Broken, cracked, and missing slates are repaired in order to prevent water damage to interior finishes, accelerated deterioration of the slate roof and roof sheathing, and possible structural problems.

This is our process for proper slate repair of your roof.  The damaged slate is first removed by cutting or pulling out its nails with a slate ripper.  A new slate, or salvaged slate, which will match the size, shape, texture, and weathered color of the old slate as close as possible, is then slid into place and held in position by one nail inserted through the vertical joint between the slates in the course above and approximately one inch below the tail of the slate two courses above.

To prevent water penetration through the newly created nail hole, a piece of copper with a friction fit, called a copper bib, is slid lengthwise under the joint between the two slates located directly above the new slate and over the nail.  The application of roofing mastic, sealants or metal straps that are bent over the tail end of the damaged slates should not be considered a viable slate repair alternative because these materials, though effective at first, will eventually harden, crack or fail, allowing water to enter.

Slate repair is the best option for localized problems and damaged slate roofs with reasonably long serviceable lives remaining. If 40% or more of the slates on a roof or roof slope are broken, cracked, missing, or sliding out of position, it is usually less expensive to replace the roof than to execute individual slate repairs but we still can salvage some of the slates and save on the cost of materials.  When salvaging slates, each must be sounded (tapped with a hammer) to discover cracks, faults and the degree to which it has weathered. It is usually wise to salvage slates when only a portion of the roof is to be replaced. The salvaged slates may be used for future slate repairs to the remaining sections of the roof.  Historic slate roofs should be repaired rather than replaced whenever possible.  Before replacing a slate roof, we check for isolated damage, corroded and worn flashings, leaky gutters, poor ventilation in the attic, and other possible sources of moisture.

Honor, integrity and continually seeking to expand our knowledge are the values Kraftwerks Sheet Metal & Slate, Inc. aspires to each day and with each project.  We believe these values provide you, our customer, the highest quality, affordable and comprehensive job possible.  Thank you for your interest in our firm.  Please contact us with any questions, request for more information or an estimate request.

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