Don't Replace it - The Reasons For Slate Roof Repair

Slate roofs are one of the oldest ways of roofing. They certainly predate asphalt shingles, and rubber. Slate roof installation is cost prohibitive for most people. However, slate roof repair is not costly, and is well worth the effort.

Many buildings in the northeast that were built between the late 1800’s and the 1950’s were built with slate roofs. Most of these buildings still have their original slate roofs because slate will outlast any roofing material. This makes sense, because slate is stone. It is hard, unaffected by UV light from the sun, and will never be eaten by molds.

 Slate Has A Long Lifespan

Asphalt shingle roofs have a short lifespan of about 25 years. Slate roofs by contrast, have a lifespan 8 times that of asphalt at 200 years. In many cases regular slate roof repair will allow the roof to outlast the house. Asphalt roofs are extremely vulnerable to Ultra Violet light. The light will cause them to fade and begin to break down, eventually cracking. Slate roofs are practically unaffected by UV light.

Asphalt shingle roofs will heat up in the sun to as high as 160 degrees Fahrenheit, and then can drop dramatically in temperature if it begins to rain. The sudden change in temperature is damaging to asphalt shingles, causing them to crack. Slate roofs on the other hand, can go through dramatic changes in temperature without the least bit of damage.

Now this isn’t to say that slate roofs are impervious to damage. Slate roof repair is necessary just like on any other roof. The difference is how often they need to be maintained, which is far less often than any other roof. Not only that, but slate roof repair is actually a pretty simple process. If a slate breaks, it can be removed using a couple of simple tools, and a new one installed just as easily.

Simple Maintenance Keeps Them Strong Long Term

Another place where slate roofs will need some maintenance is in the valleys between two sections of roof, as well as at the peaks of the roof. In these places there are metal panels, very often copper. Though very long lasting, the copper or other metal panels will often have a somewhat shorter lifespan than the slates themselves. We very highly recommend replacing the metal panels in slate roof valleys and caps when it becomes necessary. Slate roof repair is far less intensive and less costly than removing and replacing the slate roof.

Slate roofs are durable, long lasting, easily maintained, and add beauty and elegance to the buildings they adorn. We highly recommend repairing your slate roof over slate roof replacement in almost every case. Here is our webpage about slate roofs with more information and examples of the work we have done.