Slate Roof Deterioration

This problem is known as delamination.

Slate roof deterioration.

6 common reasons behind deterioration of your roof harsh weather is the main reason shingles deteriorate sooner than expected and the following elements are the most common culprit. Finally the new copper valley is replaced and the roof will be performing well for future generations. The usual decking to which slate tiles are nailed is solid wood 3 4 to 1 inch thick. Older slate roofs that have been generally weakened are more affected by these elements than newer ones.

You can also check for gaps in the mortar joints along the ridge line. It can damage its structure cause mildew rot decking and even damage the insulation. The following guideline is provided to assist in the repair replace decision making process. A professionally installed and well maintained slate roof generally doesn t require fastener replacement.

Two courses of slate on either side must be removed in order for a valley to be properly replaced. Holes may form at the edge of the slate. Another common source of slate roof damage around a chimney is wear and movement caused by flashing leaks and in freezing climates frost. Site conditions such as the roof pitch exposure to sun building moisture and ventilation and exposure to mechanical damage also affect slate life.

Southern exposures are less important to the deterioration of slate roofs than with other types of roofs. Failure to recognize this problem and fix it can lead to rapid roof deterioration and complete slate loss. You can spot a sloped slate roof tile more easily from the ground. Rain snow ice moisture is roof s enemy 1.

Later when the building sagged settled or moved the framing pulls away from the chimney causing damage to the roofing slates and flashing and leading to leaks in this area. If the tiles look to have a powdery surface this means the tile is deteriorating and you ll need to replace it. These determine the density and composition of the slate. Check the stability proper functionality and correct installation of snow guards lightning protection systems and other safety devices.

Generally found on most slate roofs but replacement slates or flash ings may have been secured with inappropriate fasteners which may deteriorate prematurely. However excess moisture may lead to a more rapid deterioration of these materials and necessitate their replacement at some point. Other commonly used modern building materials that depend on glue for their integrity such as laminates and wafer board will deteriorate long before the slate does. The longevity of a slate roof is only as good as its support structure.

Consider the age and condition of the roof versus its expected serviceable life given the type of slate employed. More important is the direction from which storms approach because long term moisture related chemical changes deteriorate slate. Once the wood deck is exposed any deteriorated wood must be replaced. The rate of slate deterioration on roofs depends on the source quarry and the depth from which the slates were cut.