Are you a homeowner who believes your home's slate roof may be in need of repair?If this sounds like you, then you will want to read this article to learn about slate roof repair.

What is Slate Roofing?
Slate, the primary material used in the construction of slate roofs, is among the most durable construction materials available and has been used for hundreds of years.

In fact, many homeowners consider slate roofs to be "100-year roofs," because if properly installed and maintained, these roofs will last for approximately 75-200 years.

There are a variety of benefits associated with slate roofs. Some of these benefits include:

Appearance: Slate is available in a wide variety of colors and sizes. Proper roof repair allows homeowners to beautifully enhance their home's architectural style.
"Going Green": Slate is a nature-based construction material. It is a natural product of the Earth's surface that comes from the ground and can be safely composted back into the ground.
Durability: In addition to leaking less often than other types of roofs, slate roofs are also one of the most fireproof and wind resistant roofs. Individuals who own homes with these types of roofs will not have to deal with the hassle of roofing repair very often.
Reliability: Slate has been the material of choice for most residential and commercial construction projects for the past five centuries! Installation and maintenance procedures have changed very little, which makes slate one of the most dependable roofing materials available today.

Without a doubt, roofs built from slate are among the most beautiful, yet durable, types of roofs any homeowner can invest in.

How is Slate Roofing Maintained?
The major problem that arises with the installation of slate roofs, however, is that most homeowners believe these roofs are indestructible and roof repair will never be necessary.

This is NOT correct. Although slate roofs can last for over 100 years, they will age and eventually leak.

The trick is to make sure you as a homeowner are properly maintaining your roof, making sure that it lasts long after you're gone.

It is a good idea to perform at least one annual roof inspection of your roof.

While performing this inspection, be sure to check for the following:

Broken/Missing Slates

Broken/Missing Sliding

Unstable Flashing

Although you as a homeowner can perform this type of inspection yourself, it is recommended that you make an appointment with a certified roof repair specialist once every few years to have that company perform a more thorough inspection of your roof.

When Should Slate Roofing Be Repaired?
Generally speaking, there are two main causes behind slate roof repair. These include:

Broken/Damaged Slates

Deteriorating Flashing

Although slate is one of the most durable construction materials available, the flashing used to support it is not.

Usually, homeowners will find themselves needing to repair the flashing on their slate roof long before repairing the slate itself.

Working with slate requires specialized knowledge and a very particular skill set that most average homeowners do not possess.

To avoid causing more damage to your roof, always enlist the services of a professional roofing contractor for your roof repair.

In most instances, the cost to repair a slate roof is usually only about 15% of the cost of replacing it.

So, as long as the slates themselves are in good condition, there is no need to replace the entire roof.