Restoring Slate Roof

Slate has been protecting structures for thousands of years.

Restoring slate roof.

The award winning slate roof bible 2nd edition has over 350 color photographs of slate and slate roofs from around the world and a total of over 600 photos illustrations graphs charts diagrams maps etc. When repairing or replacing a slate roof original details affecting its visual character should be retained. Jenkins down home style converts potentially tedious subjects like slate geology roof safety tools installation and repairs into readable delights. Before repairing or replacing an existing slate roof it is important to document the existing conditions and detailing of the roof using written visual and physical evidence so that original features can be identified and preserved.

In order to go toward restoring a slate roof between 70 to 80 percent of the roof itself should be feasibly intact with minor replacements needed throughout. Slate is a porous stone which means that it can absorb stains around the fireplace particularly soot and smoke. To restore the slate to new the soot needs to be removed. While slate tile often is associated with shades of gray this natural stone actually comes in a wide variety of shades including blue brown and pink.

Replacing a slate roof on the other hand usually needs to happen at some point particularly with older historic homes.