If you have a slate roof, you’ll enjoy incredible fire resistance, amazing energy efficiency, a unique style, and a roof that can easily last more than 100 years. But if you have an older Slate roof you might be wondering how do you maintain a slate roof? Well, read on below and hope you will find some useful information you can use.
But if you want your roof to look great and last as long as possible, you need to maintain it properly. Just like any other type of roofing, your slate roof will require regular occasional maintenance, repairs, and upkeep to make sure it stays intact.
1. CLEAN YOUR GUTTERS TWICE PER YEAR
All types of gutters perform the same basic function. They allow water to drain from your roof, and be channeled away from the roof shingles, roof decking, and other roofing elements. If your gutters are clogged, damaged, or do not work properly, this can cause damage to your roof.
Water won’t be able to drain properly, so it may sit on your roof tiles and begin infiltrating the rest of the roofing structure, leading to water stains and damage inside your home. Twice-yearly gutter cleanings will help prevent this.

2. PERFORM VISUAL INSPECTIONS EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE
While slate roofs are very durable, individual slates can still become loose and fall off of your roof. They can be cracked by flying debris like small tree branches, and become damaged by regular wear & tear.
We recommend heading outside to look at your roof every once in a while – every few months, at most. Using some binoculars may help you get a good look at individual slates and look for any obvious damage.
3. CHECK THE ROOF AFTER SERIOUS WINDS & INCLEMENT WEATHER
Post serious inclement weather like high winds, hail, storms or fires, check them to see if damage occurred. You should be able to see if any significant damage occurred just by checking your roof from the ground level.
4. GET YOUR ROOF CHECKED BY A ROOFER WHO SPECIALISES IN SLATE ROOF MAINTENANCE
We always recommend regular slate roof checks from a roofing contractor that specializes in working with this type of roofing. Hiring a slate roofing contractor to check your slate, your flashing and guttering will be a good start. You can’t undervalue the knowledge and eye an experienced Slate Roofer has for preventative maintenance.
In addition, experienced slate roofers use special ladders to move safely on your roof and avoid stepping directly on slate. This is important – if you hire a roof inspector who doesn’t do this, they could actually cause serious slate damage.
5. PERFORM ROOFING REPAIRS AS NEEDED TO KEEP YOUR SLATE TILES IN GOOD SHAPE
If your inspector finds any damaged, broken, or dislodged slate tiles, you’ll want to repair or replace them right away. Even if you’re only missing a few slate in, this can lead to further damage to your other slate and the underlying roof structure. Immediate repairs are the best way to safeguard your roof.
6. CONSIDER HAVING YOUR ROOF CLEANED ANNUALLY
Roof cleanings let you check on the condition of your roof, and also help you eliminate things like algae, dirt buildup, and other debris. With regular roof cleanings, you’ll make sure your home always looks its best, and boost your curb appeal!
NEED HELP WITH SLATE ROOF MAINTENANCE? CONTACT NSW SLATE ROOFING TODAY
Slate roofs last much longer than other shingle roofs built from any other roofing material, including asphalt shingles. But you still need to take a few steps to ensure that your slate roof reaches its maximum possible lifespan.
So don’t wait – contact NSW Slate Roofing if you need a roof inspection for your slate roof in Sydney. As slate experts, we’ll ensure that your roof is in great shape, and recommend any repairs that may be necessary.
Or call us on 1300 050 924