Slate Roof Repair, Replacement, and Installation
Slate roof repair replaces broken or slipped slates and fixes the flashing that keeps a slate roof watertight. One call to Roofing Captain connects you with a local roofer who works on natural slate.
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Why Slate Needs a Specialist
Natural slate is a stone roof that can last generations when it is maintained well. It is also brittle, heavy, and installed with techniques that differ from shingles.
A roofer without slate experience can crack sound slates just by walking on them. Using tar or roof cement on slate can also cause more damage over time. That is why many homeowners look specifically for slate roofers.
Common Slate Roof Problems
Most slate issues come from the parts around the stone rather than the stone itself. Watch for:
- Cracked, broken, or missing slates
- Slipped slates caused by corroded nails
- Worn or rusted flashing at chimneys, valleys, and walls
- Past repairs made with tar, caulk, or mismatched materials
- Soft, flaking slates near the end of their life
How Slate Roof Repair Works
Slate roofers use special tools, such as a slate ripper, to remove broken pieces and cut the old nails. A matching slate is then slipped into place and secured, often with a copper hook or strap.
Flashing repairs may involve replacing old metal with copper or another long-lasting metal. Finding slates that match in color, size, and thickness is an important part of a quality repair.
Need slate roofing?
Call now to be connected with a local roofer who handles this work.
Repair or Replace a Slate Roof?
Because good slate can outlast several sets of nails and flashing, repair is often the smart choice. Many slate roofs can be restored by replacing damaged pieces and flashing.
Slate roof replacement makes sense when a large share of the slates are soft, flaking, or crumbling. Some owners salvage good slates and reinstall them over new underlayment.
New Slate Roof Installation
Slate roof installation requires a structure that can carry the weight. The roofer installs underlayment, flashing, and slates in overlapping courses with copper or stainless nails.
Homeowners can choose between new quarried slate and reclaimed slate. Color, texture, and thickness all affect the look and the installation.
What Affects Slate Roofing Cost
Slate roofing companies price work after a careful inspection. These factors make the biggest difference:
- Number of slates to replace and how hard they are to match
- Flashing material and the number of chimneys and valleys
- Roof height, pitch, and need for scaffolding
- New versus reclaimed slate for larger projects
- Structural checks for new slate installation
How it works
Call the number on this page
Tell us what is happening with your roof: a leak, storm damage, an old roof or a new project.
Get connected to a local roofer
Your call goes to a roofing company that serves your area.
Get an inspection and estimate
The roofer explains the options. Ask for a written estimate and proof of license and insurance before any work starts.
Frequently asked questions
Can a single broken slate be replaced?
Yes. A slate roofer removes the broken piece and installs a matching slate, often secured with a metal hook. This is one of the most common slate roof repairs.
Is it OK to use roof cement on a slate roof?
Roof cement and tar are generally a poor fix on slate. They can trap water and make proper repairs harder later. Replacing the damaged slate or flashing is the usual approach.
How do I find slate roofers near me?
Call to connect with a local roofer, and mention that you have a slate roof so you are matched with someone who works on slate. Then ask about their slate experience and recent projects.
Should I replace my slate roof or repair it?
If most slates are still hard and sound, repair is usually the better value. Replacement is worth discussing when many slates are soft or flaking. A slate roofing contractor can assess the condition.
What should I ask a slate roofing contractor?
Ask how they walk on slate without breaking it, where they source matching slates, and what flashing metal they use. Also confirm licensing, insurance, and warranty terms.