Having a roofing professional perform an annual inspection is the best way to catch potential problems before they become damaging leaks. But when is the best time for this inspection? We suggest spring, but you can have us take a peek whenever you think it’s necessary!
Book A Slate Inspections In The Spring
Generally, the best time for your annual slate inspection is in the spring! After winter, the roof becomes safer for a professional to get, and we have a much easier time seeing issues when there’s no ice or snow! Winter snow, ice, and winds are all leading causes of slate damage. When spring comes around, we can detect any damage that could become a costly problem.
Book A Slate Inspection After Major Storms
Examine or have a professional look at your slate after big wind or thunderstorms. The gales, rain, and potential hail can weaken the material and cause branches to fall on it. Any impact can create hairline fractures that will widen if you don’t replace the slate.
Book A Slate Inspection If Your Notice Discolorations In The Water Running Off Your Roof
You can detect issues with your slate roof by checking the water flowing out of your gutter. Sediment coming off the material can make the water look brown or rusty. Stains on the slate roofing tile can indicate a host of issues, some that are benign, others that need to be corrected ASAP. Slate sediment on your tiles is a sign that the roofing material is thinning and susceptible to damage.
Book A Slate Inspection When You’re Just Not Sure!
There’s nothing wrong with getting on a ladder and taking a look at the slate for yourself (though you have to be careful, and performing a detailed inspection is another thing; more on that below). However, if you’re like most homeowners, you won’t know when the roofing is damaged. You may give it a look over and think that there’s nothing wrong, only to detect a problem when leaks start forming in the attic or upper floors.
Roofing professionals can spot problems like tiny cracks. If any tiles have hairline cracks compared with others on your roof, it’s likely because the slate has become increasingly older. They’ll also look in places you may not think to check, including around the flashing. Flashing is the metal material around the seams of vents and skylights; it doesn’t have the lifespan of slate. If there’s damage to the flashing on a slate roof, but the surrounding tiles are still in good shape, roofing experts can safely replace the flashing.
If you do spot a potential problem, you should never climb up on the slate. While being attractive and strong, the wrong conditions can make the material hazardous!
Always Have A Professional To Perform A Detailed Slate Roof Inspection
Homeowners should never perform a close-up inspection or repairs on slate roofing themselves. The tiles can break if one doesn’t step on them with care or the right equipment – making a wrong move can lead to falls off the roof, causing injuries or death. Even leaning a ladder against the eaves can do damage if not performed with care – if you don’t ease it on the material, you can break the slate!
Roofing professionals (like those at Gables Roofing) can perform the tile inspection in ways that protect the material. It starts with leaning the ladder against the home’s eaves – we will always rest it in a way that won’t do more damage to the roof. If we see a problem, our team has the skills to diagnose and solve it safely.
