Slate roofing has been around for centuries, and it is without a doubt one of the most beautiful roofing materials featured on many of the greatest landmarks. It is one of the most weather-resistant options you can put on your roof. It is quarried and cut into thin individual shingles and installed with nails. Natural variations in color, pattern and edge shape give slate an organic and tactile quality that’s simply unmatched by other synthetic roofing products.
Slate can last for over a century, but with that longevity comes much weight — nearly twice as much per square feet as asphalt shingles. Some roofs may require additional framing before it’s suitable for slate shingles. Installing a slate roof today can cost much less. On traditional slate roofs, half of each piece is tucked underneath the piece above it to insulate & waterproof. Manufacturers have developed new processes that replace the 50% piece with waterproofing material adjoined to the slate.
Slate comes in a wide variety of colors and thicknesses. Your Alpha Guru will help you choose 2 or 3 different stone colors and pattern them to create a masterpiece on your roof. Stone base colors are mixed between black, grey, dark green, purple. .
For those going for different effects, they can juggle with the thickness of shingles, creating a textured look. Slate roofs are not for everybody, but they add significant value to a property, due to their timelessness, durability and class. Slate roofs outlast other roofing materials by 3 times or more which produces less waste for the environment.
SLATE ROOF CLEANING
While beautiful and long lasting, slate attracts Gloeocapsa magma, which is a bacteria that grows on Slate creating black stains and streaks on roofs. The bacteria accumulate over time as it feeds on moisture and calcium carbonate. This accumulation begins to show the black stains as the cyanobacteria develop their dark and hard UV-protective outer coating. Rising humidity and temperatures combined with more and more bacteria spores promotes their spread with these favorable conditions
DO NOT pressure wash as a means of removal. It will prove difficult to reach all areas of the roof without potentially causing damage to your slate. Water alone will not kill the surface bacteria and you will need to be pressure washing approximately once a year.
WE RECOMMEND a technique called “Soft Washing”. This technique uses a tried and proven chemical mixture which adheres to your slate roof and kills the bacteria. The process can typically be done in one day, even on large homes. The application uses a soft spray which can reach tall and hard to access places and wont potentially break your slate, like pressure washing would. Our slate cleaners are trained professionals that have the necessary tools and protection to be working with these chemicals. We do not recommend trying to do this on your own.
Our Soft Wash cleaning system will typically last around 7 years and will have your roof looking as good as the day it was installed.
Please contact us to have a Slate Cleaning Professional review your unique roof and get you a free estimate for cleaning it.
