Slate Roof Repair in Pittsburgh – Understanding the Nuances Involved

When it comes to Pittsburgh homes, Slate happens to be the most preferred material used by people for building sturdy and beautiful looking roofs. Their distinct aesthetics are not the only advantage that this material can offer you. A properly created and well maintained slate roof can actually last for more than a 100 years, providing protection as well as beauty to your property for almost your entire lifetime. But it does require some care and overhauling which is why, hiring a professional contractor for slate roof repair in Pittsburgh on a regular basis is a commonly followed practice by the city's residents. This article will help you understand the nuances involved in roof repair that you should keep in your mind as a homeowner.

• The first thing that you must understand here is that roof repair in Pittsburgh is something that you as an owner cannot afford to overlook. Considering the weather and environment of the region, even the slightest procrastination in getting the damage fixed can have the elements entering your house in no time. What is more, you will also have to deal with increased hassle and repair costs as the matter will quickly have gone out of hand.
• Another important thing to bear in mind is - this repair and maintenance is a task that is best left to the capable hands of Pittsburgh roofing contractors. There are dangers involved in the process, not to mention the fact that any wrong decision can compromise the entire structural integrity of your house. DO NOT make roof repair a DIY project for your weekend.
• The first part of the process is to clear the roof of anything that might hamper the repair. This could be snow, ice, or some growth that may have taken root up there. Only once the area has been totally cleaned off should the slate roof repair begin.
• The best part of slate roof repair is that the damaged remains contained to the affected tiles in most cases. All that needs to be done is removing the broken tile fragments as well as the nails and hooks that were holding it in place. Most contractors use a slate ripping tool to get the job done with ease.
• Slate roof repairs often call for a degree of customization. Your contractor will have to measure the exact size of the tile to be replaced and get one created to match exactly the slate design used on your roof. This is one of the reasons why off-the-shelf repair solutions usually don't

work well with slate roof repair in Pittsburgh.

• The final part of the process is to install the copper slip under the new tile, as this will help drive water over the nails and onto the exposed portion of the slate. The copper generally has to be cut to about 4 or 5 inches wide and slightly bent in the middle before it is slid into place.

To know more about roofing in Pittsburgh, visit Prescottroofing.com

About the Author

Chris Schmider is associated with Wm. Prescott Roofing & Remodeling, Inc., a commercial roofing company in Pittsburgh, and has a lot of experience in the roofing industry. He shares his experiences and knowledge about the current trends going in the new roofing systems via his articles and blogs.