But if you want your slate roof to last the advertised century it is important to use to right tools for installation and repair and to understand how to keep it at its best.
How to wash a slate roof.
Most slate roofs tend to be older so it is safe to assume that any slate roof is fragile and prone to damage.
When having the slate cleaned it should be only be done from a ladder or lift to avoid damage to the roof.
Regular cleaning is an important part of keeping a slate roof in working order.
Any form of weight can crack or break a slate tile so no homeowner or roof cleaning professional should ever walk on the roof.
Regular roof cleaning is critical for your roof as slate is easy to cleave and water absorbent.
Run a hose fitted with a spray nozzle up to the roof.
When cleaning a slate roof don t use chemicals like ammonia or chlorine bleach.
Our customer used a basic solution of simple green dish soap water.
The photo above shows a slate roof during a cleaning.
Debris and moss buildup hold moisture in the slates that can split them during winter freezes.
Buildup of moss and debris on slate roofs hold moisture in the slates that can split them during winter.
If your household water pressure isn t enough to generate the proper nozzle pressure at the jets the manufacturer recommends boosting it.
While you might be tempted to reach for a strong chemical or a pressure washer it s better to leave them behind and give your slate roof a little tender loving care.
There s good reason why people desire them despite the hefty price tag.
Naturally not all of these specialized tools will be needed for any given repair but the savvy slate roof owner should be well versed in all of them in order to keep his or her roof at its best.
Set up a ladder so you can access the roof.
He chose an eco product purposefully because of all the run off from the roof onto.