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Roof – Slate Maintenance and Repair

Once you’ve got your slate roof up, it will require very little maintenance from year to year. You may want to visually inspect your slate roof periodically, especially after storms when tree branches or debris may hit your roof. Keep an eye out for any cracked or broken pieces of slate.

Every now and again, you may need to replace a slate tile or two. A professional slater will have the necessary tools to get the job done quickly, but here’s how a simple slate replacement is done:

1. Chose your replacement slate. Be sure it looks similar to the existing slate in both color and size. When it’s time to install the replacement, your slater will likely use hook ladders on the roof. These specialized ladders ensure there’s no pressure on the existing slate while the replacement is installed.

2. Any broken pieces of slate should be removed with a slate ripper. This is a tool slaters use to pull out the countersunk nails without damaging the surrounding slate.

3. The new slate is nailed in and a piece of copper may be put underneath to prevent water from getting under the new tile.

So, those are the bare basics of slate roof installation and repair. It may seem like a slate roof is complicated compared to the majority of roofing options available today, but a slate roof is one of the longest-lasting and lowest maintenance options out there.

A slate roof may be an investment up front, but it will protect your home for generations with the right installation and upkeep.