Slate Roof Condition

Some slates have been known to last over 200 years.

Slate roof condition.

Inspecting slate roofs how to inspect slate roofing for condition damage leaks guidance for ashi nahi nabie creia tarei nachi home inspectors and building inspectors engineers architects roofers course notes on slate roofing inspection diagnosis repair a class on how to inspect the condition of slate roofs questions answers about slate roof inspection diagnosis evaluation. The moisture retained in the slate can also begin to cause the wood roof deck to rot especially if the original felt underlayment is in poor condition. The roof survey of multiple slate roofs was performed by professional roof consultants. The addition of slate to a house not framed for this purpose will require an analysis of the roof framing system.

Examples of slate roofs in poor or worn out condition this poor condition slate roof sports many loose slates. If the whole slate is white in color and scaling you should consider the slate to be at the end of its life. A slate roof can weigh as little as 700 pounds per square up to 8000 pounds where 2 thick slates were used on a graduated slate roof. If the condition is typical and widespread it is likely time to replace the roof lest more shingles continue to slide down slope or the shingles become subject to blow off in high winds.

Tar or roofing cement should not be found at chimneys sidewall flashings plumbing vents or elsewhere. Eflorescence almost fills the upper slates and there are many thin delaminating slates. Installed properly slate roofs require relatively little maintenance and will last 60 to 125 years or longer depending on the type of slate employed roof configuration and the geographical location of the property. It should be considered a temporary unreliable repair.

Sample roof condition report slate roofing this is an example of an actual roof condition report. On a residential building the maximum weight per square you d probably find would be 2500 pounds. More than 25 of this roof is bad beyond economical repair. The lower the slope of the roof the greater the rate of weathering and deterioration as the slates tend to stay wet for a longer period of time after each precipitation event.

However as long as the slates are physically intact the roof is serviceable.