Slate is a fine grained foliated homogeneous metamorphic rock derived from an original shale type sedimentary rock composed of clay or volcanic ash through low grade regional metamorphism it is the finest grained foliated metamorphic rock.
How does a slate roof work.
Many slate tile manufacturers offer up to 100 year warranty on their products.
Foliation may not correspond to the original sedimentary layering but instead is in planes perpendicular to the direction of metamorphic compression.
Also slate is slippery when wet.
Precautions needed to work safely on slate roofs.
Another slate material to consider is penrhyn slate which has a soft purple blue appearance and is typically expected to last more than 100 years.
Perhaps the best natural slate material in the world for a slate roof is considered by many to be welsh slate.
If the roofs are made of slate or tiles it is even more hazardous.
Ideally you would only allow specially trained roofers to work on roofs covered in slate but for emergency repairs or the retrieval of the occasional frisbee it can t be avoided.
For people who do not plan to ever sell their home the incredible longevity of slate is a highly desirable benefit.
The roofers should try to adhere to the below mentioned precautions while working on slate roofs.
How to work on slate roofs.
Do they specialize in slate roofing.
Slate shingles do not lie flat against each other and can easily snap under pressure.
The best access for most homeowners comes in positioning a long extension ladder from the ground to the roof.
In order to maintain your investment and make sure it lasts a slate roof will need regular maintenance.
During the rainy season slate roofs become.
This slate material can come in either blue grey or heather purple color options.
If you re one of the lucky individuals who has a slate roof on his house you re almost guaranteed that you won t have to replace it for its first 60 to 100 years.
Often the damage is hidden under overlapping slate courses and becomes apparent only when the roof starts to leak.
It is to be kept in mind that repairing any kind of pitched roof is a dangerous task.
This can be carried out cheaply and it s work you can comfortably undertake yourself.
A slate roof will easily last over 100 years which is at least double of what other roofing materials can offer.
When you have a slate roof installed or maintained the work should only be done by roofing professionals with extensive backgrounds in the application of slate.