Slate Roof Discoloration

If the tiles have water stains check for any hairline cracks.

Slate roof discoloration.

Slate is a beautiful and popular medium for fireplaces and patios but it is highly susceptible to stains from water and hard calcified deposited stains under pots and other items. Historic slate roofs should be repaired rather than replaced whenever possible. Often the damage is hidden under overlapping slate courses and becomes apparent only when the roof starts to leak. Buildup of moss and debris on slate roofs hold moisture in the slates that can split them during winter.

If your slate is looking a little worse for wear do not be alarmed. You can also do a fair amount of checking at ground level. Also slate is slippery when wet. Take a flashlight and check for water stains on the roof timbers especially after a long period of rain.

But there are other roof stain colors and causes. This slate roofing photo series shows all kinds of roofing slate defects. That ll prevent the cleaner from drying out too quickly. Dark black or brown roof shingle stains are often caused by black algae bleed through or extractive bleeding of asphalt dirt soot or organic debris.

Trees plant debris stains stain patches under trees or nearby may be due to seeds berries leaves and other debris falling and decaying. Here we give photographs of slate roof conditions including normal wear on slate roofs worn out slate roofs types of slate roof wear and damage and stains or discoloration on slate roofs. Slate roof defect photo library. Moss often grows in the shade of trees too.

Regular roof cleaning is critical for your roof as slate is easy to cleave and water absorbent. Pour it into a pump sprayer strap yourself into a full body harness tie it down and climb to the roof. Then spray the cleaner onto the shingles photo 1. When cleaning a slate roof don t use chemicals like ammonia or chlorine bleach.

You can t walk on a slate roof no matter how shallow its pitch. Slate shingles do not lie flat against each other and can easily snap under pressure. The remedies for and means of preventing stains on roof shingles are discussed as well. Before replacing a slate roof check for isolated damage corroded and worn flashings leaky gutters poor ventilation in the attic and other possible sources of moisture.