Slate roofing, considered the best roofing option because of its appearance and long lifespan, can be expensive to maintain. Therefore, if you need a slate roof repair, you will want to think about your options are. A basic understanding of slate roofing can help make your decision a bit easier. Should you repair or replace?
What Is Slate Roofing?
Slate roofing consists of rock tiles. The rock tiles are stronger than almost every other type of roofing material. Slate was extremely popular as a roofing choice in the 1900s in the Northeast. It is often considered a historical roofing choice and is used on many century homes.
How Long Will Slate Roofing Last?
The lifespan of slate roofing depends on what type of slate was used. Slate comes in many different sizes and colors, but is generally split into the categories of hard and soft. Hard slate tiles have a slightly longer lifespan and will last 75 to 200 years versus soft slate which will last 50 to 125 years. While there are exceptions, most colored slates are hard and most black slates are soft.
Repair Versus Replacement
There are several things to consider when deciding if you should repair or replace your slate roof. Roof repair is often the cheaper choice, but there are variables that need to be considered which include the current lifespan of the slate roof in question. If you have a leak in your slate, it is usually caused by broken tiles or bad flashing. A broken tile can be fixed by simply replacing the bad tiles. On the other hand, poor flashing may mean that the entire roof needs to be restored which is more expensive. However, If the slate roof is very old, it may be time to consider replacement.
Before making a final decision, consult an experienced roofer. Cox Roofing provides commercial and residential roofing in Towson. They can help determine the cause of your leak and guide you towards the best option for your roof repair.
