The first form of security to your home is its roof. Slate roofs are the best roofing options that are long lasting and beautiful. They, however, unlike any structure are prone to wear and tear with time. In case you observe some cracked or lost slates above, you need to fix those as early as possible. This guide would take you through all you need to know on the slate roof repairs in Sydney whether you are a DIY awardee or am contemplating to hire a professional. Having the correct tools and knowledge in place, repairing or looking after the beauty and functionality of your slate roof would be an actually feasible feature! So shall we jump in and what constitutes a slate roof and how to maintain yours in good condition.

What is Slate roof

A slate roof is made of natural stone which is more durable and everlastingly classy. The material used on this type of roof started centuries ago where it was popular because of its capability of providing shelter even during rough weather conditions.

The distinctive properties about slate are its ability to resist water and fire proofing property. These tiles are found in great emergence of colors and textures and each of them introduces a unique accent to the architecture of any house.

With appropriate care, slate roofs are able to last more than 100 years. They also are environmentally friendly too in the sense that they do not demand much in terms of maintenance with other types of material.

Craftsmanship is needed to install it, because of the heaviness of slates, and as to accuracy of fitting. Houses dressed in slate are classy and offer an assurance of a good defense against leakages or failures in construction.

All these advantages make it not surprising that this traditional roofing solution can be used by homeowners often enough!

In a Slate Roof some indication of Injury

Slate roofs are considered very strong, yet they are not infallible. Identification of problems can be done through regular inspections.

Search in the slate tiles with any cracks or areas broken. This is commonly the early indicators of distress. The loss of a tile may also cause leakage in case it is not handled in time.

The other symptom is water stains on your wall or ceilings. It implies that moisture has penetrated into the cracked parts.

Also keep a look out of granules in your gutters, these might be chunks of slate that wear away with usage.

Observe whether there is a growth of molds or moss on the roof. It could be an indication of moisture complications, and possible underlying issues that require urgent repairing. Taking note of such warning signs will spare you the greater headaches later on in your search of proper slate roof repairs sydney that Sydney residents can trust.

Do it yourself Vs Professional

Slate roof repair can be a difficult endeavor to approach, but doityourself diy or hire a pro? which is the best way of doing it? The urge to do repairs should it appear attractive to the budget owners. At that, there is always YouTube tutorial.

Slate roofs however need specialized knowledge to install. Slates are easy to crack, a single misstep can cost you more than you have expected. Moreover, there should be safety precaution during restoration onto your roof.

Conversely, professional roofing experts inject experience and productivity to the task. They know typical problems that can be faced with slate roofs and have everything necessary to do every job. Though it can be a more expensive option in the short term it can save time and present less risk in the long term.

Decide on repair procedures based on competency and ease of doing things.

Equipment and Materials to Start a Slate Roof Repair

In repairing slate roofs, tools and materials are important to have in order to complete the task. Begin with the safety equipment: a firm pair of gloves, goggles, and a hard hat that will help you not to be hurt by the debris.

The much needed equipment would be a slate cutter or chisels to shape and cut off decimated slates. A hammer is important in fixing the new slates in position and roofing nails or copper rivets are essential in ensuring that the roofing is durable against possible weathering.

Roofing cement is another thing that you will require to seal around your work. With bigger areas of damage, flashing material of lead or zinc can be used to add more waterproofing.

And do not forget about ladders! A good ladder enables you to reach high places without injuries. Having these in your tooler you are all set to complete any repairing work on the slate roof with ease.

A guide to Repairing a Slate Roof, Step-by-Step

First, you need damage evaluation. Examine the slate tile in small detail altering the lookout of crack or break. Put on binoculars just in case your roof is steep.

Then come your materials. You will require replacement slates, hammer, roofing nails and slate ripper to break the damaged tiles.

After you prepare all that, you should begin the removal. Use slate ripper to carefully slide under the edges of the broken tile to carefully lift it out and not disrupting other areas.

Now new slates should be installed. Place your new tile in place and fix it with roofing nails on the top part of the replacement tile using pre-drilled holes.

Before ending up, check alignment. The new slate is supposed to lie even with adjacent tiles giving it a seamless appearance.

Remove all clutter in your working area. Not cleaning it up creates dangers in the future as well as everything is stored after usage.

Preventative Maintenance for Slate Roofs

The best way to extend the life span of your slate roof is by carrying out preventative maintenance on the roof. Inspections will be conducted on regular basis, so as to detect minor problems before they become serious. Try to have at least two careful checks throughout the year and in ideal the check ups are to be carried out during spring and autumn.

Also during these inspections check on loose or broken slates. Major or not, a crack may cause water penetration when left unfixed. Inspect the flushing of chimneys and vents; the section is prone to wear as a result of exposure.

Gutters and downspouts should also be clear of material. When there are clogs, there will be water backups that can affect your roof in the long run.

In case you find any moss or algae growth on your slate tiles, then it is advisable to clean it off using a soft brush or cloth gently. The slates have a surface which is susceptible to being worn off by harsh chemicals.

It is also worthwhile to think about a solution of protecting the surface with a sealant layer in case of moisture and UV light every few years. This would aid in keeping the looks and functionality as well as avoid the expenses of repairs in the future.

You keep your slate roof in good shape and should be saved by the changing weather in Sydney as long as you are and remain proactive with your maintenance chores.