Slate Roofs

Slate roofs are visually beautiful and come in different stunning colors and textures. Many elegant homes and historical buildings have slate roofing as their preferred roof. Slate roofs are very resilient to weather damage and are long-lasting. Slate roofs can be used on flat roofs, residential, business, and commercial roofs. If a slate is broken or damaged it is important to get them replaced by experience slaters, this is to avoid water damages to the interior of the home or the business and avoid any additional costs, which any homeowner will certainly want to avoid. Slates are also long-lasting which adds value to your home. Slate roofs can withstand strong winds and rain. They are also fire-resistant, which is very important to any home.

How are Slate Roofing repairs and installations done?

A highly trained expert will first inspect the roof and then provide you with a quote for any repairs or renovations that are required. Remember, our quotations cost you nothing! Once our client has approved the quotation, Dartmouth Roofing Pros will arrange a start date with you that is convenient for you. If only repairs are required, we will begin by removing the damaged slate, after which a new slate will be inserted and secured in place. If the slate roofing needs to be completely renovated, all of the slates will be removed before the new slates are installed and secured. Installing a slate roof should be done by a skilled roofer who knows how to install slates correctly. The slates are trimmed and punched beforehand and the roofer knows exactly how to lay them on the roof and secure them. Nails are used in keeping the slate in place.

A complete renovation or just repairs?

Our experts will advise you on whether a repair is feasible or if a complete roof renovation is more necessary and cost-effective in the long run. If slates are severely damaged, they should not be repaired, while this may appear to be a cost-effective solution at first, the damage will worsen over time, and you risk your roof leaking, resulting in even more damage and dreaded expenses!

Disadvantages

Slate roofs unfortunately do come with their disadvantages. Slates roofs do have to have timely maintenance and repairs. Slate roofs also depend on the quality of installation, any defects will result in leaks and further damage. Slate roofs need to be repaired and installed by experienced and skilled roofers, meaning that it could be expensive. Severely damaged slates cannot be repaired by just placing a waterproofing sealant on them, as it will just harden and cause more damage over time, which is something you don't need!

Caring for your slate roof

In general slate roofs need very little maintenance, and also the less traffic that occurs on the slate roof the better for the slate, so try to keep off of that roof! Visual checks should be carried out every two years, to check for any loose, cracked, or damaged slates. Any damaged tiles should be replaced promptly to protect the roof as a whole and avoid further costs. Also, remember to keep any trees near the house trimmed to avoid contact with the roof. You can also clean your slate roof by using a pump sprayer with a non-acidic cleaner.