A major element that affects the condition of the whole house is its roof. This is why finding the right type of roof and making sure that it is installed properly is vital. Luckily, nowadays there is a huge variety when it comes to roofing materials and you can choose the kind that suits your home and the area you live in best.
One material that is known for its longevity is slate. While a bit more on the expensive side, slate can last for over a hundred years with proper maintenance. However, even though this material doesn’t require a lot of repairs, you must take action as soon as possible if you notice any issues. To help you react on time, here are some signs that your slate roof might be in need of fixing.
Check your home for leaks
This step is essential regardless of the type of roof you have. After a heavy downpour in your Australian city, you should inspect your home for leaks or any signs of water damage. Checking and repairing your roof will not only make your house safer but also boost its value. Check your ceilings for damp patches and don’t forget to look behind cupboards and wardrobes to ensure no walls are damaged. If you notice anything suspicious, act immediately to prevent further damage to both your possession and the house itself. Seeing as how you’re probably not an expert, call a pro to take a look at your slate tiles to see what state they are in.
Inspect your attic for moisture
In some cases, you might not have a leak but your house might be dealing with a moisture problem. Soft or brittle slate tiles can absorb moisture from the outside which results in rotting and decay. Furthermore, it’s important for you to understand that the tiles are not the only thing that the roof consists of. If your roof has a wooden construction, it can also start rotting to the point of collapsing. This is why you should inspect your attic from time to time for any signs of moisture and take the necessary measures to prevent any issues early on. However, if you don’t notice the problem on time, it might also happen that the tiles are damaged beyond repair and you’ll need to replace your entire roof or at least a big portion of it.
Look for misaligned tiles
Misaligned tiles are not a small issue as they can cause a lot of problems, such as water penetration or pest infestation. So, if you notice any loose tiles, you should contact professionals that can repair your slate roofing in Sydney. It’s not uncommon to encounter this problem in Australia seeing as how nails used on older slate roofs often rust and affect the whole roof. It is also possible that the tiles will disintegrate around the nails, so it’s vital to act fast and re-nail the slates. This process can also increase your roof’s lifespan by more than 30 years and you will save money by not having to replace the entire roof.
See if there are any other visible problems
In addition to tiles being misaligned due to bad nails, they can also be pockmarked, cracked or missing. However, before you get up on a ladder, you should first look through a pair of binoculars to see whether you can spot any issues. Locate the problematic area and determine whether the damage is in just one part of the roof or if it’s scattered all across. Now, you can either call an expert or get the proper equipment and do it yourself. You should inspect the tiles to see if they can still be used. Tap them to check for firmness and if the sound is resonant, they can be salvaged. This means that some other construction material is faulty, so examine the fasteners and the flashing. On the other hand, if you hear a dull sound, it’s time to replace the slate tiles.
There are algae on your roof
Another indicator that your roof might need repairing is dark spots and streaks. While these may look like dirt, soot or mold, they are actually algae, moss, and lichen. They typically start small and the owner doesn’t even notice them for a couple of months. The moss can lift the slates and thus damage the integrity of the roof, in addition to the moisture causing cracks. Luckily, you can clean a slate roof on your own, with a soft cleaning approach.
In order to have a long-lasting roof, keep these tips in mind and perform the necessary repairs on time. Don’t ignore any issues as a complete replacement of a slate roof will not be easy on your wallet but keep up with regular maintenance and you’ll be just fine.
