Slate roofing is a distinctive , upscale choice for homes and businesses due to their durability and sleek architecture look. And while slate roofs typically require minimal maintenance,your slate tiles may need occasional repairs. This is true more so in an area with many trees. Dominion roofing co has just finished a repair in Chevy Chase Maryland with many broken slates as well as flashing repair. It is advised to have your slate roof inspected for cracked or missing slates. Branches and falling debris can damage your slate roof causing your roof to be comprised and possibly leak.
Flashing and workmanship is very important when dealing with a slate roof. I have gone on many repair calls to find slates or flashing that have been improperly repaired. Try to find a roofer that is experienced in slate as an ordinary shingled roofer just wont do. One area of concern is the flashings.
A properly installed slate roof will last 50-100 years depending on quality. Copper is the only flashing that will hold up and last with the slate roof. Tin-plated and galvanized steel will not last and eventually wear out.
I see many repairs with the improper flashing on chimneys, walls,pipes and valleys. Other areas we see many improper repairs are the random slates that need replacement as we did in Chevy Chase, Maryland . The previous repairs were made with the improper technique used to secure the random slate, While the slates need to slide under another slate, one is unable to simply nail the slate in place. Most we come across are not even nailed at all! This is a problem waiting to happen as well as very dangerous as the slate will eventually fall. The proper hanger, hook or the “nail and bib ” method is imperative.
As always make sure your slate roof is clean from debris such as leaves, twigs and branches. These objects tend to get caught in valleys, behind chimneys and around vents, causing a dam and water to potentially back under the slates. If your not sure who to call to inspect, maintain and repair your slate roof, look no further. Give us a call today!
