Should we replace the entire roof?

Question

Our roof is very large (2 pitches) and is 150 years old. The problem is we keep losing slates and then having to do massive internal repairs because of the damage caused. My question is should we get the whole roof replaced? I dont know what our other options are - can a roof be sealed?

Answer 1

There are a few way to go about this problem . The roof must first be evaluated by a reputable roof co.ask about a complete repair and if this is poss able ask how they do there repairs.I would stay away from any caulking.sliding alum.etc. under tile. The tile must be removed and a newer one installed nailed into the opening and a alum.flashing slid up to cover the nail the flashing should be cut along the edges to stop from sliding down .When this is done to all opening and missing tile all counter flashing around chimneys dormers should be checked and sealed tight.If the roof is not reparable it must be removed ,deck checked and repaired. ice shield if warranted, based with paper and a new roof installed.There are asphalt-fibreglass shingle that somewhat give the appearance of a slate roof and are 30,40 and up manufacture warranty. There is also a plastic type slate that look as good or better then real slate then their is ordering real slate and redoing the roof new this is very expensive. You can also do a side at a time were the most damage is and use some of the slate to repair the other missing slate

Answer 2

You need to find out if there is felt under the slates. If not then you should really have the whole roof done. Costly in the first instance but will save you money in the long run. You can also have extra insulation put in while its being done. They will be able to reuse some of the slates and get new ones where needed. Make sure you go for decent slate with a good life span.

Answer 3

Don't go for that spray stuff they put in the loft to seal it - it'll rot your rafters as they will stay wet.

Replacing the roof slates is not a big deal.

You can check the purlings, rafters and add felt while you are at it.

If you are regularly repairing then i'd get the whole roof done - a couple of grand well spent.

Its unlikley the roof you are looking at is 150 years old, i bet its been done since then.

if you are looking at welsh slate, then a good alternative is Spanish, its £2 a go compared to £5 for Welsh. Keep away from the chinese slate - its rubbish and so multi-coloured it sticks out a mile.

Answer 4

Slate roofs are common in the New England area and for one to be as old as yours (and even older) is common. Unfortunately, slate is brittle and breaks easily. Strong winds can easily separate several shingles. Another problem that occurs is that the nails used to hold the slates in place rust and eventually fail, letting the slate slide off.

If it were up to me, I would do some research and try to find a modern replacement that would look good and be functional. Be sure to check with several builders in your area. Chances are there is a lot of experience available and they are willing to share what they know. Plus the more you know the better decision you can make.

If you do decide to go with another material be sure to let the contractor know that you want the removed slates saved as they are costly and can easily be resold.

Visit the following site, it may get you pointed in the right direction.

http://www.bobvila.com/HowTo_Library/Roofing_Materials-Miscellaneous_Roofing_Topics-A1937.html

Answer 5

Sounds like you need a new roof
You might want to look into replacing the slate with asphalt shingles
it would be ALOT cheaper
A roof can be sealed, BUT if you have massive leaks like you say, then it probably needs to be replaced

Answer 6

You are better off replacing the whole roof with a new one. It is possible to seal a pitched roof but this stops the roof from breathing and will lead to rotting of the timbers (really not recommended)

Answer 7

Get a list of reputable contractors from your local BBB or Building Dept. and call several of them to get opinions and estimates.

While talking to the Building Dept. you can ask them what to do. Many times there are codes that will require you to tear off all old slates, shingles, etc. before putting on new ones. That will also expose any rotten wood that may be under the slates that will need replaced.
I hope that helps.

Answer 8

ya know you got a slate roof!!!! and that in it of its self costs alot to fix. depending on how long your roof has been up, if its been up for a long time then i'd strip it and get it done right because leaks travel all over under a roof, you never know where it starts but you know where it ends up. do the roof sweety your better in the long run kiddo

Answer 9

Hope this helpsWith the age of your roof this sounds like you could have to have it checked. There are a few things to consider, what type of tile arrangement do you have. The out building in our garden had hand made clay pan tiles that in order to work properly had to be pointed both vertically and horizontally, because the pointing was in a very bad condition it leaked like a sieve. I had to remove the pan tiles, replace a couple of rotten joists fit felt re batten and replace/re-point the pan tiles.

Answer 10

150 years old???????

Most roofs are only good for 30-50 years. I would say yes, you should remove the entire roof, repair whatever moisture damage you have(that's why your losing slates), and then reroof it.