Why strip a tile or slate roof?

Slates or tiles may become worn out over the years due to the sun, rain and general wear and tear. When significant damage occurs your roof may start to leak or show signs of sagging. There are some quick fix solutions such as stripping and replacing only the broken tiles or even installing a layer of slate directly over the worn layer but these won’t fix the problem in the long run.

When your roof tiles or slate wears out it is likely you will need to strip them, together with the underlay and roofing nails and install a completely new layer.

Stripping and recovering slate roofs

A slate roof is laid in an interlocking pattern. This can make stripping and replacing your tile roof a bit tricky and it can be time consuming. With the right tools, and once you know the right technique, this process can actually be fairly simple. Although slate is a very durable roofing material, it is also quite fragile and extra care needs to be taken not to damage your slate unnecessarily.

• First you need to remove your slates. Using the claw end of a hammer pry the slate up so you can get to the nails underneath. Now, using a nail ripper, cut away the nails. Alternatively you could use a hacksaw blade for this. Note that slate tiles are usually secured with two nails.
• Once the nails are loosened you can pull the slate towards you, away from the roof.
• Remove any remaining nail pieces from the slate with the claw of a hammer and the broken slate can be lowered to the ground.
• Take a strip of metal and place it where the new slate will need to be placed
• Your new slate now needs to be positioned making sure it fits properly. Check that the lower edge of the slate is in line with the other slates in the row.
• Take the bottom edge of the metal strip and fold it over the slate so that your slate is now secured in its position.

When you are stripping and recovering the entire slate roof you need to make sure that you strip your slates from the top working down to the slates at the bottom. Fitting your roof with new slates, you will work in the opposite direction, from the bottom to the top. Fix the lower row of slates to the roof battens with nails, making sure bevelled edges are facing up. The top row of slates are fixed using the metal strip.

Repairing tile roofs

Repairing or recovering your tile roof is much the same process as for a slate roof as the tiles are also laid in this interlocking pattern. You will however need to lift the tiles from the row above your broken tile to be able to remove it.

• Once you have lifted the upper row of tiles you can start to remove the old tiles one by one. You can use a trowel to slide under the tile and lift it. Sometimes a tile may be nailed to a batten in which case you may need to gently move the tile back and forth to loosen it.
• Once all the old tiles are removed you can start putting in the new ones starting from the bottom and working your way to the top. It is best to work in a direction from right to left. Tiles are fitted by hooking the nibs of the tiles over the battens of the roof.
• Make sure each tile you fit is centred over the join between the two tiles that are sitting directly below.

Every third course of tiles should be nailed to the battens to keep your roof in place.

The procedure of stripping and recovering your tile or slate roof may seem quite simple but it is always better to consult with a professional roofer before attempting such a project on your own.

Houston has a massive amount of slate and tiled roofs, so if you’re looking for a roofer in Houstonl, make sure you ask if slate or tile roofing is a speciality of theirs. For most roofers in Houston, of course it will, but not all Houston roofers will work on domestic properties.

In much the same vein, Bristol’s homes have slate and tiled roofs. So, if you find yourself needing a roofer in Houston, select from one of the many quality Houston roofers out there.

There are a number of reasons why your roof could be leaking. But once you know what could be causing the leak, it is easy to repair and take precaution that it won’t happen again in the near future.

The top causes of roof leaks

Age

This is one of the main causes of leaking roofs. Nothing lasts forever and roofing is no different. With age, your roof will begin to slowly break down. Nails begin to rust and concrete tiles, because they are porous, will de-construct themselves and start to crumble over time. Broken and cracked slates or tiles expose the timbers underneath and water starts to rot the timber structure of the roof.

Weather

Related to age, weather can cause a lot of damage to your roof over time. The sun, rain, sleet, ice and snow all affect your roof. The sun tends to dry out roofing paper and to cause the tar to run and sag which weakens your roof covering. This then starts to become brittle and will begin to crack and split.

Extreme weather changes also cause the roof to expand and contract, adding further damage to the roofing materials and eventually leaks start to appear.

Ice

During particularly cold snaps, ice that gathers on your roof eaves can cause an ice dam. This then blocks the correct flow of water from your roof, causing it to collect under the flashings and tar paper. This then overflows into your house, dripping for days as the heat from your home slowly melts the ice.

Faults in the flashing

Wind and rain exposure can cause the caulking used to seal your roof flashing to dry out and the seal between water and your roof is broken. To prevent this kind of leak try poking around the flashing that is found around your chimney, vents or roof windows to see that it is still sealed tight. If not made from lead, rusted flashings can also be an eventual cause for roof leaks. Prevent rust by using rust resistant paint.

Clogged gutters

Leaves and debris can gather in your gutters and clog them up, preventing free flow of the water from your roof. In winter this can become even more of a problem as the water clogged in the gutters may freeze and cause an ice dam. A simple solution is to check your gutters are cleared regularly, especially before winter.

Poor roof construction

Cost cutting in roof construction can lead to a number of problems. Inadequate insulation, use of lower grade roofing paper and rushes to hurry a job to fit a deadline all mean that your roof could start leaking well before it should. Always make sure you hire a reliable roofing contractor and check the quality of your roof when buying a new home.

Plumbing vents

Age and weather exposure can cause the seals on your plumbing vents to split. The result is water spraying out and affecting your roof. Remember to have your vents inspected for signs of wear.

Wind blown rain

Rain doesn’t always fall straight down and wind blown rain can be really problematic. Because the rain is coming in at an angle water can get under your roofing materials. Make sure you account for wind blown rain when laying your roof tar paper.

Roof Coating

Make sure you check the waterproof coat of your roof. If sealant hasn’t been applied in recent years, it may be time to do it.

Mechanical damage

Although technically they have nothing to do with your actual roof, heavy pieces of technological equipment such as air conditioners and antennas can cause some damage. Not only do they put extra weight on your roof but each time you have something installed or repaired, you are inviting contractors to walk all over your roof which could lead to breakages you may not know of.

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Most causes of leaks can be avoided by regular checks and general maintenance on your roof. However, it’s not something that we suggest you try and do yourself. Instead, call in the services of a professional roofer who will do the job to a very high standard for you.

Don’t just leave it till the leak is making your life miserable, do a thorough inspection of your roof today, keeping in mind the above causes of leaks.

Most cities offer a wide range or roofers for you to choose from. Take trying to find a roofer in Houston or Dallas, for example. A quick search on your search engine of choice for ‘roofing Houston‘ should bring up a crop of Houston roofers to choose from. Pick your favourite roofer in Houston, or the one which impresses you the most

There are a number of things to consider when selecting a new roof system. Of course, cost and durability head the list, but aesthetics and architectural style are important, too. The right roof system for your home or building is one that balances these five considerations. The following roofing products commonly are used for steep-slope structures.

Asphalt shingles possess an overwhelming share of the U.S. steep-slope roofing market and can be reinforced with organic or fiberglass materials. Although asphalt shingles reinforced with organic felts have been around much longer, fiberglass-reinforced products now dominate the market.

• Organic shingles consist of a cellulose-fiber (i.e., wood) base that is saturated with asphalt and coated with colored mineral granules.
• Fiberglass shingles consist of a fiberglass mat, top-and-bottom layers of asphalt, and mineral granules.

Asphalt shingles' fire resistances, like most other roofing materials, are categorized by Class A, B or C. Class A signifies the most fire-resistant; Classes B and C denote less fire resistance. Generally, most fiberglass shingles have Class A fire ratings, and most organic shingles have Class C ratings.

A shingle's reinforcement has little effect on its appearance. Organic and fiberglass products are available in laminated (architectural) grades that offer a textured appearance. Zinc or copper-coated ceramic granules also can be applied to organic or fiberglass products to protect against algae attack, a common problem in warm, humid parts of the United States. Both types of shingles also are available in a variety of colors.

Regardless of their reinforcing type and appearance, asphalt shingles' physical characteristics vary significantly. When installing asphalt shingles, NRCA recommends use of shingles that comply with American Society for Testing andMaterials (ASTM) standards-ASTM D 225 for organic shingles and ASTM D 3462 for fiberglass shingles. These standards govern the composition and physical properties of asphalt shingles; not all asphalt shingles on the market comply with these standards. If a shingle product complies with one of these standards, it is typically noted in the manufacturer's product literature and on the package wrapper.

Wood shingles and shakes are made from cedar, redwood, southern pine and other woods; their natural look is popular in Houston, the Northwest and parts of the Midwest. Wood shingles are machinesawn; shakes are handmade and rougher looking. A point to consider: Some local building codes limit the use of wood shingles and shakes because of concerns about fire resistance. Many wood shingles and shakes only have Class C fire ratings or no ratings at all. However, Class A fire ratings are available for certain wood shingle products that incorporate a factory-applied, fire-resistant treatment.

Tile - clay or concrete – is a durable roofing material. Mission and Spanish-style round-topped tiles are used widely in the Southwest and Florida, and flat styles also are available to create French and English looks. Tile is available in a variety of colors and finishes. Tile is heavy. If you are replacing another type of roof system with tile, you will need to verify that the structure can support the load. 

Slate is quarried in the United States in Vermont, New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia. It is available in different colors and grades, depending on its origin. Considered virtually indestructible, it is, however, more expensive than other roofing materials. In addition, its application requires special skill and experience. Many old homes, especially in the Northeast, still are protected by this long-lasting roofing material.

Metal, primarily thought of as a low-slope roofing material, has been found to be a roofing alternative for home and building owners with steep-slope roofs. There are two types of metal roofing products: panels and shingles. Numerous metal panel shapes and configurations exist. Metal shingles typically are intended to simulate traditional roof coverings, such as wood shakes, shingles and tile. Apart from metal roofing's longevity, metal shingles are relatively lightweight, have a greater resistance to adverse weather and can be aesthetically pleasing. Some have Class A fire ratings. 

Synthetic roofing products simulate various traditional roof coverings, such as slate and wood shingles and shakes. However, they do not necessarily have the same properties.

Before making a buying decision, NRCA recommends that you look at full-size samples of a proposed product, as well as manufacturers' brochures. It also is a good idea to visit a building that is roofed with a particular product. 

If you're looking for a professional Houston roofer, then give us a call today at (832) 922-7957 or complete our request estimate form.