How to Choose the Right Slate Roof Professional: 5 Do’s and Don’ts Every Homeowner Should Know

Many claim to know slate roofs. However, it could take several years after an improper installation for it to show signs of faulty work. Unfortunately, more times than NOT, we run across slate roofs that professional roofers really botched up. Keep in mind, they most likely are professional roofers. Slate roofs are just not their everyday project; therefore, you receive a bad installation or repair.

Do’s and Don’t.

1.) Do your own research. Yes, this is not an asphalt roof you are dealing with. Somewhere along the way, someone has invested in a quality roof. One that could last 100 years with minimal maintenance. There are many third-party services that are helpful to homeowners in finding qualified professionals. BE AWARE…. they are not in the slate roof business. They will not understand what a qualified slate roof professional really entails. There are many roofing professionals, this does not make them a pro at slate roofs. A great resource is “The Slate Roof Bible” by author Joseph Jenkins.

2.) Do ask questions. Find out what percentage of their projects are related to slate roofs. How long have they worked with slate roofs? Who will be overseeing the project, and what is their experience with slate roofs? Why go with a company that only works on a couple of slate roofs a year, when you can find companies that have 95% of their projects are slate roof related. We come across homeowners that prefer to work with locals. I am all for supporting local businesses. However, if you are one that feels this way. I highly recommend investing in hiring a consultant that specializes in slate roofs. Someone that is in the slate roof business, travel to consult. You will be doing yourself a great favor in the long run.

3.) Don’t use a roofer that is walking on your slate roof. This is not a shingle roof. Although a slate roof is durable and can last a lifetime, it should not be walked on. This could do more damage to existing good slate tiles.

4.) Don’t allow tar to be used as a quick fix. Tar will only be a temporary fix that will eventually lead to a bigger repair. I cannot count how many times we have been called out to repair a leak. Only to find tarred slate tiles. Not only do we have to replace the broken or cracked slate, but now must replace the surrounding slates as well. Most of the time it’s a much larger area that must be replaced to repair. Where it could have been prevented by replacing just a couple of slates.

5.) Do be aware when purchasing a structure with a slate roof. Inspectors don’t always know what to look for in a slate roof. It is common for us to get a call from new homeowners with a slate roof. We find quick fixes, temporary fixes, you can call it what you’d like. It’s been caulked or tarred to stop a leak long enough to sell.

By following the above mentioned, I am confident that you can find a slate roof professional.

About us and our services:

1.) The owner oversees every project personally.
2.) Has been working with slate roofs for 30+ years.
3.) 95% of our projects are slate roof related. The other 5% are copper, or clay tile roofs, and copper gutter.
4.) We take no shortcuts. We do it right or don’t do it at all.
5.) We offer a maintenance plan.
6.) We travel.