Commonly Asked Questions About Slate Roof Repair

Commonly Asked Slate Questions

Q:
Why do I need to get a specialist to fix my slate roof?
A:
Slate tiles need to be installed properly so they stay on, don't break, and they prevent the roof from leaking.

Q:
What questions should I ask a slate roofer?
A:
1. What kind of nails do you use and what length?
Answer- Copper & most slate should have 1 1/2" nails.
2. Do you use a Slater's hammer?
3. How do you cut the slate?
Answer- A special slate cutter that leaves the proper flaky tapered edge.
4. How do you make the nail holes?
Answer- They need to be punched with the point on the Slater's hammer or a punch on a slate cutter leaving a recess for the nail head.

Q:
I just got a great estimate for fixing a leak in my roof fast. Could this be too good to be true?
A:
It could be. A cheap, fast fix usually means the contractor is using tar on your slate roof. Not only does tar ruin the appearance of your slate roof, but this "fix" only lasts a couple of years at best and will cost you more in the end when someone has to remove the tar in order to do the job right.