The lifespan and roofing duration of a high-quality slate roof is more than 100-150 years, when properly installed and maintained. However, a slate roof must occasionally be removed – whether for a roof repair, or a roof replacement, often because a low-quality roofing job resulted in the premature failure of the roofing structure.
Wondering how you remove slate roofing? Let’s give you an inside look at this roofing job now, and discuss the process from start to finish.
1. Setting Up For Demolition
First, you or the contractor removing your roof will need to set up for the process of roof removal and demolition. You’ll need a hook ladder or “chicken ladder” which will hook onto the roof and allow for easy movement on the roof. Slate is slippery and fragile, and should not be walked on, so this is an essential step.
Buckets or tubs will also be used to organize the nails and roof tiles that will be removed. Many slate tiles that are removed during demolition can be re-used for future roofing projects, or even repurposed for flooring or creating stone pathways, in some cases.
2. Removing Tiles And Flashing
Removal typically starts from the top of the roof, as this allows each row of tiles to be removed one at a time. Using a specialized ripping bar, each slate tile is removed by extracting the copper nails used to hold the tile in place.
Then, once the nails have been removed, the slate tile is slipped out of place, and placed in a bucket or tub for removal. This process continues until the entire roof has been removed. Flashing may also be removed, or left in place if it’s in good condition and can be reused when the roof is re-installed.
3. Placing Felt Underlayment To Protect The Roof Structure
Most slate roofs do not use any kind of underlayment to protect the roof structure. Slate roofs are watertight simply because of the overlapping, dense slate material, which does not allow water to leak into the attic or your home. Because of this, felt underlayment must be placed on your roof as the tiles are removed, to ensure water does not enter your home, until a permanent roof can be placed.
4. Roof Inspection
If your slate roof was leaking, your contractor may have to inspect and examine your roof decking and structure, to ensure that it has not been damaged by water. Once the integrity of your roof has been verified, it’s time to move onto the next step.
5. Roof Replacement
It’s important to minimize the amount of time that your home is without a roof – for obvious reasons. As soon as your slate tile roof has been removed, you’ll need to install a new roof. In many cases, you can your roof replaced with another slate roof – and re-use many of your existing slate tiles to help minimize the cost.
However, you can also opt for an alternative material, like asphalt shingles, terracotta, or a metal roof. Discuss your options with your contractor, and you’re sure to find the roofing material that’s right for you.
GOT MORE QUESTIONS? GET IN TOUCH WITH NSW SLATE ROOFING NOW!
If you have a damaged or leaking slate roof, you should contact NSW Slate Roofing now. We’re experienced slate contractors, and we can help with both minor slate roof repairs, and full-scale slate roof replacements. With more than 30 years of experience, our master slaters can help you get the job done right!
Call NSW Slate Roofing on 1300 102 908.