The main advantage of a slate roof is its long lasting life span. It is not unusual to see slate roofs that are close to hundred years old. In fact, if properly maintained they can last virtually forever. Interestingly, in most cases it is not the slate itself that fails. It is the nails in the flashing that tend to rot and damage the roofing. Even though slate roofs can last a long time they require regular cleaning and maintenance. These types of roofs can be installed on solid wood or plywood underlay. The best nails to use for installation should be galvanized dipped or copper nails.
The most common ways a slate roof gets damaged are by falling debris from trees, wind and foot traffic. However, if the slate has been properly installed the likely hood of damage will be much less. A slate piece that has not been properly installed is more prone to cracking. Another common slate damage happens when the slate starts scaling and chipping. This happens because if the chemical imbalances found within the slate. The rate at which this happens will depend entirely on the quality of the slate itself. When it starts to chip it will expose a softer stone which is prone to water absorption. When this happens it is time to replace it.
Slate roofs, even a brand new one will be brittle in nature. This is because they are a category of metamorphic rock. This is why it is extremely important to install it properly using the right type of nails. As mentioned before, copper and galvanized nails will last the entire life span of slate. When the slate is installed it should be done so that it rests flat against the underlay wood. Otherwise the chance of getting damaged from debris and foot traffic is much higher. An improperly installed slate roof can also cause water to enter in-between the slate sheets, causing damage to the underlay wood.
On the whole, investing on a slate roof is good idea. Compared to other types of roofs they are very durable and aesthetically pleasing to look at. They come in a variety of colors such as green, grey, blue, black and even purple. Slate roofs are also relatively low maintenance compared to other roofs. They are also fire proof. All that is required with slate roofs is checking it once every couple of years to make sure everything is normal.
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