Slate roofs are valued by homeowners mainly because of their impressively long service life of more than 100 years. Although initially, they cost more than most roofing options, slate roofs are popular for their ability to withstand extremely high winds, heavy snow, and rainfall. In addition, the material itself can be modified into pleasing shapes and specific design accents that can instantly enhance the curb appeal of any home. However, without the expert installation skills and maintenance services of trained specialists, the slate roof can only do so much. To know more about the potential reasons why slate roofs fail, sheet metal roofing company Roofmasters Roofing and Sheet Metal cites some examples.
1. Choosing the wrong flashing. The metal flashing surrounds chimneys and vents to seal exposed gaps where rainwater can seep through. If you use a less durable metal like aluminum or stainless steel, the flashing will corrode quicker than the slate roof and begin to allow water leaks and mold growth under the roof deck. In this way, the weather-resistant feature of the slate roof is compromised. Replacing the old flashing with copper flashing is an effective way to support the overall durability of your slate roof.
2. Using poor quality nails. Similar to flashing, poor quality nails will start the premature failure of the slate roof. If the nails start to corrode and loosen their grip, the slate tiles may be torn off in the event of high winds. Reputable roofing contractors use two heavy-gauge, galvanized roofing nails per tile with the next tile covering the nails completely. If not strictly followed, roof damages will soon start appearing.
3. Walking over the slate roof. During installation or repair, professional slate roofers use hook ladders to keep off their weight from pressing down on the slate tiles. This is to avoid cracked and broken tiles that can potentially let in moisture into the roof. If you want your slate roof to reach its promised service life, make sure to prevent unnecessary foot traffic all the time.
Regularly inspecting the condition of your slate roof is necessary to sustain its functionality. For high-quality products and services, turn to Roofmasters Roofing and Sheet Metal. We are a leading name in the sheet metal fabrication industry that will readily meet your roofing needs.
Call us today at (785) 727-7575 or contact us online to schedule a consultation. We proudly serve residential and commercial customers in and around Colby and Hays, KS.