Slate is a fairly common material in the field of construction. Of course, now there are many more modern coatings that provide reliable protection of the building from rain and snow, but in many ways its cost is affected by the choice of material. In addition, in the last century, slate was the most popular roofing material, so if the building has been in use for many years, it may require repair of the slate roof. Do-it-yourself work is not difficult. The technology will repair the coating and save the cost of replacing it.
Types of slate and the advantages of its use
The material is made from asbestos. It is the raw materials for manufacturing that scare away many. It is important to know that asbestos dust, which is formed during production, is dangerous for humans. Finished roofing materials are not dangerous and can last a long time without causing problems. This material is available in several types:
- rectangular plates (brand VO);
- reinforced wavy for a roof (VU brand);
- unified wavy (brand UV).
In order to cover the roof with slate do it yourself, the last two types are used. The benefits include:
- good thermal insulation characteristics;
- reliable waterproofing;
- resistance to fire;
- ability to withstand high temperatures;
- ease of installation;
- low cost of material;
- long service life.
All these characteristics allow the slate to remain in the ranks of roofing materials even in the presence of serious modern competitors.
Roof damage
Over time, the roofing is damaged or deteriorated. The following adverse factors affecting the roof can lead to such phenomena:
- biological (various microorganisms, mold, fungus, moss, lichen);
- mechanical effects;
- weather conditions (rain, snow, strong wind).
Damage by microorganisms is due to the fact that the surface of the slate is not even. In autumn, fallen leaves fall on the roof and remain there, creating a favorable environment for the development of unwanted neighbors. In the process of life, such microorganisms secrete various substances that can destroy the roofing material.
To mechanical damage include cracks from the fall of various objects. For example, in strong winds, tree branches can fall on the roof, damaging it.
Weather phenomena adversely affect the slate, for example, in the case of sudden changes in temperature. Severe frost after a thaw leads to the fact that water on the surface of the material freezes. The main distinguishing feature of this liquid, which makes it completely unlike any other substance on the planet, is that when it freezes and turns into ice, the water expands. At the same time, it puts pressure on the material, causing crack opening or a serious increase in existing damage.
In addition to external factors of failure, cracks and damage appear due to a violation in the technology of installation of the roofing material. If the fasteners are not made correctly, over time, the slate around them crumbles and becomes unusable. In this case, the tightness of the structure is broken, and leaks appear.
Repair process
Repair of slate roofs largely depends on the cause of the damage. Depending on the scale of the event, they are divided into:
- redecorating;
- partial replacement of sheets;
- complete replacement of the roofing.
Redecorating
In the first case, cracks and chips are coated with home-made mastic. You can prepare a composition for cosmetic repairs in several ways:
- Slots are covered with a composition made of chalk crumb and drying oil. After the mixture has dried, the treated surface is coated with oil paint.
- Prepare a solution of grated asbestos, PVA glue and water. The composition is applied to the slate, leveled with a spatula and left to dry. When choosing this composition, it is important to remember what was said earlier: asbestos dust is dangerous to humans. The solution must be prepared using a set of protective clothing: gloves, overalls, mask.
- The third option to sweep cracks can be coated with bituminous resin.
If it is possible to use a more modern composition for repair, roofing sealants based on bitumen are purchased in the store. They are available in tubes and banks. The price of the composition in the bank is lower, but it is more convenient to work with sealant in the tube.
Also, cosmetic measures include painting the roof from slate and cleaning it from moss and lichen.
The latter is the prevention of biological damage and is more likely to be a preventative measure. There are two ways to remove moss from the roof:
- mechanical with a metal brush (areas are cleaned, washed with water and treated with a primer);
- chemical with the use of compounds based on acids or alkalis.
Partial replacement
If carrying out only cosmetic measures, partial replacement of badly damaged roof elements is insufficiently performed. In this case, usually the need for repair is caused not only by cracks on the surface of the slate, but also by leaking roofs. Work execution technology:
- remove the fasteners on the replaceable sheet and loosen on the adjacent ones;
- carefully remove the damaged element;
- in its place set a new sheet;
- carry out its fixing with the help of slate nails, return to the place of fasteners on adjacent slate sheets.
Before performing these works, it is also recommended to check the condition of the rafter system. If the wood elements were exposed to water, mold and rot could appear on them. With minor damage, it will be enough to process the elements of the wooden rafter system with antiseptic compounds. If the bearing capacity due to damage by microorganisms is reduced, reinforce or replace the roof structures.
Partial repairs are carried out together. One person lifts the sheets adjacent to the damaged one, and the other makes a replacement.
Complete cover replacement
If structural damage has gone very far, it is pointless to patch holes. In this case, the least time-consuming and effective way to repair the roof from slate will be a complete replacement of the material. The owner of the house has two options:
- replacing slate with slate;
- replacement with metal tiles, rebated roofs or profiled sheets.
Only a professional sheet can compare in price with slate, other materials can be more expensive. As in the previous case, the condition of the rafter system is checked before repair: it may be necessary to replace not only the roofing, but also the entire roof.
To carry out repair work on the roof of slate is capable of a person who is at least a little familiar with the construction. The main thing is to choose the right repair method and observe safety precautions when roofing.