Once upon a time, slate roofing was considered perhaps the most versatile: affordable, durable and unpretentious. Cheap and cheerful, as they say. But for all the strength of asbestos fibers, such sheets are not very resistant to mechanical loads: over time, many small cracks always appear on them, through which moisture easily seeps. Fortunately, a slate roof is at least not susceptible to corrosion, like a metal one, which becomes covered with rusty spots from the slightest scratch, but repairs will still have to be done from time to time. So how can you repair a crack in slate and stop further destruction of other sheets? Now we will understand everything in more detail.

Why does a slate roof collapse?

Fragile slate is damaged quite easily:

1. From shock loads. From careless walking on the roof.
2. From microcracks due to falling tree branches.
3. From mosses, lichens and other misfortunes. Moss and lichens, which especially love slate, not only deprive it of its aesthetics, but also slowly destroy it!
4. From time. Unfortunately, service life slate roof are not large, and after 10-12 years the first cracks and holes appear.
5. From constantly stagnant rainwater. Any roof, and not just slate, has weak spots around roof windows and pipes. Pay attention to these elements right away - sealing them is not difficult.
6. The roof angle is not suitable for slate roofing.
7. The slate was laid with certain violations, and the material is constantly under excessive stress. It’s also bad if during installation you used ordinary nails without rubber gaskets to fasten the sheets - you won’t be able to avoid cracks later.
8. Inaccurate transportation and storage. Such defects may not be detected immediately, but they will immediately become noticeable when walking on them on the roof.
9. Sudden temperature changes. Believe me, any asbestos-cement material does not like this.
10. Due to disproportionately small holes for screws or nails. Don’t forget that metal tends to expand seasonally, and therefore you need to leave a little more space for such fastening (but not so much that it flows). rainwater). This is why rubber gaskets are needed.

And finally, snow can add new problems. The fact is that a slate roof is not as smooth as a metal roof, and snow constantly lingers on it. And a few sun rays are enough to flood this entire snow cap from below - as a result, the melted water flows down to the cornice, where it meets a new layer of snow (the cornice is always colder than the roof above living quarters). Here the melt water freezes again and, in the form of ice, destroys not only slate sheets, but also drainage system. In addition, all this mass, under natural expansion from the low temperature, is driven under the sheets and from there, melting, falls directly onto the rafters or into the insulation.

Also, often the cause of cracks in slate lies in its incorrect manufacturing technology. And at several stages:

• During the preparation of the solution, less cement was added than required by the factory recipe (guess why).
• Gross violations of slate sheet production technology (handicraft production).
• Short asbestos fibers were used in the slate (and this was the manufacturer’s decision).
• Poor quality processing of finished slate sheets (lack of control).
• Reducing the material opening period (it takes 28 days).

Now let's talk about how and with what to seal holes and cracks on the slate roof of a house.

How to detect coating defects?

Agree that it is quite difficult to notice new defects or cracks on an externally heterogeneous slate roof, while on a smooth seam roof or corrugated sheeting this is easy to do even from a neighbor’s building. So pay attention to these warning signs that your roof needs to be repaired urgently:

The fact is that undetected leaks are quite insidious: the rafters immediately become saturated with moisture, the thermal insulation becomes damp and deteriorates, and the ceiling needs repairs. Go into the attic if you have these suspicions: if you smell damp, there is a problem. And individual spots of mold indicate that there is a crack in the slate somewhere, but so far it does not make itself known except for small leaks. Also check the under-roof area of ​​your slate roof after every rainstorm.

We make a “diagnosis” based on sheet cracks

If the cracks appear along the protruding waves of the slate, then the fillers must be applied both from below and from above.

Cracks in the lower waves require the most difficult decisions. After all, this is where water will constantly stagnate, and it is quite difficult to achieve the necessary tightness.

But let's first look at the crack itself - a lot depends on this:

1. A crack that runs along the top wave of slate(it is easiest to notice) usually does not leak due to the fact that the water under it does not stagnate. This is the most harmless crack, and it is easy to repair - just bend galvanized iron and slide it under the slate, and cover the crack itself with a special roofing tape.
2. A crack that runs along the lower wave, the most dangerous - you can’t do without leaks here. Use caulk, patch and bent sheet.
3. A crack that runs across a slate sheet, the most dangerous! And leaks alone are not enough - the crack will begin to expand and will move on to subsequent waves in the future.

Have you decided on your future renovation? Proceed with caution! Remember that in many countries of the world this roof covering is completely prohibited due to harm to health, and therefore when dismantling old sheets or machining Protect yourself from asbestos fibers. Here's how professional teams do it:

How to repair cracks and holes in slate?

Before applying any patch, it is important to completely clear the surface to be repaired of debris and moss, and then wash it with a powerful stream of water. Here's how to fix holes and holes in the slate roof available materials and new products on the construction market:

Method number 1. Cement and sand

Prepare a mixture of one part dry cement and two sifted sand. Pour in water and knead to the desired consistency. Close it up. Let the cracks dry thoroughly and paint them in a suitable color.

Method number 2. Butyl rubber tape

A special butyl rubber tape is also good as a patch for holes and cracks. What’s good is that its surface is made of non-woven material, making this patch easy to paint in the desired shade. And it’s also easy to work with:

• Step 1. Degrease the area of ​​the slate sheet to be repaired with gasoline.
• Step 2: Remove from tape protective strip and stick it to the damaged area.
• Step 3: Paint in a color so your roof doesn't look patched.

Ready-made butyl patches are also used for repairs:

To seal slate cracks, serpyanka is also used - a tape that gives strength to the putty joint of the sheets. To do this, a layer of bitumen is first applied to the crack, then serpyanka is applied to it, and then everything is coated with bitumen again.

Or use a more expensive one modern version tapes that are designed specifically for repairing such roofs:

Method No. 3. Hot bitumen

Prepare bitumen mastic at the stake is not difficult:

1. We light a fire and place two bricks on the sides.
2. We take an old bucket and put a piece of bitumen in it.
3. Place the bucket on the fire and stir carefully so that nothing catches fire.

If you work at sub-zero temperatures, add 10% waste to the bitumen to give it elasticity and prevent cracking of the mastic. Especially if you are processing the edges of slate sheets:

Hot bitumen is also suitable for sealing small cracks:

But remember that any putty gives only a temporary effect. The problem with using traditional slate putties is that this roofing material has little flexibility for expansion, whereas putties usually have a completely different coefficient. This is why, after a few cycles of temperature fluctuations, leakage problems return again. And sometimes it is much easier and more reliable to simply replace the defective sheet.

Method number 4. Putty made of asbestos, cement and PVA

First we take asbestos into finished form. If you can’t get one, just grate it on a grater made from a piece of slate. Be sure to protect your respiratory tract while doing this!

So, to prepare the mixture you will need to mix 2 parts of cement, 3 asbestos and a liquid solution of PVA glue and water, taken equally. Stir the mixture until it thickens like sour cream. If you cleaned part of the slate before repairing, wait until it is completely dry. Next, apply the prepared mixture, treat with a solution of PVA and water (now the ratio is 1:3) and apply 2 more layers of the mixture.

Method No. 5. Ready-made putties

For repairing such a roof, ready-made mixtures that include waterproofing materials are well suited. You need to work with them like this:

• Step 1. Clean the surface to be repaired well.
• Step 2. Degrease the area using solvent or acetone and dry thoroughly.
• Step 3. Prime the surface with a repair mixture, only diluted to a liquid state.
• Step 4. Apply the mixture using a special gun or spatula.
• Step 5. After 6 hours, cover with fiberglass and add a new layer of mixture.

Please note that such repair work on a slate roof should be carried out in dry and cloudy weather, so that the necessary components in the mixtures dry without rushing.

Method number 6. Foam and epoxy resin

Cracks and holes in slate can also be sealed with liquid foam, but for this you will have to purchase a whole container. The so-called “three-layer” method is also practiced among home craftsmen:

• Step 1. Clean and degrease the area.
• Step 2. Seal the crack with foam.
• Step 3. Dry or just leave for a day.
• Step 4. Apply sealant.
• Step 5. Cover it all with resin.

Epoxy resin is also suitable for repairing slate roofs, as it is much less destroyed under ultraviolet rays than polystyrene foam.

This is an expensive but reliable method for dealing with small problems, although inclined plane it is inconvenient to use. So, if the slate sheet is split along its entire length, fasten the wavy joints with epoxy glue. But first, secure them together at the bottom with mounting adhesive tape, and only then fill the gap at the top.

Method No. 7. Tin patch

This method is suitable for repairing large holes and cracks in a slate roof. So, step by step:

• Step 1. Cut out the patch from tin and roll it into a tube.
• Step 2. We push it into the hole so that a hole can be made in the middle of the patch.
• Step 3. Insert a bolt with a gasket into the hole and press it.
• Step 4. Fill the gaps with construction sealant.

Slate roof repairs need to be taken seriously. If the patch continues to let even a little water through, the rafters will eventually become completely unusable.

Method No. 8. Drying oil with chalk

This is one of the most proven traditional methods. So, we clean out the cracks, cover them thoroughly, and when dry, paint them with oil paint. That's all!

Method number 9. Moisture resistant glue

• Step 1. Wash the sheets well with plain water and scrub them with a stiff brush.
• Step 2. We wait for the slate to dry and seal each hole with a piece of thick fabric so that its edges extend beyond the hole by about 3-4 cm. To do this, saturate the patch with moisture-resistant glue.
• Step 3. Once again apply a layer of glue (Emalit) on top of the patch.
• Step 4. Turn over the damaged sheet and fill the hole with concrete.
• Step 5. Once the solution has set, glue another patch.
• Step 6. Drill a hole at the end of the crack and seal it with elastic sealant.

Method No. 10. Aluminium foil

Ordinary aluminum foil will also help to cope with cracks:

• Step 1. Remove the previous fasteners from the sheet.
• Step 2. Round off the corners of the patch.
• Step 3. Attach the foil and press it with a self-tapping screw.
• Step 4. If the slate on your roof is colored, paint the patch the same color.

In extreme cases, it is easier to replace a section of slate roofing than to repair it. Then cut out the necessary elements from the new sheets:

Often the ridge of a slate roof also becomes unusable, which is not difficult to replace with a metal or wooden one:

How to protect slate from further damage?

The situation is worse if the roof begins to burst in different places. This usually indicates installation errors at the time, and regular slate roof repairs will only provide a temporary effect. It is urgent to stop the destruction process:

• Method number 1. To prevent cracking, temporarily place a strip of paint-soaked cloth over the crack.
• Method number 2. Also, to prevent the crack from spreading further, a hole is drilled in it and fixed with a self-tapping screw. Moreover, such a hole must be additionally sealed with roofing sealant, which will tighten the edges of the hole like rubber.

But, if you are not going to replace the entire roof in the next decade, then approach the issue of repair more globally:

That's all! Choose a method for which you already have materials and know how to work with them.

Slate repair - how to repair holes and cracks?

The most proven methods for repairing slate roofing: from budget patches to modern rubber tapes.

8 Ways to Fix a Crack in a Slate Roof

Despite the wide range roofing materials, slate today is no less popular than it was a couple of decades ago. This demand for coating is due to its relatively low price. At the same time, the relevance of the material is very justified if the roof has a simple configuration (1-2 slopes). However, it is worth knowing that over time, the strength of slate decreases significantly, which provokes the appearance of small and large cracks or holes on it. Therefore, in the article below we will learn how to repair a crack in a slate roof or how to deal with a hole in it.

Causes of slate destruction

In order not to look for an answer to the question of how to seal slate, it is worth knowing that holes or cracks in it can appear for various reasons that can be prevented. But the main ones are:

• Wear of the coating over time. As a rule, after 10-15 years the material becomes more brittle, which provokes susceptibility to point impact loads (fall of an icy branch, fruit, etc.).
• The tendency of slate to accumulate moisture in shaded areas of the roof. In this case, where the covering sheets are more moist and there is no direct sunlight, moss grows. As a rule, this is the north side of the roof. Moss is destructive organic matter for asbestos cement.
• Incorrectly assembled roof drainage system. When rainwater stagnates in certain areas roofing, the strength of the coating will begin to decrease, which will lead to the appearance of cracks or holes over time. Here it is worth taking into account non-compliance with the operating conditions of the slate. That is, if the slope angle of the slopes is not met, water will stagnate on the roof.
• Gross violations when laying slate sheets. In particular we're talking about about the use of simple nails without rubber gaskets to fix roofing sheets and about incorrect laying of sheets, in which the roof is now under constant stress.
• Inconsistency of holes for nails and screws when laying the material. If they are too small, then over time the metal, which is prone to seasonal expansion, will destroy the structure of the asbestos-cement sheet and holes will appear on its surface that will require restoration.
• Failure to comply with the conditions of transportation and storage of the coating. In this case, small microcracks will be invisible at first, and then you will have to look for the answer to the question of how to repair a crack in slate.

Important: if all of the above possible reasons The appearance of cracks on slate is not about you, it means that you purchased a substandard product that was produced with gross violations of technology. In particular, the proportions of the components could be violated, short asbestos fibers were added, or poor-quality final grinding/treatment of the coating was carried out with a reduction in its settling time.

We identify defects on slate, crack danger level

To see a crack on a slate sheet, you need to use special telescopic equipment, since such violations of the structure of the asbestos-cement sheet are difficult to notice with the naked eye. In order to understand whether a slate roof needs to be repaired and whether there are holes/gaps/cracks in it, an assessment must be carried out attic floor And rafter system from the inside. That is, by the appearance of the insulation and the wood of the rafters, one can judge possible leaks in the roof. They will be evidenced by:

• Wet and rotting rafter wood;
• Stains and mold on insulation or other components of the roofing pie;
• Stains on the attic floor in a specific area.

If a leak is identified, it is worth determining the level of danger of the leak. So, let's look at the types of cracks:

• If the crack is located in the lower ridge of the roof slate, then urgent restoration is needed roofing. Because over time, water will simply spill on the heads of the residents of the house. After all, it is in the lower ridges of the roofing wave material that water accumulates in maximum quantities.
• If the hole has formed on the upper crest of the coating wave, this is a less dangerous option, but still requires thinking about how the cracks in the slate are sealed.
• And finally, the most unpleasant from a prognosis point of view is a transverse crack. Here, a hole can spread to neighboring waves, which will lead to the breaking of the entire covering sheet. Therefore, it is best to replace it completely.

Important: When starting repair work, wear protective clothing. Because asbestos fibers are toxic to human health.

Slate sheet repair

It is worth knowing that any repair manipulations with slate should be carried out only after it has been cleaned of debris and moss, thoroughly washed and dried. In addition, you should degrease the crack or hole with cotton wool soaked in solvent or acetone.

Repair option 1

If you don’t know how to fill holes in slate, then the simplest and most old-fashioned method One way to seal a hole is to use bitumen mastic. Previously, only it was used to cover up any holes in the walls of the house or fence/roof. It is simply prepared in a bucket over a fire, melting it to a viscous state. If repair work is carried out in cold weather (with minuses), then about 10% of the waste must be added to the bitumen mass so that the mastic is plastic. The crack is gradually filled with the finished mixture, leveling it level with the sheet.

Important: but it is worth remembering that this method of repairing cracks in slate is not the most reliable. The fact is that bitumen mastic tends to expand at positive temperatures and contract again in the cold. As a result of such deformation, after several cycles of temperature changes, the hole will leak again.

Repair option 2

Or you can use a cement-sand mixture if you don’t know what and how to fill holes in the slate. To prepare the mixture, you need to mix the above components in a ratio of 1:2. Dilute the mixture with water to the consistency of thick sour cream. The resulting solution is used to cover holes and cracks and leave to dry in the shade. The finished repaired sheet can be painted in desired color.

Repair option 3

Also, to seal slate roofs, you can use a ready-made putty solution without having to bother with special inventions. The mixture can be purchased at a specialty store. Before applying it, the surface of the crack or hole must be well primed. Then putty is applied to the hole and after six hours it is covered with a piece of fiberglass. Another layer of putty is applied on top, and thus the use of a sealing combination saves the slate.

Important: you can apply the putty mixture using a spatula or a gun. In this case, it is better to carry out repairs in dry weather with heavy clouds, so that the putty can dry without haste.

Repair option 4

And here, in order to cover a slate roof, you can use a mixture of cement, asbestos and PVA glue. This mass is very plastic and fits well into all the joints and gaps of the slate.

So, let's prepare the mixture:

• First mix in equal parts water and PVA glue. Mix everything well until smooth.
• Now mix cement and asbestos in a separate container in proportions 2:3.
• Mix all ingredients until very thick sour cream.
• In a separate container, prepare another PVA solution from three parts water and one part glue.
• Cover the finished, degreased and dried surface of the crack with the resulting mixture of glue, cement and asbestos. Lubricate the top with additional glue solution. And again we apply two more layers of asbestos cement on top.

Repair option 5

And in this way you can seal holes from nails that have crumbled over time and now allow water to pass through. In this case, you need to take a piece of aluminum foil and cut a patch out of it according to the right size holes. The foil is greased with universal glue and the patch is placed on the hole.

Important: in this case, the hole for the self-tapping screw will now have to be made in a different place on the sheet.

Repair option 6

Here, to repair a large break or nail hole, you can use tin for patching. A piece is cut out of it, rolled into a tube and, crushed, pushed into the hole. It is necessary to compact the tin so that it fills the hole as much as possible. Now a hole is drilled in the tin plug for a self-tapping screw and the slate is fixed to the roof using a high-quality rubber gasket. In this case, water will not flow under the roof.

Repair option 7

Regular polyurethane foam will also help repair holes in slate. Craftsmen use it to fill cracks and crevices in slate roofing. This a good option answer to the question of how to repair and seal slate sheets. The mixture is applied to a clean and grease-free repairable area, and thus the hole is sealed. Then, after drying, the crack is treated with sealant and everything is lubricated with epoxy resin.

Repair option 8

Often craftsmen seal cracks in ACL with butyl rubber tape. By the way, it is good for painting, which will allow your roof not to look patched. The tape is laid on the cracks in the slate after they have been cleaned and degreased. They press well, and after drying they can be painted in any color.

Important: a sheet of slate with repaired holes and cracks will last a maximum of 3-5 years. Therefore, at the first opportunity, it is better to change the covering sheet. Otherwise, the cost of restoring a rotten rafter system can be much greater than the cost of new slate and the work of replacing it.

How to repair a crack in slate on a roof or a hole caused by nails

Identifying slate defects on the roof and how to repair the crack? Causes of material destruction. Description of options for repairing slate, filling holes and cracks.

Roofing made from asbestos cement sheets is famous for its durability. However, even with such wear resistance, damage to slate during operation cannot be completely ruled out. As a rule, after ten to a year and a half, chips or cracks can be found on its surface.

Repairing slate can extend the service life of the roof by about another ten years, so the question of how to repair the coating is very relevant. Once upon a time, slate roof repairs were carried out using ordinary oil paint and fabric strips. The effect of such intervention was short-lived - only a few years. Modern materials make damage repair methods much more effective.

How to repair cracks

When slate leaks, it means there are cracks in the covering. There are several fairly simple methods that really help restore its functionality. All of them are available for you to do yourself, you just need to know how to seal the slate. This usually involves applying a patch to the damaged area or using a sealant. Let's see what needs to be done when the roof leaks, what is the best quick way, how to patch a slate roof, how to glue it together. This is especially important in bad weather conditions.

Let's look at the most common technologies for restoring damaged sheets. So, the slate has burst and is leaking. How to seal it, seal it? The simplest option- This is asbestos paste.

Step-by-step instructions for using asbestos paste

Preparation of the composition

The mixture is a composition that includes asbestos and cement; you can prepare it yourself. In a separate container, mix the powder components (take three times more asbestos) and add equal volumes of water and dispersive polyvinyl acetate glue until a homogeneous creamy mass is obtained. The mixture must be mixed very thoroughly to avoid lumps forming. Work with asbestos mixture is carried out in a respirator.

If the composition is not used for a long time, it loses its qualities. Therefore, it is advisable to knead it in small portions.

Application method

Before sealing the slate, prepare the damaged area:

• remove garbage;
• wash the damaged area and degrease it, for example, with gasoline;
• in the case of an ordinary crack, a fiberglass tape (serpyanka) is fixed along its entire length, which is at least 5 cm longer than the crack.
• significant damage or holes are first filled, for example, with raw rubber or caulked; for greater effect, the fibrous material is pre-treated with hydrophobic compounds.

The asbestos-cement composition is applied to the damaged area gradually, in successive layers as evenly as possible. The total layer thickness must reach at least 2 mm. When the patch is dry, the resulting seam is treated with sandpaper.

It is desirable that the mixture significantly covers the damaged area.

Such repairs will protect the under-roof space from moisture penetration for 8–10 years.

Using foil

The patch on the roof could be made of aluminum foil, even from an ordinary chocolate bar. Universal glue is applied to it and applied to the damaged area from the wrong side. To prevent the corners of the patch from bending, they are rounded. The connection between the foil and the roof is strong and will reliably protect the roof from water access.

If the crack passes through the fastening area, then first seal it with foil and drill a hole for the fastening element in another part of the sheet.

After the work has been completed, the dismantled sheet is returned to its place. We must not forget that rubber gaskets for nails are a mandatory requirement. When the work is completed, the patch is masked to match the tone of the roofing. The paint is applied in dry weather; it is advisable to use a roller or brush. The best effect can be achieved if you treat the repaired area in two approaches, with a break to dry the first layer.

These methods are much more convenient if performed on a removed sheet.

Repair of asbestos cement roofing without dismantling

There are some methods for repairing a roof made of asbestos cement material, for which the damaged sheets are not dismantled. This work is performed directly on the roof, so insurance must be provided.

Sealing cracks with silicone paste

Cracks can be covered with silicone paste, which has good adhesion to asbestos-cement coating. The damaged area is carefully cleaned of dust and small asbestos chips using a metal brush. Then it must be degreased. To do this, you can use, say, acetone or a special solvent. Asbestos chips are poured into the crack in an even layer.

The next step is to fill the crumbs with silicone paste, let it set and paint it to match the color of the roof. This work takes little time, but the result is quite reliable.

The repaired areas of the roof are painted over as soon as the silicone paste sets. This is necessary due to the porous structure of asbestos cement sheets, due to which the repaired surface around the edges quickly becomes dirty.

Using polyurethane foam

The damaged area is cleaned and degreased. Next, the crack is blown out with foam, but not completely. The area to be repaired is dried and excess foam is cut off on the sides, after which a layer of sealant is applied. The work is completed by covering the restored surface with bitumen mastic.

Mastic for repairing damage

Sheets with joints are treated with mastic with a reinforcing filler of a wavy structure.

Small pieces of bitumen are melted in a separate container. This creates foam and impurities, which are removed during the process. Melting at 200–220°C is continued until the bitumen is completely dehydrated. Then filler is added to small portions of molten bitumen, which is preheated to 110°C.

Hot mastic is applied to the joints with a spatula or other suitable tool. During the application process, the material is smoothed. In this way, excess moisture is removed and the mastic is firmly compacted.

Another option for sealing cracks is to use self-adhesive butyl rubber tape. It has exceptional adhesive characteristics to any substrate. After gluing the crack, a high-quality lining is formed that excludes the ingress of water and is resistant to any atmospheric influences, ultraviolet radiation, temperature changes.

To increase the adhesion of repair materials, it is advisable to prime cracks or chips with PVA glue.

Repairing significant damage

It is possible that during a roof inspection a sheet will be found split along its length; it can be glued together using epoxy resin. First, parts of the sheet are fastened from the inside with adhesive tape, and only after that the gap is filled with epoxy resin.

If the slate sheet turns out to be severely damaged, say, partially destroyed, or an impressive hole has formed on it, even several, it is necessary to complete replacement. Partial renovation old slate is ineffective in this case. Not only will it not provide coverage required characteristics, but will not stop further destruction and soaking.

Slate repair: use of mastic, primer, sealant

Some time after installation, a roof made of asbestos cement sheets may lose its original appearance, cracks and chips form on it. It's unavoidable

The widespread use of slate in previous years was determined by its affordable price and durability. There are still many homes covered with this popular low-maintenance roofing material. But minor repairs still have to be done, since over time cracks and even holes appear on the surface. Those who, for various reasons, cannot part with the cement-asbestos coating, make repairs with improvised materials. Let's see how this works out in practice.

Why do cracks appear?

Despite all the wonderful advantages, slate retains low resistance to mechanical loads. Although the coating tolerates solar ultraviolet radiation and high moisture quite well, their prolonged exposure weakens the original strength. Over time, the structure of the material becomes more vulnerable, and with sudden temperature changes or when branches fall, longitudinal or transverse cracks appear in the sheets. The wind load and the pressure of winter layers of snow also have an effect, causing the strong crest of the wave to begin to subside, exposing the heads of the nails. If the defects that appear are not repaired, they will gradually expand.

Of course, it is better to completely replace the damaged coating. But if this is not possible, then minor repairs become the only way to eliminate leaks and protect the structure from damaging moisture.

Maintenance extends the life of the roof

In addition to knowing the process of repairing a slate roof, you need to understand how not to let the roof fall into disrepair. Even careless movement on the roof when cleaning pipes and repair work can lead to the appearance of new cracks under the weight of the technician. Therefore, it is necessary to lay special wooden flooring on the covering so that the transverse slats holding the boards together from below are located in the recess of the slate wave. This allows you to evenly distribute the load over the entire coverage area. On steep roof slopes for work there must be a ladder-ladder, having a length equal to the full slope of the roof, with a hook on the ridge.

Chronic disease of slate roofs - colonies of moss and lichen, especially in shaded areas. If vegetation has already taken over the deepening of the wave, it will delay the flow of water, and the growing moss will begin to lift the joints of the sheets, opening paths for rain moisture. Any vegetation on slate creates conditions for the formation of new cracks.

A simple and effective way to combat mosses and lichens is to regularly paint the rough slate surface with several layers of resistant weather paint. Cleaning the old roof from the green carpet can be done mechanically, and then treated with a preparation that destroys root system colonies.

It is necessary to carry out an external inspection of the roofing covering at least twice a year. attic space. If there is an insulating under-roof layer, cracks are more difficult to detect, but an inspection is required. Otherwise, spots of mold will soon appear in places of leakage, which will spread to wooden structures.

How to seal cracks

Longitudinal cracks running along the crest or depression of a wave can be repaired with waterproofing self-adhesive butyl rubber tape specifically designed for slate. Install it from the outside and inside cracks or just outside. If you install the tape only on top, then it is better to install a strip of galvanized sheet under it, which must be given a wave shape in advance. Then the movement of the crack will not affect the integrity of the tape.

The outer side of the tape is usually covered with non-woven fabric, which can be painted in the desired color if desired. Gluing tape to slate is easy if it is well cleaned and degreased. A piece of tape required length Apply it to the crack from one edge, and gradually remove the protective film from the inside of the material, while simultaneously pressing it against the damaged part. Check the tightness of adhesion of the tape to the roofing material so that there is no partial peeling off of the edges.

We use bitumen mastic

To repair longitudinal cracks, you can use fiberglass mesh or fiberglass, which is best glued using cold-curing bitumen mastic. Transverse cracks are usually sealed with the same sickle mesh, but sometimes you still have to completely replace the damaged sheet. To do this, you have to remove several adjacent sheets to remove the damaged one, and then put everything back and securely fasten it.

Cracks found in the sheets of the cornice row are more difficult to repair, so most often they are replaced with new ones. With such a replacement, careful removal of the nails connecting the eaves and the second row of roofing is required, since even whole sheets of old slate can crack if installed inaccurately.

If replacing sheets along the eaves line is impossible for some reason, then they will have to be removed and the cracks glued with fiberglass mesh on bitumen mastic, applying materials to the top and bottom sides of the cracked slate. Then the repaired sheets need to be put back in place. It is not recommended to leave damaged sheets - cracks and chips will inevitably expand over time.

This material can also be used to repair holes or wide cracks, additionally using fiberglass mesh. For reliability, from the attic side, such damage needs to be pressed with a galvanized sheet with a wave bend, which can be removed after complete hardening cement mortar. The dried cement mortar can be coated with a primer and painted with weather-resistant paint.

To ensure that traces of repair work remain invisible, you can paint the entire surface of the slate covering with a single color. Then your roof will serve you for many more years.

No matter how beautiful it looks new roof, time flies inexorably. There comes a time when the property owner is faced with the question: how to repair cracks in the slate on the roof? There are many solutions to this issue! The choice is up to the owner, only he can prolong the operation of the slate roof.

In this article

Defects in slate roofing

List of slate defects that may appear during roof operation:

• the appearance of cracks in slate;
• overgrowing of material with moss;
• mechanical damage;
• defects in the roof structure remaining after installation;
• physical aging;
• other flaws.

When the owner decides to cover the roof with slate, he knows what awaits him ahead. Heavy transportation of material to the workplace. Low aesthetics of the material, its fragility, extra work for its improvement. But, overpowering the budget cost of the material, its versatility - it was these indicators that enabled slate to become popular.

Experts advise: in order to long-term protect the material from the appearance of lichen and moss, use special antiseptics. This design will increase the operating time.

Slate cannot be called the most technologically advanced material. But holes, chips, mother-in-laws, any flaws can be repaired. Naturally, simple patches will not save you. We will have to allocate funds to eliminate the shortcomings. While the roof is new, it is advisable to immediately provide rules for cleaning the material and caring for it.

Preparatory work for repairs

Before making repairs, the slate must be cleaned with a broom and water. Remove all foreign objects, dirt, debris, soil. After cleaning, determine what type of repair is required. It can be radical, that is, complete. They mean replacing the entire system: rafters and coverings. This type of work is used when sheets of material and rafters are severely damaged.

Then a different design of sheathing and rafters is required. Partial repairs are carried out when it is necessary to remove the old slate and install new sheets of material. During cosmetic repairs, flaws in slate are repaired with patches using specific compounds.

Methods for sealing cracks

Repairing cracks in slate is the most common option. There are many solutions to the problem. If a crack is found on the sheet, it and the area around it must be degreased with gasoline, acetone, or solvent. Then the area should be treated with a primer with a base of PVA glue. Fill it with an insulating mixture, possibly a cement composition.

Repair mixture

Mixtures are made from water, asbestos, cement, and PVA glue. It’s simple to do: add three parts asbestos to one part of cement. PVA construction adhesive and water are added to this composition in equal quantities. Then mix everything carefully until a mixture with a thick consistency is formed.

The mixture is made in small portions! This is done for its long-term preservation. The defect is sealed with the resulting mixture in two layers. The thickness of each must be at least one mm. IN construction stores ready-made formulations are available for sale. They are based on waterproofing materials. You can use this composition, but preliminary degreasing of the material before repair is always carried out.

You can work with the same composition, but only diluted xylene. The defect site is first coated with a primer, then covered with a compound. As soon as six hours have passed, you need to put fiberglass on this layer. And, reapply a layer of sealant.

Application of aluminum foil

To complete the work, prepare a patch with the necessary parameters. The corners of the patch should be rounded. The inside must be coated with universal glue. Then, with a little force, press it onto the slate sheet from which it has already been removed. old fasteners. After applying the patch, the sheet of material is attached to the roof with nails. This must be done through prepared holes. But they must be located in new places.

Advice: construction foam– also an option for sealing defects in slate sheets. And the most permanent and accessible! If several layers of polyurethane foam are applied to the defect. Then after it hardens and dries, it is cut along the contour of the wave of the material, and a layer of sealant is applied on top. Then the area is dried and a layer of bitumen resin is applied.

Sometimes sealing butyl rubber tape is used as a patch. It is self-adhesive and double-sided work surface. On its top there is decorating material or non-woven fabric. And there is an adhesive base, it is protected by a strip of paper. It is anti-adhesive, or a polymer can be used for the same purpose. It is with this strip that the damaged area is sealed. Top part The stripes can be painted in your preferred color if desired.

There is also a simpler method for eliminating material flaws. The defective area should be alternately laid thick fabric, then it should be treated with nitro paint.

It is also fashionable to repair a crack in slate directly on the roof without removing the sheet. Then you need to use silicone paste. First, the crack is filled with slate chips, then filled with silicone.

Another method: if the crack is small, then holes with a diameter of up to four mm should be drilled along its edges. Then fill it with hot resin or special roofing sealants. They will dry out and become like rubber.

Safety precautions

The work of repairing materials on the roof, like any other work, requires strict adherence to the rules for the preservation of people. The person performing the work must have appropriate special clothing. Non-slip shoes must be worn on your feet. The work is performed in calm, not sunny weather, without rain or wind. If necessary, you need to invite one more person. This is done to insure against an accident.

Slate is an asbestos-cement roofing material with a wide range of applications, which has been in demand for many decades.

Even with the emergence of new analogues on the roofing surface, slate remains the most popular among them.

Slate was invented more than a hundred years ago. It is used in regions with both hot and cold climates. The service life of slate reaches 50 years, but in most cases it is 20-30 years.

Atmospheric precipitation has virtually no effect on the operation of slate.

One of the main properties of slate roofing is its low thermal conductivity. When the roof of the house is heated by the sun's rays, the climate under the slate remains quite comfortable. And in the cold season, has good thermal insulation.

Another very important advantage of slate is good sound insulation . Compared to metal roofs, it perfectly insulates the impacts of hail and rain, and therefore you will practically not experience discomfort from downpours and thunderstorms.

Slate - heavy and brittle material, and this is its main disadvantage.

Disadvantages of the material

Causes of destruction of slate sheets

Asbestos-cement slate is a rather fragile material, and it is often

Problems often arise precisely because of incorrect fasteners, so When installing, it is very important to follow the installation technique. You should not pierce the sheets with nails, and before installation you need to drill it at the fastening points.

When the sheathing is done correctly - there is no sagging and the pitch of the sheathing is observed, then the roof will serve for many years.

During operation, slate is constantly exposed to negative environmental factors, which does not have the best effect on the condition of the roof.

NOTE!

The main reasons for the destruction of slate during operation is sagging from heavy snow masses. Also a negative factor is stagnant rainwater and branches falling on the roof.

As a consequence of this microcracks appear, which subsequently lead to the destruction of the coating. Slate can also be damaged by mosses and lichens growing on it; they release acid-containing substances that destroy it.

How to detect coating defects in a timely manner

Leaks are a very undesirable consequence of a compromised roofing system. They appear from various types of damage:

• Biological;
• Mechanical influences;
• Weather conditions.

In order to prevent roof leaks, From time to time it is necessary to inspect the slate. Common defects in slate roofs are chips on the surface and edges of slate sheets. The most common reasons for repairs arise from the “aging” of the material.

Slate repair - how to repair a crack in a slate roof

If there is still a need for slate repairs, a crack or gap has appeared, there are many ways to repair.

So, how to repair a hole in a slate roof:

• First way: you can make a special solution to seal cracks, it contains asbestos, cement, water and PVA glue. Water and glue in accordance with 1:1, asbestos and cement 3:1. Stir to a paste-like consistency and apply to the crack (the crack should be caulked first).
• Second way: Can be used mounting foam for blowing out cracks. After the foam has hardened, the excess foam must be cut off, and the top of the cut should be coated with sealant and a layer of roofing mastic for waterproofing.
• Third way: Aluminium foil often used as a material for sealing cracks in slate. The foil is folded into several layers, coated with roofing sealant and applied to the area that is damaged.
• Fourth method: Can be used special silicone paste, but it is very important that the surface is clean, dry and grease-free. After application you must wait completely dry. Only under such conditions will there be a waterproofing effect from application.
• Fifth method: Available for sale ready-mixed putties, which are also used to seal cracks and seams and are cheaper than silicone paste. All you need to do is buy ready-made composition. The surface must also be clean, dry and free of grease. Before application, the surface to be repaired must be primed with a regular repair primer. After application, wait for about six hours to dry, and if necessary, apply several more layers of the mixture.
• Sixth method: Also applicable butyl rubber tape. It is easy to work with, because its surface is made of non-woven material, which is good if you need to paint it in the future. It sticks to almost any type of surface, withstands temperature changes well and withstands the negative effects of weather conditions.
• Seventh method: Method of caulking seams hot bitumen. Bitumen is very easy to use. To putty, you need to take a piece of bitumen, heat it over a fire in a special container, stirring gently until it reaches 160 degrees. In this state it can be poured into the cracks.
• Eighth method: Of the proven folk methods, the best is chalk with drying oil. Mix, cover the cracks, and after drying, paint with oil paint. Ready!

Repair with rubber tape

Repair with bitumen mastic

If all of the above methods did not help you, or the area in need of repair is too large, you need to think about replacing the sheet or the entire roofing material.

To replace one sheet of slate, you need:

1. Unscrew the fasteners that hold the sheet.
2. At first we take out the damaged sheet from under the adjacent sheet, we place a block under it that will temporarily hold it.
3. Further fasten new leaf into specially prepared holes.

When replacing one or more sheets does not solve the problem, or the slate is too worn, the slate covering is replaced completely. To increase strength, abestos-cement slate is painted with oil paint.

Use any oil paint, and you can cover both old and new sheets. The paint used to cover the slate must be liquid enough to apply thin layer and absorbs well. If necessary, it can be diluted with a solvent.

For quality repairs Be sure to clean the surface and degrease it. The primer promotes good adhesion of the material, so do not neglect this stage. Compliance with these simple tips will help ensure the durability of the repairs made.

Useful video

Do-it-yourself slate roof repair on video:

In contact with

Despite the fact that modern industry offers big choice roofing materials, slate has remained popular and in demand for many years. This is due to its versatility, unpretentiousness and accessibility, as well as the fact that this material is not susceptible to corrosion. During operation of a slate roof, due to the influence of mechanical loads, small cracks and even large holes can form on it, through which moisture penetrates into the under-roof space. In such cases, it is necessary to repair the slate roof, but this is not difficult and you can cope with such work yourself.

Slate roof diagnostics

The service life of slate is 40–50 years, and when correct operation and more. Despite the emergence of new roofing materials, this roofing material is still often used to cover the roofs of private houses, as well as outbuildings, for example, garages, barns, etc.

Most often, private houses and outbuildings are covered with slate.

The disadvantages of slate are its heavy weight and poor resistance to point mechanical impacts. It is impacts that most often cause cracks and holes to appear on such a coating.

To ensure the maximum service life of a slate roof, it is necessary to carry out periodic inspections and correct any detected defects in a timely manner. It is necessary to remove debris from the surface, then it will be possible to notice any damage in time and eliminate it.

Types of defects

Unlike coatings such as metal tiles or corrugated sheets, slate does not corrode and its damage is usually associated with mechanical stress.

Main types of slate roof defects:

Most often, cracks appear on slate, and to determine how dangerous they are, you need to take a good look at the resulting defect:

• crack along the upper wave. This is the least dangerous damage and the easiest to notice. In most cases, it does not lead to leaks, since water does not stagnate under the crack formed;
• crack along the bottom wave. In such cases, leaks will definitely appear;
• crack across the sheet. This is the most dangerous damage. It not only leads to roof leaks. Over time, such a crack will expand and transfer to waves located nearby.

Causes of slate damage

Most often, the reasons that lead to damage to slate are associated with violations of the technology of installation and operation of the roofing, as well as with the impact of mechanical loads.

The most common reasons:

• shock loads. These could be heavy branches or other objects falling on the roof, as well as large hail;
• development of moss and lichen. In this case, not only does the appearance of the coating deteriorate, but its gradual destruction also occurs;

  Moss and lichens gradually destroy the roof covering

• time. Although the service life of slate is quite long and, as a rule, there are no problems with its operation in the first 10–15 years, due to the influence of negative external factors, small cracks may appear on it over time;
• water stagnation. Like any other roof, a slate roof has weak spots, such as around pipes and roof windows, where excess moisture can form, leading to cracks;
• violation of installation rules and sequence. Most often this is due to the incorrect slope of the slate roof, due to which it is subjected to increased loads;
• incorrect fixation of sheets. It is recommended to use slate nails with rubber gaskets. The prepared place for fastening should be slightly larger than the diameter of the nail used to compensate for the thermal expansion of the sheets;
• inaccurate transportation of sheets. Defects on new slate that have arisen due to improper storage or transportation may not be immediately noticed. They appear over time, especially when workers move along the roof;
• sloppy walking. When moving on slate, your feet should only be placed on the crests of the waves. It is best to lay the boards and walk on them, this allows you to more evenly distribute the load on the coating, so the likelihood of damage to it will be minimal;

  The presence of a ladder allows you to evenly distribute a person’s weight over the slate surface

• sudden changes in temperature. Slate, like any other asbestos-cement material, reacts poorly to this;
• snow loads. Since the slate roof has unevenness and roughness, snow does not fall off it well. As it accumulates, the load on the roof increases. During thaws, ice accumulates, which also negatively affects the condition of the slate;
• violations of slate manufacturing technology. This may be due to an underestimated amount of cement, the use of short fibers, non-compliance with curing periods (at least 28 days must pass from the moment of production to the sale of slate), and poor processing of the sheets.

Since minor damage is quite difficult to notice on a slate roof, you need to be especially careful when inspecting it. If leaks are not noticed in time, moisture penetrates into the roofing pie, causing damage to the thermal insulation. She also gets to wooden elements rafter system, which over time leads to their rotting and destruction.

It is necessary to inspect the roof not only from the outside, but also from the attic. The presence of small pockets of mold from inside the roof indicates small roof leaks that have not yet fully manifested themselves. It is best to inspect the roof after heavy rain, when leaks are much easier to detect.

Tools for repair

To repair a slate roof, you will need simple and affordable tools that should be in the arsenal of any home craftsman:

Repairing a slate roof in different ways

There are several ways to repair cracks, chips and through holes, depending on the size of the damage and the availability of the necessary materials at hand.

Before starting repairs, the roof must be properly prepared. To ensure maximum adhesion of the coating solution, the slate must be cleared of debris, washed and degreased. When using any repair composition, you must use it quickly, since the effectiveness of use decreases over time. It is necessary to prepare the repair mixture in small portions and gradually seal the cracks.

Cement mortar

The simplest, most accessible and for a long time known method slate roof repair - ordinary cement mortar:

1. Clean the area around the damaged area.
2. Prepare a solution. To do this, mix cement and sand in a 1:2 ratio and dilute with water to the consistency of thick sour cream.
3. Seal up the cracks. Cracks or holes are filled with a solution, after which it is smoothed and, if necessary, painted in the desired color.

It must be taken into account that it will take time for the solution to dry, so the work must be done in dry weather, otherwise the rain will simply wash the repair composition off the roof. Instead of cement mortar, many craftsmen use glue for installation ceramic tiles, since it has high moisture resistance and is not afraid of temperature changes.

Rubber tape

The top part of the butyl rubber tape is made of nonwoven fabric, which greatly simplifies the painting process after repairing the damage. The bottom surface has a self-adhesive base, so slate repairs using it are simple and quick.

Butyl rubber tape has a self-adhesive backing, making repairs very easy with its help.

The repair is performed as follows:

To obtain a more durable patch, you can use another method. First, double-sided butyl rubber tape is laid, then it is covered with sickle tape, and then a patch with an adhesive layer on one side. Such reinforcement allows repairs to be carried out more efficiently and reliably.

Hot bitumen

One option for repairing a slate roof is to use hot bitumen:

You can use ready-made bitumen mastic. It is applied to the damaged area with a spatula. The crack must be covered with at least two layers of mastic with a thickness of at least 1 mm.

You can use ready-made bitumen mastic

Video: repair with rubber-bitumen mastic

Homemade or ready-made putty

You can make the putty yourself or purchase a ready-made mixture in the store. To make it yourself you will need:

• asbestos;
• cement;
• PVA glue;
• water.

Cement and asbestos are mixed in a ratio of 2:3. Then PVA glue and water are added to them in equal parts to form a solution resembling thick sour cream.

The procedure for applying putty to damaged slate:

Using ready-made putties you need to choose those that contain waterproofing components. The order of their application is as follows:

Such repairs must be carried out in dry and cloudy weather. In this case, the putty will harden evenly and gain maximum strength.

Polyurethane foam and epoxy resin

To eliminate cracks in slate using polyurethane foam and epoxy resin, work is performed in the following order:

other methods

In addition to the common methods of slate roof repair, other methods can be used:

Repairing other damage

In addition to the damage described, other problems may appear on a slate roof.

How to clean black slate roof

Although a slate roof has a long service life, after just a few years of use, moss, lichens and blue-green algae can begin to develop on the surface. This usually happens on the north, northwest side or in places where trees hang over the roof. As a result, the color of the slate changes, it begins to darken and loses its attractiveness. To return the material to its original appearance, it must first be cleaned, and in order to protect it from further development moss - apply a decorative protective coating.

Cleaning can be done in several ways:

• dry mechanical cleaning;
• using strong water pressure;
• chemical method.

The choice of slate cleaning method will depend on the capabilities of the home owner, as well as the condition of the coating. If the slate is old, then you should not use strong water pressure. This method is not suitable even if there is visible damage on the slate, since water will penetrate into the roofing cake and onto the rafter system.

Mechanical method

To carry out work mechanically You will need a stiff wire brush. This method is suitable for coatings that have visible damage. Its disadvantage is that you have to spend a lot of effort and time. In addition, it is damaged upper layer slate and harmful dust is released.

To speed up and simplify the work, you can use an electric drill or grinder with a brush attachment. In this case, you need to work very carefully so as not to damage the slate too much. IN hard to reach places you will still have to do the work with a hand brush.

Cleaning of moss and lichens can be done using a hand brush or grinder

The mechanical cleaning method is used only in dry and windless weather. The roofing material must be completely dry. To minimize contact with the resulting dust, be sure to use a respirator, goggles and gloves.

After cleaning the roof from moss and lichen, you need to sweep away their remains and, if possible, rinse the surface with water.

Video: mechanical cleaning of slate

To make cleaning the roof take less time and effort, you can do it using pressurized water. To do this, you will need a hose of appropriate length and strong water pressure. The jet must be directed from the ridge to the roof overhangs, otherwise it will enter the under-roof space.

To properly wash slate, you need to ensure good pressure water

It must be taken into account that wet moss and lichens become very slippery, so you should only walk on the dry part of the slate. First, half the slope is cleaned, then you should wait until it dries, and only after that you can begin work on the second half. Depending on the water pressure, the hose should be kept at a distance of 30–50 cm from the slate.

Video: slate washing

Chemical cleaning

In the past, a strong salt solution was used to remove moss and lichen from a slate roof. Special ones are now on sale chemicals, for example, IKOpro, GRÖN-FRI, BIO-REN, with which cleaning is faster and more efficient:

How to repair the ridge of a slate roof

Like any other work on the roof, replacing the ridge must be carried out while observing safety rules, as you can easily fall from a great height.

If the ridge of a slate roof is damaged, it must be replaced in the following order:

1. Remove the damaged ridge element.
2. Close ridge beam waterproofing material, for example, a special ridge tape. It provides good ventilation, but does not allow insects, snow and melt water to enter the under-roof space. As an economical option, you can use regular roofing felt.

   To waterproof the ridge, you can use a special tape or regular roofing felt.

3. Prepare a galvanized sheet. It must be bent, and the angle should be slightly less than the angle of the ridge.

   The angle of the galvanized element should be slightly less than the angle of the ridge

4. Installation of the ridge element. Carry out the laying of the prepared ridge elements with an overlap of about 20 cm. The galvanized sheet can be fixed with nails. If you have experience, you can immediately pierce sheet and slate, otherwise it is recommended to make a hole with an electric drill and then hammer in a nail. Fastening is carried out only at the tops of the waves. You can use self-tapping screws.

   The ridge element is fixed with nails or screws

How to replace individual slate sheets

There are situations when many damages occur on one sheet of slate at the same time, or they are very large. In this case, carrying out repair work is ineffective and you will have to completely replace the damaged sheet. If the roof is small, it is easier to remove all the slate, replace some sheets and re-cover the roof. In the case when the roof has large area, replacing the damaged sheet is carried out in the following order:

Slate roof overhaul

Completely remove old slate

Dismantling the waterproofing layer and thermal insulation.

Inspection of the rafter system. If traces of rotting or fungus are found, they must be removed and treated.

Laying waterproofing and thermal insulation material. If the roof is non-residential, then you can only lay waterproofing and do without insulation.

If the roof is non-residential, then you can only lay waterproofing and do without thermal insulation material

Slate installation:

To increase the service life of a slate roof, it can be painted.

Features of slate roof repair in winter period

Planned repairs to slate roofs are usually not carried out in winter. If serious damage is detected, it can be eliminated in winter, but certain nuances must be taken into account. If you need to replace a sheet, then winter will not be a hindrance, the main thing is that it does not snow that day.

The main disadvantages of roof repairs in winter:

• short daylight hours, so there will be less time to complete work than in summer;
• low temperatures and snow significantly complicate work;
• It is almost impossible to work with repair compounds, especially bitumen.

If there is a need to repair a slate roof in winter, you must adhere to the following rules:

When working on a roof, you should always use insurance, this is especially true in winter.

Protecting slate from further damage

If the slate on the roof begins to crack in different places at the same time, then repairs alone will not be enough. This usually happens when installation rules are violated. It is best to overhaul the roof and lay slate in accordance with technology requirements. There are several ways to temporarily correct the situation and protect the slate from further damage:

Video: features of rubber paint

Despite a large number of modern roofing materials, slate roofs still do not lose their popularity. The maintainability of this coating is high, so all work on its restoration can be done independently. Since slate is an all-season material, in the absence of snow and rain, the roof can be repaired both in summer and winter.