Slate is one of the most durable, beautiful, and long-lasting roofing materials available. Capable of lasting well over a century, there are New England homes with original slate roofs that date back to the 19th, and sometimes even 18th, centuries. Slate roofing offers unmatched longevity, as it is essentially impervious to the elements, more than capable of withstanding anything that Mother Nature has to offer. However, as durable as slate roofing is, a slate roof doesn’t last that long without some maintenance along the way. If you’re interested in learning how you can increase the lifespan of your home’s slate roof, take a look at our blog to learn the tips and tricks you need to know in order to keep your home’s slate roof in great condition.
Clean Your Gutters
This tip is true for any roof, not just slate, but it is perhaps even more important for slate due to its weight. If your roof’s gutter system is backed up with debris, water will begin to pool and back up, potentially overflowing out of the top of the gutter system. When this occurs, water can seep underneath the lowest layers of shingles, where it can cause rot damage on your roof deck. While this is an issue for asphalt roofs, due to the weight of slate roofing, having a rotted roof deck could be catastrophic as the rotted wood can no longer withstand the weight of the slate. In order to keep your home properly protected, keep your gutters clear of debris!
Replace Missing & Broken Shingles
While slate is arguably the most durable roofing material on the market, that doesn’t mean it’s impervious to malfunctioning. Slate tiles are strong, but brittle, and with enough force they can be broken. Perhaps you needed to have a satellite dish installed on your roof, requiring the technician to walk around on top of it. Maybe a strong gust of wind came through a broke a nearby branch, which fell onto the roof. No matter how it happened, if you notice that your slate roof has broken shingles, it is important to repair them in order to prevent any damage from occurring to your roof deck. Broken and missing shingles can lead to water damage, which can quickly become a much bigger problem. If you notice any shingle issues, be sure to address them as soon as possible!
Contact Us Today
Are you in need of maintenance on your home’s slate roof? Our team can assist! Reach out to us today by calling (401) 255-2003 or by filling out our team’s online contact form! We look forward to hearing from you and assisting with your slate roofing needs!