Posted by Kirsten Richards No Comments on How to Spot Slate Roof Damage Slate Roofing

How to Spot Slate Roof Damage

Even though slate roofs are designed to last, they can still sustain damage. Something could have caused this damage, or it could simply be that your roof is very old and starting to show its age. 

Either way, if your roof gets damaged, you must fix the issue as soon as possible before it worsens. To do so, you need to know how to identify damage on a slate roof. 

5 Common Types of Slate Roof Damage

Roof repairs are not cheap, but procrastinating can worsen the issue, leading to even more severe and expensive repairs. Since slate roofs can last 100 years or more, you can view the damage repair as a long-term investment. It’s always in your best interest to detect problems early.

Let’s examine some of the most common slate roof problems so that you know what to look for. 

1. Cracks and Breaks

Even though slate roofs can withstand severe weather conditions — even hail — they might still be susceptible to environmental damage, especially if you have an older roof. If your slate roof is cracked or broken, nature likely caused the damage. Branches and other heavy objects falling on your roof could lead to this type of damage. In some cases, you may only need to replace the damaged slates with new ones. 

2. Missing or Loose Slates

Sometimes, you may notice gaps in your slate roof, indicating that some slates are missing. Alternatively, you may notice that a slate seems loose. Replace missing slates as soon as possible to prevent leakages. You should also replace loose slates before they fall off. If you notice this too late and your roof is already leaking,  get the leak repaired and replace the slates. 

3. Discoloration or Staining 

If you notice discoloration on your slate roof, it could be a sign of water damage. Other times, discoloration may be due to natural reasons like prolonged exposure to sunlight or the wear and tear that comes with age. 

While discoloration and staining don’t necessarily mean your roof has severe damage, they can be a warning sign. If you notice them, be sure to thoroughly inspect your roof for damage. 

4. Moss and Algae Growth

If portions of your roof are located in damp or shaded areas, you may notice moss or algae growing on your slates. Even though moss and algae may not seem like severe damage that you should worry about, they tend to trap moisture in your roof. This moisture can lead to multiple issues, including a cycle where it freezes and thaws during the winter, leading to cracking or flaking slates. 

5. Damage to the Flashing 

Roof flashing helps direct water away from certain areas of your roof. Damage to this flashing could cause damage to your roof as it may cause leaks. Check your flashing to see if it’s loose or corroded. Also, check to see that the sealant around the flashing is still watertight and not damaged or cracked. 

Signs of Damage to Look For

Even if you know what common roof damage problems are, you might not know what signs of slate roof damage to look for. Sure, discoloration or missing slates can be obvious to spot — but only if you look for them. Many people don’t actively inspect their roofs very often, so they may not know that there’s an issue. 

Here’s how to spot roof damage:

1. Water stains on your ceilings or walls: One of the first signs that your roof is leaking and has sustained damage is water stains on ceilings or walls. If you notice this, inspect your roof to determine the issue. If you don’t tend to water-damaged walls urgently, you may need to remove or replace the entire wall to prevent mildew from growing. 
2. Increased energy bills: While your electricity bill and roof condition may not seem connected, your roof plays a big part in your home’s insulation. If your energy bills increase without reason, it could be because your damaged roof isn’t insulating your home as well as it should. 
3. Gutter issues: Clogged gutters could indicate slate wear, and sagging gutters often indicate that your roof isn’t draining correctly. 

How to Inspect Your Slate Roof

Now that you know why it’s crucial that you catch roof damage early, you may want to know how to do a slate roof inspection. The first step is to look at the whole picture from the ground. See if you can spot any obvious problems so that you know where the damage is, such as large branches or missing slates. You can use binoculars to get a more detailed look from afar. 

You should inspect your roof seasonally, but it’s also important to check for damage after major storms. Around 500,000 people get treated for ladder-related injuries, so call a professional to get a more detailed inspection of your roof. You should avoid walking or climbing on your roof, as this could cause damage or injury.

When to Call a Professional

You should contact a professional as soon as possible if you notice problems, especially water stains or obvious external damage. Inspecting and repairing slate roofs can be dangerous, so it’s vital that you consult a professional whenever you have concerns about your roof.

Preventive Measures

Tending to issues as they arrive rather than putting them off is an excellent start, but you should also take preventive measures where possible so that you don’t keep having to repair problems. Proper slate roof maintenance can prevent issues. Taking these steps doesn’t mean your roof won’t ever get damaged, but it does lower the chances. Try the following measures:

• Schedule regular inspections: Don’t wait for an issue to get bad before noticing it. Instead, include a regular roof inspection in your maintenance schedule. Doing so will allow you to detect any problems early on. 
• Clean your gutters and downspouts: You also need to keep your gutters and downspouts clear. If you don’t, water could get backed up, damaging your roof. 
• Remove debris from your roof: If you notice large pieces of debris on your roof, have them removed before they cause damage. 

Get Roofing Repairs From Cornett Roofing Systems

At Cornett Roofing Systems, we have extensive experience with all types of roofs, including slate roofs. Whether you require installation, repair, restoration, cleaning or other services, we have the expertise needed to assist. 

We pride ourselves on providing all our customers with a professional and satisfactory experience. If your roof has been damaged or you require an inspection, contact us for a free estimate and to learn more about how we can help you with your slate roofing issues!