Wave slate on the roof: how to lay the roof for 50 years

Recommendation points

• Three rules for extending the service life of slate up to 50 years
• Rule 1: choose slate with a protective and decorative coating
• Rule 2: trust the work of an experienced construction company
• Rule 3: check the condition of the roof at least 2 times a year

Slate gained popularity in Russia due to its qualities: strength, frost resistance and long service life. We invite you to find out how to extend the service life of a slate roof up to 50 years. Let’s look at three basic rules for creating a durable roof..

Three rules for extending the service life of slate up to 50 years

In 1901 in Austria, Ludwig Gatchek patented the slate production technology. More than 100 years have passed, and his invention has hardly changed: it turned out to be so successful. Gatchek has combined an impressive list of advantages in one building material:

1. Durability: can withstand a weight of up to 120 kg with frequent crate.
2. Fire safety: material is not flammable.
3. Low noise: dampens the sound of rain and hail.
4. Durability: resistant to decay and corrosion.
5. Low thermal conductivity: does not overheat and does not heat up in the sun.

The main advantage is that the slate is adapted to any climate. It will not lose its external and quality characteristics either in the harsh Siberian frosts or under the scorching southern sun. That is why it is so popular in Russia. Its share among all roofing materials is 52%.

However, even the most durable material falls into disrepair. How many years will slate last? We will not guess, but we will give specific data. The regulatory documents set a clear service life for such a roof: 30 years. But let’s figure out how to increase this period to 50 years..

Rule 1: choose slate with a protective and decorative coating

A factory coating will increase the weather resistance and reduce the water absorption of the roof. It will retain its attractive appearance for 9-12 years and will not lose its protective characteristics for at least 30 years.

Water-dispersive acrylic paints and varnishes protect the roof from:

1. Ultraviolet radiation.
2. Sudden changes in temperature, extreme heat and frost.
3. High air humidity, rain and other atmospheric phenomena.
4. Abrasion, wind and alkaline action.

The specified period has passed, the paint has burnt out, and you are thinking about replacing it? Clean and re-coat the slate: this will improve the protective performance and add another 5 years to the service life.

Keep in mind that for the factory effect, the surface must be degreased and maintained at a uniform temperature during application and drying of the paint. It is impossible to achieve this by self-painting slate in the open air, so the appearance will remain for about a year. To maintain a lasting color, repaint the roof periodically.

note.Cover the front of the sheet with corrugated slate paint and the back with a penetrating, unfilled primer.

Rule 2: trust the work of an experienced construction company

Two simple examples of why it is better to entrust the work to professional roofers.

Transportation. Workers throw packs of slate into a truck. There is no visible damage, which means you don’t have to worry about the integrity of the building material. This is a gross mistake. Sheets must be folded as carefully as possible, do not hit them and avoid friction. Otherwise, damage will manifest itself when unloading and laying the roof.

Roof installation. The builder pre-drilled the holes for the fasteners. And his partner skipped this stage and screwed the screws into a solid sheet, which instantly increased the risk of microcracks. Also, do not forget about the rubber or polymer pad – it absorbs the movement of the roof relative to the fastening element. This will reduce the likelihood of damage during periods of temperature changes..

Unskilled specialists do not know all the intricacies and secrets of work, consider this when choosing a contractor. What to do to make sure the skill and professionalism of the workers? Check the availability of documents from the construction team: it must have a license to perform installation and roofing work.

note.Do not neglect the observance of the rules of construction work – the quality and durability of your home depends on these details..

Rule 3: check the condition of the roof at least 2 times a year

In this case, you will find a possible problem in time. It’s up to you: to deal with it yourself or call specialists. The main thing is to remember that the roof, like the whole house, requires periodic maintenance..

Winter: snow removal. At this time of the year, the load on the roof increases significantly. In order not to encounter cracks and breaks in the slate in the spring, remove large accumulations of snow in time. Start at the eaves and gradually work your way up to the visor to avoid heavy snow drifts on the surface. Do not try to remove the ice, otherwise you risk damaging the roof.

Summer: minor repairs. Check for chips or cracks on the roof. It is easy to fix minor damages yourself: prime, apply cement mortar and cover with protective and decorative paint. Regular inspection and simple repairs will delay slate replacement by several years.

note.Does your house have a complex roof or a steep slope? Do not climb it alone: ​​this is the case when the help of experienced specialists is needed.

Follow these tips, and the house will be a reliable fortress for your family..

You can calculate the cost of a slate roof with a detailed calculation of the components on the website Slate.rf.