They’re functional, beautiful and can last a lifetime. A slate roof is an expensive investment in your home. With a little knowledge and maintenance you can enjoy it for years to come.
If you have to walk upon it, do so with care and soft-soled shoes to avoid chipping, cracking and breaking tiles. You are checking for thinning, corrosion around the copper flashing that is usually installed with the tiles, as well as loose, cracked or broken tiles. When washing your tiles, don’t use harsh, corrosive chemicals, vinegar and water or a mild household cleaner should loosen up any deposits trying to take up permanent residence, and gloved hands can pick up any dirt, wipe sludge, or finish loosening and any debris and stubborn dirt that washing missed.
Pressure washing can be tricky and really isn’t advised for slate roofs. The pressure of the water can get between and under the tiles creating leaks and trapping water which will lead to the support beams becoming moldy and weak.
If you are uncomfortable with getting on the roof, use a ladder, gloves, hand brush, cleaner, and a vinyl rake or long handled scrub brush. Use the gloves and hand brush to clean and scrub the tiles and between the ones you can reach. Use the long handled brush to get dirty tiles you can’t reach and the crevices between the tiles to loosen the debris and dirt deposits.
If you want to take a closer look at the tiles, inspect them during the fall to get ready for the winter months where the elements can really do a number on them. Start in the attic and take a look at the rafters, making sure there are no molded or rotting spots on the wood. Make sure you can’t see daylight coming through the roof.
As always, if you’re not sure whether you’re going to need to repair or replace your roof, call a professional roofer.
