If you own a Victorian, Edwardian, or other similar era period home and need no obligation assistance with slate roofing, call us on : 0403022137
Our experience with slate roofs goes back 35+ years. We’ve assisted Melbourne’s homeowners, builders and architects with all types of roof slating solutions. We can assist you too.
Preserve, Repair or Replace a Slate Roof on Period Property
It’s quite easy to look at some of Melbourne’s magnificent period mansions and houses and feel a sense of nostalgia or awe. The amazing upkeep required to maintain these impressive homes is far more than many people are willing to do. We’ve been working on slate roofing around Melbourne for more than 35 years, so we completely understand what it takes to maintain the slate roofs that protect and help make these homes so unique. Here’s a couple of things to keep in mind for your home when you need to decide whether to preserve, repair, or replace a slate roof.
Slate Roof Routine Inspection
Inspect your slate roof for damage at least once per year… particularly if it’s an old original one.
If you choose to do this yourself use binoculars if you can’t, or don’t want to get up on the roof. Unless you’re experienced and confident climbing up a ladder, accessing slate roofs can sometimes be a little daunting. We understand that not all homeowners enjoy climbing up a ladder for a close physical inspection of the roof. A good pair of binoculars in this instance is a good second-choice. You may not be able to inspect the slate tiles themselves at really close quarters but it’s more than likely you may notice that somethings “not quite right” and warrants further attention.
The top surface of the slates : Pay close attention to the overall appearance of each slate. Are there cracks, fractures or lots of small soft flakey bits of slate lying loose on the roof ? Make note of any cracks, fractures, flaking areas and take pictures from year to year to compare. You may see one, or all of these developing problems.
The under Side of the slates and roof : Access the ceiling space and inspect the underside of the slate tiles and the rafters.
The slates themselves should be hard and smooth if they’re still in good order. A common problem often seen on the underside of deteriorating slates is a chalky powdery appearance.
Look specifically for any sign that water has been present. You may see dark streaky type marks on the rafters where water’s been running along and down. You may also see dried puddles on the floor of the ceiling itself below the streaks or anywhere directly under the tiles.
Issues You May Discover in Time
Slate Lying on the Ground: The entire idea of slate roofing is to protect your home … not lie in broken bits around the gardens. Inspect the entire roof immediately if you happen to notice small bits of slate lying on the ground. This can indicate a few different potential issues. The first and probably most obvious is that strong winds have dislodged slates and they’ve broken up hitting the roof or when they’ve hit the ground.
Secondly, if the slate is of a softer nature, hailstones can shatter and break the slates causing smaller pieces of slate to finish up on the ground.
In either case, repairs may be needed or if the damage is severe enough complete replacement.
Evidence of Internal Leakage: You may notice damp or dirty looking circles on the ceilings or walls of various rooms throughout the home. This doesn’t necessarily mean the leak is directly above the room in which you find the circles. Water takes the path of least resistance, so the leak is likely in a different area of the roof and you’re seeing a type of runoff.
Cracks, Splitting Loose and Moving Slates : Normal wear and tear and any type of storm damage can cause the slate to crack, split, move or dislodge.
Cracked or split slate is not protecting your home and should be repaired as soon as possible. The leaking may be non existent or small to begin with, but it’s certain to develop into more serious leak problems and has the potential to cause costly internal damage. Annual photos can help
Whilst moving slates don’t present an immediate problem they soon will when they dislodge entirely leaving gaps for easy water penetration.
Caring for Period Property and Their Slate Roofs
Period property and its slate roofing can and often does require the same type of upkeep as modern constructions. In fact, it often needs maintenance more frequently than newer homes due to the age. Any time you’re working on these homes, take the time to truly appreciate how unique to Melbourne they really are. Whether you choose to preserve, repair or replace a slate roof on your home, try to maintain it’s original overall integrity. It always looks and works much better keeping the original character intact.
Here at Abardeen Roof Slating, we do it all. We repair all problems related to slate roofs. We will find every leak and create a solution to stop it. We will replace slipped, broken, cracked, or damaged slates. We will repair rusted valleys, box gutters, and chimney flashings that are in the way of the damaged slate. Every area of your roof can leak – our job is to make sure it doesn’t. Call us at 0403 022 137 to schedule an appointment for a consultation if your slate roof is in need of repair or replacement.
Abardeen Roof Slating & Tiling 66 Eglinton St Moonee Ponds VIC 3039