Slate roofs are one of the most popular roofing options today. The slate market is a huge one and is expected to grow to $2.4 billion by 2032.
While they look beautiful and are durable under most weather conditions, few people know the amount of hard work it takes for slate roof maintenance.
When properly maintained, slate tile roofs can last for decades or even centuries! Want to know how to clean a slate roof and make it long-lasting? This think piece is here to help!
What is Slate Roofing?
Before getting into the finer details of maintaining your slate roof, let’s first understand what slate roofing is. Slate roofs are made of slate tiles, which, in turn, are made of natural stone.
Nowadays, you can even purchase synthetic-based slate tiles at lower prices, but they’re not as durable or weather-resistant as natural slate tiles.
The two main benefits of slate roofs are:
Versatility
Slate comes in a wide variety of different shapes, sizes, and colors, which make it a go-to choice for almost all types of houses. You can easily select a roofing style that goes well with your house’s aesthetic and make your home look even more beautiful!
Durability
Perhaps the biggest advantage of slate over other materials is the fact that the natural slate tiles can last for up to 100 years!
They can withstand extreme temperatures like humid summers or harsh winters, as well as pouring rains. So, no matter where you live, slate will always be a great choice!
Regular Slate Roof Maintenance
No matter how durable the slate is, it’ll still require a fair amount of maintenance. Some of the key points to keep in mind are:
Conduct Regular Inspection
If you want to know the biggest mantra of slate roof maintenance, you need to inspect the roof as carefully as possible, at least twice a year.
Keep an eye out for cracks, broken pieces of slate, or any signs of wear and tear. You should even check the flashings for missing slate pieces.
Keep the Roof Clean
If you’re wondering how to clean a slate roof, it’s pretty easy. All you need to do is gently remove pieces of dirt, dust, or debris from the plates using a soft brush.
Do not use any harsh cleaning agents like pressure washing, which can cause long-term damage to the slates.
Perform Necessary Repairs
Slate roof repair is also quite easy using metal bibs or special slate hooks. If you see small pieces of slate lying around or dislocated, use these bibs or hooks to secure them in place.
Though slate roof repair doesn’t take too much hard work, you should still call a professional for help if you’re not experienced.
Clean the Gutter
Just as it’s important to keep the roof clean, it’s also important to take care of your gutter.
If water keeps collecting between the slate tiles or the gutter system, it won’t drain well, and you’ll have to spend unnecessary money on slate roof repairs.
Instead, it’s important to clean the slate roof as well as keep the gutter clear from any debris or waste.
Take Care of Your Chimney
If your house has a chimney, you just can’t ignore it. Not only is a clean chimney a sign of a safe household, but it also keeps the slate tiles strong and durable.
One basic mantra of slate roof maintenance is to regularly sweep and clean the chimneys and the cap or flue covers.
If you suspect a chimney leak, immediately call a professional for help. Alternatively, you can also inspect the flashing of the chimney yourself to make sure everything’s working well.
Next, check the bricks and the chimney joints for any loose or missing pieces of mortar. Finally, if you use the chimney to vent a furnace, check if it is lined properly.
Protect the Roof against the Weather
A major part of slate roof maintenance is to protect the tiles against harsh weather conditions, especially if you live in a very warm or cold climate.
People living in areas prone to tornadoes or cyclones should also pay special attention to the current condition of their roofs and slate tiles.
Even if the tiles are fine, there might be a buildup of dirt, leaves, and debris. Remove all those and thoroughly clean your roof.
If there has recently been a severe weather alert, such as a big storm or heavy rain, wait until the weather is safe again and inspect the roof.
Safety Precautions
You might be tempted to do a round of slate roof maintenance by simply wearing a pair of flip-flops, but that’s a dangerous idea. Inspecting and maintaining a roof requires special gear, so be prepared with all the necessary tools and clothing.
Footwear
While doing a slate roof repair or cleaning, make sure the shoes you wear have non-slip soles to give ample grip to your feet.
Ladder
Always use a strong and sturdy ladder and have someone standing close to the foot of the ladder in case you lose your balance.
Fall Protection
When working on the roof or figuring out how to clean a slate roof, attach yourself using a harness or guardrails.
Carrying Pouch
It always helps to carry the necessary tools and repair equipment in a small pouch attached to your clothes.
When to Call Professionals
Most homeowners can conduct minor repairs by themselves. But in serious situations, you might need to consult professional services. Here is a checklist of situations where simple intervention may not work
Complicated Repairs
If there’s considerable damage on the slate tiles or if the valleys and junctions of the roof are missing slate pieces, then you should ask a professional for help.
Safety Issues
Often, it becomes difficult for a regular person to access or understand every nook of the roof. If you feel the same about slate roof maintenance, hire someone to do it for you.
Conclusion
These above tips are some of the important points to ensure that your slate roof stays strong and shiny for the years to come.
Always remember to stay ahead of repairs and clean the buildup, as well as the nearby areas of the roof, for optimum roof maintenance!
If you’re looking for a professional for regular slate roof maintenance and repairs, contact us at LA Roofing Materials, and we’ll connect you with industry-leading professionals!