Slate roofing is one of the longest-lasting roofing systems available today and has distinct differences from popular roofing such as asphalt shingles. In this blog, local roof repair contractors Advanced Roofing shares the important things you should know about slate roofs.
- There Are Different Types of Slate — When talking about slate roofing, you probably picture black or dark grey uniformly cut pieces of rock. But slate comes in other varieties, depending on where it was quarried. The purple, non-fading green and dark gray “Buckingham” slate are the most durable types, and can last up to 200 years. “Soft” slates, typically offered as the more affordable types, last up to 90 years. Knowing this can be useful if you need to weigh cost, life span and durability.
- Different Types of Metal Flashing Don’t Mix — Copper flashing is typically used on slate roofs. When copper comes in contact with other metals, such as stainless steel flashing, it will result in what is called galvanic corrosion. Certain types of metals will react with each other, causing a type of corrosion. Given the life span of slate roofing compared to other residential roofing systems, you corrosion is the last thing you want to happen with the flashing.
- Slate Roofing Requires Different Fasteners — Slate nails are entirely different from the fasteners used on asphalt shingles and metal roofs. Ideally, copper nails or stainless steel nails should be used—strictly one or the other, never in combination—and should be hammered by hand. Nails should be at least twice the thickness of a slate, plus one inch. Nailheads should sit flush on the slate. If your drive them too deep, the slate will crack. A protruding nailhead will damage the slate above it.
- Slate Roofs Need the Right Decking Material — A typical roof deck is made of plywood or OSB (oriented strand board), but slate requires something that can match its life span, weight and installation method. Plank boards about 3/4 to 1-1/2 inches thick are ideal because, being made of solid wood, they do not delaminate or have glues that deteriorate after 50 years.
Advanced Roofing is your leading provider of residential and commercial flat roof repair services. Give us a call at (630) 473-300 or fill out our contact form. We serve customers in Naperville, IL, and surrounding areas in Illinois.
