SLATE ROOF REPAIRS MELBOURNE
Slate Roof Repair is worth it.
Roofs that are built with slate are made to last for decades or even centuries. It has all the properties that make it durable, resistant to fire, water, and extreme weather conditions and gives your properties a classic look that never goes out of style. However, even the most durable roofs require periodic checks in order to assess its current state so that damages can be addressed accordingly.
REPAIRING SLATE ROOFS
Signs that your Slate Roof needs repair
Roofs are one of the most visible parts of a house or any architectural structure. It is important to have roofs inspected regularly so that you can avoid future safety issues. How do you know that your roof needs immediate repair?
Fractured or Broken Slates
Slates can break or get fractured when an excessive amount of force is placed on them. There are various reasons for broken slates. When slates are installed and inspected, roofers need to find ways to go on the roof without damaging the tiles. Seasoned roofers will attach hook ladders and create appropriate scaffolding to the side of the building prior to repairing roofs while inexperienced roofers just walk on the roof, which causes slates to break or crack. Another reason is the weather. Hail storms can cause slates to crack especially if the hailstones are large and hit hard. Strong winds and storms can also cause huge debris to fly and land on the roof, resulting in broken slates. Broken Slates permit water to seep into unwanted areas, which cause leakage. When there is great leakage, there is a tendency for moulds, mildew, and algae to form and reproduce on the roof. This will speed up rotting and disintegration of your roof and eventually affect your ceilings and walls. Cracked slates can also add damage to gutters through the accumulation of debris. Broken slates are relatively easy to repair by replacing them individually. However, if there are more than 10 fractured slates, slate roof replacement should be also considered.
Delaminated Slates
Delamination is the separation of the material into layers. Delamination can occur in a range of materials, including laminate composites and concrete. With roofing slates, long-term exposure to moisture and other external elements causes the slate to delaminate. Delamination weakens the integrity of the entire roof and increases the brittleness of each tile, therefore causing slates to break and crack at the lightest strike of force. Slate delamination usually appears on the sides of the tiles because moisture is absorbed in that area.
Faulty Flashings
Roof flashing is a thin metal sheet installed by roofers to deflect water away from certain regions such as chimneys and walls. Flashing can be manufactured from a variety of materials, including copper , aluminum, lead, and galvanized steel roofs. When flashings used with chimneys are defective, chimneys become a great safety liability. Chimneys may cave in and cause immense damage to the property and to the people who live in it. Weak and malfunctioning flashing is prone to erosion, which brings about excess moisture and eventually, serious leakage.
Slipped or Missing Slates
Slates are commonly held together by nails or fasteners made from copper. Copper nails are well-known for their robustness and extended lifespans, as well as their chemical and rust resistance. Copper nails are also considerably stronger than other types of nails like aluminum or steel nails. Though nails are often long-lasting, there is still a probability of decomposition in the long run. When nails waste away, slates become susceptible to shifting or becoming loose, which triggers spillage. Missing tiles is also a big problem. Strong winds may blow away slate tiles especially when the nails and fasteners are loose. Missing tiles can expose the inner structure of the roof more to environmental elements. More exposure means that the probability of damages increases as well. If water finds ways to enter your roof, molds, algae, and mildew can accelerate the roof’s deterioration. Plus, debris and small animals can also find their way through the missing tiles.
Holes in Slates
Holes found in slates are caused by the strong impact of environmental and external conditions. There are some indicators that there are holes in your slates:
- Sunlight coming through – If there are large holes in slates, an ample amount of sunlight can seep through these holes. The tiniest holes are easily overlooked so it is best to check thoroughly using the dark room test or by keeping a room completely dark to make the tiniest holes visible.
- Leaks – Leaks indicate that there are holes in the roof.
- Moisture, Mould, Mildew, and Paint blisters – The tiniest amount of moisture can cause mold and mildew formation and can cause paint to form air pockets that resemble blisters. This weakens any structure’s integrity and durability.
Staining and discoloration of ceilings and walls
Substantial and continuous leakage will show up on the walls and ceilings. Leakage does not only bring water into the ceilings and walls but also dust and filth. These are what causes the discoloration of the paint on walls and ceilings. Multiple staining and discolorations are indications of damage that need immediate attention and repair.
Defective Pointing
Roof pointing is a second layer that is applied on top of the roof bedding. This contributes to a more secure hold for the roof tiles and it seals the roof to protect it from water and dust. Malfunctioning pointing can lead to the falling in of the roof so it is important to get ahead of the issues before it arises. You can identify faulty pointing with these signs:
- Evident spaces along the roof
- Elevated tiles
- Leaks
Sagging Roof Slopes and Ceilings
Roofs are meant to be straight, therefore drooping indicates that the structural integrity of your roof is no longer sufficient, and it may collapse. Roofs can sag if too much weight is applied to the current framework. Snow, ice, and wind, as well as sheathing and roofing materials, are all included. Too many layers of shingles on your roof might also cause sagging. Structural concerns can arise as a result of poor design or construction, as well as the aging and breakdown of walls and house foundations. Aside from sagging slopes, sagging ceilings are also something to look out for. Sagging ceilings are an indication that there is already existing damage caused by long-time leakage. Water is collected at the same location, which causes the ceiling to warp.
How do you replace missing or damaged slates?
2 methods for slate replacement
- Nail and Bib Method – This is one of the simplest methods to repair slates. New pieces of slates are fastened and put in place with a nail inserted in a slot between the pieces of the new slate. Hole are usually made using drills to avoid damage during repairs. Once the nail is securely in place, the nail is enclosed with a flashing or bib. The flashing is placed under the overlapping slates to hide the hole of the nail. This bib must be slightly bent to prevent sliding.
- Slate Hook Method – This method involves the use of slate hooks to insert replacement slates. It allows repair and replacement without damaging the slates around it. The hook fixing mechanism secures the slates at the tail, giving considerable resistance against wind uplift. Additional nail fixes should be utilized at eaves, ridges, and top abutments to avoid lateral drift. The hook approach allows for a great deal of design freedom while saving up to 25% on labor expenses and reducing incurred damages during repair.
How much does Slate Roof repairs cost?
The range of slate roof repair costs starts from $800 to $5,000. The cost of repairing slate roofs will depend on the extent and severity of the damage plus the amount of labor that goes into assessment and repair. If the damages are very minor, like the replacement of minimal tiles, costs can go as low as $300 but if the roof needs a major overhaul costs can be maxed out up to $5,000.
Work with Melbourne's Best
Missing, cracked, or broken slates must be replaced as soon as possible to avoid water damage, faster roof deterioration, and destruction of roof sheathing, as well as structural degradation to framing members. Our company aims to provide you with the top of the line slate roof repair services to bring your roofs back to its prime state. If you avail of our services, we will personally inspect and meticulously evaluate the current condition of your roof and make the necessary and fitting repairs to avert further damage. You are guaranteed the best slate repair workmanship that Melbourne can offer! Contact us today for more inquiries and book that appointment for a free consultation.
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