Duration

The optimal time for an inspection is either in the fall to prepare for winter weather or in the spring to check for any damage that may have occurred during a winter storm.

Slate is one of the most durable roofing materials. But that doesn’t mean it’s maintenance-free. The best way to keep your slate roof looking its best is with an annual maintenance inspection. It is the best way to avoid leaks that can lead to costly interior repairs.

The optimal time for an inspection is either in the fall to prepare for winter weather or in the spring to check for any damage that may have occurred during a winter storm.

How To Maintain Your Slate Roof

Your slate roof will last for a lifetime and only require minor repairs by implementing good maintenance routines. Some tips to help with winter maintenance include:

• Fall Inspection – By having your slate tiles inspected in the fall, important problems can be caught and addressed before any winter storms. Spring and summer storms could have caused small damage that can be fixed before winter weather arrives.

• Clean Off the Debris – During the fall months, a lot of debris can accumulate on your roof. When debris is left and begins to decay, this can get beneath the slate tiles of your roof. Therefore, it’s essential to clean off any leaf and tree debris to prevent developing problems during the winter.

• Replace Loose Tiles – Having loose slates on your roof can cause serious problems. When tiles are loose, leaks and water damage can occur.

You Should Inspect Your Slate Roof?

While you may be tempted to make these inspections yourself, it’s really best to have a professional roofing company make the inspection. Also, don’t get just any roofing contractor, but contact an experienced slate roofing contractor. A roofing company that specializes in slate roofs will:

• Know how to safely access your slate roof to avoid damaging the slate
• Know what to look for
• Know how to make any needed repairs

Also, depending on your slate roof’s pitch and height, trying to inspect it on your own can be dangerous. This is especially true for someone who isn’t accustomed to climbing around on top of a roof.

What You Can Do

However, all of this doesn’t mean that you can’t keep an eye on your slate roof between inspections. There are a few steps you can take to ensure the beauty and durability of your slate roof without risking injury to yourself or damage to your roof. If you do spot something wrong, contact a slate roofing contractor right away.

Some of the steps you can take include:

• Inspect the interior of your home for signs of a leak.
• Look up at your roof occasionally to check for broken or missing slate tiles.
• Check for slates that have fallen off your roof around the perimeter of your home.