can help contribute to lower energy bills and ensure your customers are comfortable during all seasons of the year, whether you're located in Seattle or ...

What causes slate roof to leak?

Bad weather can sometimes cause tiles or slates to slip off, leaving roof underlay exposed. Large quantities of rainwater can then pool in that area, making a leak increasingly likely to occur. The same thing can happen when slates/tiles crack or chip.

Can you waterproof a slate roof?

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.