Slate Roof Replacement Or Repair: What You Should Know

There are many reasons slate is the most popular roofing material; it is extremely durable, looks great and has good insulation properties. When you look closely in the Sydney suburbs, the number of homes with slate roofing is a reflection of its popularity.

While slate is very durable, there will come a day when some restoration or repairs are necessary. With that in mind, here is some further information to help you make the right choices when it comes to repairing or replacing your slate roof.

Slate Roof Restoration

If a few of the slate tiles are in need of replacement, it might not be necessary to replace the entire roof. A firm that carries out slate roof repairs in Sydney or in any other cities around the world would give you a detailed quote to restore the roof to its original condition. A quick Google search should help you find a professional in your area who could handle your roof problem for you.

If the inner framework of the roof is sound and in good condition, you don’t need to replace these components. The lower tiles typically erode faster and if one side of the roof faces strong winds, it might be in worse condition and in need of repair.

Slate Replacement

It might be that the roofing contractor recommends lifting all the slate tiles and replacing them, which is a lot cheaper than a complete roof replacement. If the internal structure is in good order, there is no need to replace the timbers.

Roof Inspections

It is almost impossible to carry out a thorough inspection of the roof while standing in the driveway. The seasoned homeowner would have an agreement with a local roofing specialist to inspect the roof on an annual basis. For what it costs, a roof inspection gives you peace of mind and if there are any issues, the roofing contractor can carry out prompt repairs.

The following should be covered with a roof inspection:

• Check for missing tiles – Even a single missing slate tile can cause water to get into the internal structure of the roof and we all know how costly that is to repair. Tiles should be immediately replaced with matching ones and this will ensure the roof’s protective properties are not compromised.
• Clean out the guttering and downpipes – The guttering offers escape route for excess rainwater and should there be a blockage, this can cause water to run down the exterior walls. Wet leaves and small branches soon build up and with strong sunlight, debris can harden and be difficult to remove. The roofing contractor will always clean out the downpipes and guttering when they inspect a roof.
• Fascia & Soffit – These are usually made of timber that is primed and painted; this requires maintenance to protect the wood. The other alternative is to replace both fascia and soffit boards with PVC sections, which requires no maintenance.

If you think your slate roof is in need of some work, Google will help you to locate a local roofing company that specialises in slate. They can give you their professional opinion as to what is the best way forward.