How To Repair An Old Slate Roof

Even a slate roof that has been meticulously maintained will need to be replaced during someone s ownership.

How to repair an old slate roof. Lead bib slate repair if the roof hasn t got too many mistakes a good method of repair is the lead bib it s simply a section of code 3 or 4 flashing lead cut large enough to sit under the faulty slate or bad overlap to make it waterproof and the repair invisible. On properly installed well maintained hard slate roofs nail type fasteners can match the life of the roof. A square is a standard 10 x 10 unit used by roofers. Synthetic slate roof cost.

Of course replacing a slate roof with a new slate roof would be ideal but it can be an expensive proposition. Normally friction alone is enough to hold the lead bib in place. Is the number less than about 20. Calculate the number of damaged and missing slates.

Consider the age and condition of the roof versus its expected serviceable life given the type of slate employed. Dealing with roof problems. Slate roofs cost about 1 500 per square installed. Replacing a few tiles or slates is a relatively simple job but it is also important to work out why a problem has occurred and whether it is indicative of a larger failure.

Slate repair with aluminum on a slate roof with a coating of lichens a simple piece of flat aluminum flashing was pushed up under the slates to cover a hole3 observed by the roof inspector repairman. If the tiles crack the roof is too old. Roof repairs are generally best left to a professional roofer who understands old buildings and has the appropriate access equipment. Assessing whether a slate roof needs repair or complete replacement has to be made based on the amount of repair the condition of the slates and other plans for the building.

If your slate roof is nearing the end of its life you may be considering a replacement. When replacement is necessary. If you are inspecting the roof from a ladder choose a few solid looking slate tiles from different areas of the roof and push hard on them with your hand. On a soft slate or a deteriorating roof however moisture absorbed by the slates can penetrate to the nails.

This leads to rapid roof failure once the nails are no longer holding the slates in place.