![]() ![]() Just like valleys and other flashings, they can be replaced without removing and replacing the entire roof. The standard upon which a repair is judged is that it must not appear to the layperson that any repair, at all, took place, except for new, visible flashings.īox gutter linings, or “built-in” gutters, are another common problem on old slate roofs because the metal deteriorates and leaks. The removed slate are then installed in their original locations, laving the roof, in appearance, as it was before, except for the flashing. The adjoining slates are removed to allow for replacement of the flashings. These types of projects are routine for slate roof restoration contractors. Only the flashings should be replaced, not the entire roof. Too often, the flashings fail and unscrupulous roofing contractors convince homeowners to replace their good, slate roof with asphalt. Older copper flashings can be painted in order to extend their lives. The copper industry suggests a life of 80 years. ![]() Copper will begin to fail after about 60 to 70 years in areas of high wear, such as valleys. Copper will oxidize as vert de gris appears. This is sometimes, incorrectly, called “tin.” Terne-coated steel has to be painted regularly or corrosion will occur.Ĭopper flashings (either plain copper or lead-coated) were most commonly installed on government buildings, churches, and similar institutions and upscale homes. Flashings are essentially the metalwork used to prevent the penetration of water wherever there is an abrupt angle or opening in the roof (ie, chimneys, valleys, dormers.) Often, flashings were made from terne-coated steel, which is a steel coated with a lead/tin combination. While the slate may last “forever,” the metal flashings will not. Roofing slate is still being quarried and sold in New York and Vermont (as well as Pennsylvania and Virginia.) Slate was also once quarried in Georgia and Maine (home of the world-famous Monson slate.)įlashing replacement and built-in gutters Contact Olde Mohawk for a free consultation specific to your slate roof. This single-most important information will provide details as to its type, origin, longevity, characteristics, and qualities. It is critical that people who own, inspect or work on slate roofs are able to identify the slate on the roof in question. Good, hard slate, like most New York, Vermont, Peach Bottom, Buckingham, or Monson, will last for hundreds of years on a properly cared for roof. These softer slate roofs (commonly from Pennsylvania) cannot be saved or restored, for the most part, but repairs can buy time. Softer slates (rated S2 or S3) may become crumbly and will delaminate, sometimes, as early as 55 years, and certainly by 80-100 years. Roofing slates are rated by ANSI according to hardness. However, stone is a natural material and may have minute or even invisible fissures that will ultimately cause slates to break and slide off the roof. Slate is stone, and stone is long lasting. ![]() Slate is pulled from the earth in massive slabs and dressed down into individual shingles mostly by hand. Variations in duration and quality of slate
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