Slate is a timeless roofing choice, and many older buildings have retained their original slate roofs as they are generally quite hardy and long-lasting. However, as with all building materials, they will eventually begin to degrade. You need to know what to look for to judge if the time is right for a roof replacement.

Delamination

Slate is a naturally occurring resource that forms in strong but distinct layers. Towards the end of its useful life, these layers may begin to split apart in a process called delamination. This leads to a roof that is less sturdy and more prone to leaks and breakages. However, even high-quality slate’s layers are often slightly visible, so unless there are clear flakes and gaps, it can be hard to tell whether you are simply looking at the natural pattern in the stone. If you are not sure what delamination looks like, ask a surveyor to take a look.

Frequent leaking

A single leak could simply be down to weather damage, or one faulty or missing tile, so you don’t necessarily need to replace your entire roof. However if your building repeatedly springs leaks, or if there are several at once, it’s likely that your roof needs replacing. A leak doesn’t always result in a large, obvious puddle, so if your property develops problems like damp, mildew or rusting then you should always look to the roof to diagnose the cause.

Age

If you notice frequent leaks, broken tiles, or delamination in older roofs then it’s likely the problem will only accelerate as the roof ages. It will be worth your time, and money, to take pre-emptive action and replace the whole roof. For newer roofs with multiple issues, assess the overall condition of the roof closely to ensure that these are just isolated issues before deciding if a full replacement is needed.

Slate alternatives

If you’ve noticed any of the above then it might be time to replace your roof. However, as slate is a natural resource, and is very heavy, the high costs and environmental impact of slate mean that you may prefer to use a different material.

Metrotile’s tile profiles include imitation slate in several colours, manufactured from lightweight pressed steel. More readily available and greener than split slate, Metrotile’s lightweight steel roofing is the natural choice for anyone who is considering replacing their old roof. For information or to get an estimate, call us on 01249 658 514 or fill out our online form and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.