How to repair a crack in slate and how to properly repair a slate roof. Slate repair - how to extend the life of the roof? How to fix a leak in a slate roof

Since the sixties of the last century, slate has become the main roofing material in our country. Cheapness, fast, easy installation allowed slate sheets to hold a leading position for more than a dozen years. Despite the fact that today slate is being replaced by metal and tile coatings, slate roofs are found in almost every settlement. Most often, the service life of such roofs is more than 10 years, which means that cracks and chips appear on the slate coating. Heavily damaged slate sheets are recommended to be replaced, but this article will tell you how to extend the life of a cracked sheet.

The reasons for the appearance of cracks in the slate are microcracks when branches or cones fall from trees, the germination of moss and lichens, stagnation of rainwater, installation errors (for example, the use of building nails without a rubber lining or the wrong sheet cut), the severity of melting snow due to untimely discharge from the roof . To understand whether there are cracks in the slate roof, you can smell dampness or mold spots in the attic. The second way to determine hidden cracks- a low dull sound when tapping a sheet with a rubber mallet.

The most affordable and easy-to-perform way to repair chrysotile cement sheets is to cover with a solution of sand and cement. This option is suitable for cracks and holes, regardless of their size.

Combination bituminous mastic and roofing material allows you to quickly and without prior preparation cover up a crack or apply a repair patch to damage. A significant disadvantage is the likelihood of an increase in the crack or split of the slate sheet with excessively heated bitumen.

The best option for sealing narrow cracks is epoxy, which is poured just above the gap level. Epoxy compounds will quite cope with a slate sheet split in half. To do this, the two halves are interconnected with adhesive tape, the joint is degreased with gasoline and filled with epoxy.

An alternative to epoxy resin are self-adhesive tapes based on butyl rubber. This material is characterized by elasticity, tightness, high adhesion, the ability to hold the wave of the chrysotile cement sheet in the desired position. Butyl rubber tape allows you to get rid of the crack in just five minutes. The versatility of this type of self-adhesive allows you to use the material to repair any surface. The disadvantages are the rather high cost and the necessary smoothness of the surface, so it is recommended to pre-sand or paint the surface with roughness.

A budgetary, but no less effective way to cover up cracks is to use nitrocellulose glue. It is important that the adhesive has waterproof properties. The glue is divided in half, one part is diluted with acetone to a liquid state, the second is mixed with slate shavings after cutting the sheet. The liquid part is applied to the crack in three to four layers. After drying, a mixture of glue and saw cut is laid out on it, which is closed with construction tape.

Despite the wide range of roofing materials, slate today enjoys no less popularity than a couple of decades ago. Such demand for coverage is due to the relatively low price of it. 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 is significantly reduced, 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 on a roof or how to deal with a hole in it.

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

• Coating wear over time. As a rule, after 10-15 years, the material becomes more brittle, which provokes susceptibility to point shock loads (falling of an icy branch, fruit, etc.).
• The tendency of slate to accumulate moisture in the shaded areas of the roof. In this case, where the sheets of the coating are more moist and there is no direct sunlight, moss grows. As a rule, this is the north side of the roof. Moss is a degrading organic matter for asbestos cement.
• Incorrectly assembled roof drainage system. With stagnant rainwater in certain areas of the roof, 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 observed, the water will stagnate on the roof.
• Gross violations when laying slate sheets. In particular, we are talking about the use of simple nails without rubber gaskets to fix the roofing sheets and about the incorrect laying of the sheets, in which the roof is now under constant stress.
• Mismatch of holes for nails and self-tapping screws when laying the material. If they are too small, then over time, the metal, prone to seasonal expansion, will destroy the structure of the asbestos-cement sheet and holes will appear on its surface that will need to be repaired.
• 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 an answer to the question of how to close a crack in the slate.

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

We reveal defects on slate crack hazard level

To see a crack on a slate sheet, you need to use special telescopic equipment, since such violations of the ACL (asbestos-cement sheet) structure 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 / cracks / cracks in it, it is necessary to conduct an assessment attic floor and truss 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 wood rafters;
• Stains and mold on insulation or other components of the roofing pie;
• Spots on the floor of the attic in a certain place.

If a leak is detected, it is worth determining the level of danger of the hole. So, consider the types of cracks:

• If the crack is located in the lower crest of the roof slate, then urgent restoration is needed. roofing. Because over time, water will simply spill on the head of the residents of the house. After all, it is in the lower ridges of the roofing wave material that water accumulates in the maximum amount.
• If a hole has formed on the upper crest of the coating wave, this is a less dangerous option, but still requiring you to think about how the cracks in the slate are repaired.
• And, finally, the most unpleasant from the point of view of the forecast is the transverse crack. Here, the hole can spread to neighboring waves, which will lead to the breaking of the entire sheet of the coating. 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, a crack or hole should be degreased with cotton wool soaked in solvent or acetone.

Repair option 1

If you don’t know how to close holes in slate, then the simplest and most ancient method with which you can close a hole is to use bituminous mastic. Previously, it was only used to cover up any holes in the walls of a house or a fence / roof. It is prepared simply in a bucket on a fire, melting to a viscous state. If repair work is carried out in cold weather (with minuses), then about 10% of mining should be added to the mass of bitumen so that the mastic is plastic. The crack is gradually filled with the finished mixture, leveling its 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 bituminous mastic tends to expand at positive temperatures and shrink again in the cold. As a result of such deformation, after several cycles of temperature changes, the hole will again leak.

Repair option 2

Or you can use a cement-sand mixture if you don’t know how and how to patch holes in the slate. To prepare the mixture, you need to mix the named components in a ratio of 1: 2. Dilute the mass with water to the consistency of thick sour cream. Holes and cracks are covered with the resulting solution and left to dry in the shade. The finished repaired sheet can be painted in the desired color.

Repair option 3

Also, for sealing slate roofs, you can use a ready-made putty solution and not be tormented by special inventions. The mixture can be bought at a specialized 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 with a spatula or a gun. At the same time, it is better to carry out repairs in dry weather with heavy clouds, so that the putty can dry slowly.

Repair option 4

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

So, we prepare the mixture:

• First, mix in equal parts water and PVA glue. Mix everything well until smooth.
• Now mix cement and asbestos in a 2:3 ratio in a separate container.
• We mix all the components to a state of very thick sour cream.
• In a separate container, we prepare another PVA solution from three parts of water and one part of glue.
• We cover the finished, fat-free and dried surface of the crack with the resulting mixture of glue, cement and asbestos. From above we lubricate with an additional solution of glue. And again we apply two more layers of asbestos cement on top.

Repair option 5

And in this way, you can close up holes from nails that have crumbled over time and now let water through. In this case, you need to take a piece of aluminum foil and cut a patch out of it according to the desired size of the hole. The foil is smeared with universal glue and the patch is put on the hole.

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

Repair option 6

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

Repair option 7

Repairing holes in the slate will also help the usual polyurethane foam. Craftsmen use it to fill cracks and crevices in slate roofing. This is a good answer to the question of how to repair and seal a slate sheet. The mixture is applied to a clean and degreased repairable area, and thus close up the hole. Then, after drying, the crack is treated with a sealant and everything is lubricated with epoxy.

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 like a patch. The tape is laid on cracks in the slate after they have been cleaned and degreased. They are well pressed, and after drying they are painted in any color.

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

About 20-30 years ago, slate was considered the most reliable and was the most common roofing material. Currently, in many countries the use of such a roof is prohibited due to the presence of carcinogenic substances in it. It is difficult to argue with science, but people have lived and live in such houses for many decades, while they do not feel any harm to their health.

Among the main advantages of slate can be noted durability and relatively low cost. The service life of slate, subject to the rules for arranging the truss system, is at least 50 years.

The mass of an eight-wave sheet 40/150 with an area of ​​1.6 m2 is 26.1 kg, a seven-wave sheet is 23.2 kg

Causes of violation of the tightness of the slate roof

Like any building material, slate roofs lose their original properties over time. They have to be completely replaced or repaired.

Why do slate roofs leak?

Causes of leakage	Short description
	Depending on the type, one sheet of slate weighs 23-35 kg, if the roof area is 100 m2, then the truss system must withstand about two tons of weight. In addition to the load from the slate, there are also significant forces of the snow cover. Especially in spring, when the snow absorbs a lot of moisture. If the calculations are made incorrectly or mistakes were made during construction, but the load-bearing elements bend, the slate will crack.
	Most often, slate is damaged by hail, sometimes undermined by hurricane gusts of wind. There are cases when the slate cracks during the installation of various utilities on the roof - the coating cannot withstand the weight of the installers.
	After about 20–30 years, mosses begin to grow on the surface of the slate. Their root system penetrates the material and gradually destroys it.
	If slate nails are not driven in correctly, then there is a possibility of cracking. Another mistake - the nails do not fall into the crate, the sheets are not fixed according to the rules, during the wind they rise a little and vibrate. Such movements also cause the formation of cracks.

Depending on the cause, the nature and size of the crack changes; when choosing materials and repair technologies, these factors must be taken into account.

The faster leaks are fixed, the less negative consequences will have to be eliminated in the future. In the article we will consider some of the simplest and most effective ways repair slate roof.

Important. Roof repairs are done at high altitude, never violate safety regulations, do not work without insurance and special devices.

If you need to repair a very old slate, then walking on it in shoes with a hard sole is prohibited, the sheets can no longer withstand such loads. It is necessary to prepare a special ladder or platform, otherwise, instead of repairing one leak, several sheets can be ruined. Sometimes they can no longer be repaired, you have to completely change. But here a problem arises. The standards of slate sheets have undergone significant changes over the past decades; it is almost impossible to select a new slate with the same linear dimensions and wave parameters.

Repair of a slate roof with a soft roll coating

This is one of the easiest and most reliable ways to restore the tightness of a slate roof. Modern roofing roll materials are made on the basis of modified bitumen, which is not only not afraid of temperature changes from plus to minus, but is also very resistant to harsh ultraviolet radiation. Namely, it is the main enemy of bitumen, under the influence of UV rays it loses plasticity, cracks and leaks. Modified bitumen does not change its original characteristics for twenty years, this time is quite enough for a repaired slate roof.

To carry out work, you must have a piece of soft roofing of the appropriate size, a gas canister with a burner and a sharp mounting knife.

Practical advice. Cracks occur in the upper and lower parts of the slate wave. If they are in the upper part, then you can not repair, there are no leaks because of them. On the contrary, during the repair, sheets can be further damaged.

Step 1. Clean the surface of the slate adjacent to the damage from dust and dirt. It is recommended to use a metal brush, it will remove thin upper layer slate. This thin layer has already begun to lose strength, it is better to remove it, the patch will hold on much stronger.

Step 2 Taking into account the size of the problem area, cut off a piece of soft roofing. The specific brand does not matter, at present, domestic manufacturers of roofing materials use imported bitumen, and this guarantees high quality. The size of the patch should be about five centimeters larger than the parameters of the hole.

Patch. Technoelast material from TechnoNIKOL

Step 3 Heat the slate around the hole with a burner, this will improve the adhesion of materials and remove moisture.

Step 4 heat up soft roof. It is necessary to heat until the bitumen becomes liquid over the entire surface. It is important not to overheat it, due to the very high temperature it can boil or ignite.

Step 5 Quickly place the patch in place and press firmly. You can press it with your hands, but be sure to wear mittens.

Try it on a tear, if the gluing is weak, then lift the edge and re-heat the patch and slate, press it when ready.

Important. Pay the greatest attention to the junction of the upper part of the patch, it is here that repeated leaks can appear. Do not rush, work very carefully and carefully.

Soft roofing must exactly repeat the relief of the surface of the sheets. They have small grooves, the bitumen must fill them to the full depth. If the heating temperature is correct, then bitumen should be slightly squeezed out along the perimeter of the patch. Such a patch can stand for several years, exact time depends on your professionalism.

Slate roof patch

Prices for various types of gas burners and blowtorches

Gas burners and blowtorches

Repair of a slate roof with mastic

This method does not require heating, which is considered one of the advantages. For repairs, you will need rubber-bitumen mastic, a brush and a polymer mesh.

Step 1. Thoroughly clean the leak, preferably with a wire brush. Slate dust must then be blown off or removed with a clean paint brush.

Step 2 Cut off a piece of plastic mesh, lay it on the crack. Spread with the first layer of mastic. Work carefully, carefully rub the mastic into the surface of the slate. Remember that the reliability and durability of the patch largely depends on the degree of adhesion of the first layer.

Step 3 Allow time for the mastic to polymerize, depending on the weather and the type of material, this will take 3-4 hours.

Step 4 After the first layer is completely dry, the second layer can be applied. The technology of work is no different from the above.

Important. The dimensions of the mastic along the perimeter of the second layer should be 1–2 cm larger than the dimensions of the first, this will increase the tightness of the upper most problematic joint of the patch and slate. If you apply the third layer, then its area is recommended to be slightly increased.

Professionals advise last layer mastic cover with a thick cloth to protect the material from ultraviolet rays. This makes it possible to improve the operating conditions of the mastic and, accordingly, increase the operating time of the roofing.

Prices for bituminous mastic

Bituminous mastic

Cold welding cracks

This method is only suitable for sealing narrow cracks on the surface of the slate sheet. Large holes must be sealed. roll materials. For sealing, cold welding on a bitumen basis is used. This modern innovative material is characterized by excellent performance. After hardening, it becomes moderately hard and plastic, which allows it to easily compensate for the thermal expansion of cracks and at the same time not lose its tightness.

Cold welding is easy to use, does not require special skills, has high adhesion with all building materials. The seam is not afraid of temperature changes, direct contact with water and ultraviolet radiation. As for the cost, it is available to all consumers. Moreover, the welding consumption is negligible, and the storage time is long. You can use welding at any time and not only for the repair of a slate roof. Professionals strongly recommend that you always have cold welding at home, it will help eliminate many construction errors.

Cold welding "Skol" produced by "Remplast"

How to repair slate by welding? As always, surfaces must be thoroughly cleaned. Only in the case of welding has its own characteristics. It is necessary to clean not only the surface of the sheets, but also the crack itself. It is very desirable to remove all the smallest fragments, dust and dirt. The cleaner the cracking plane, the more reliable the sealing of the leak will be.

Practical advice. Take a bottle of water with you to the rooftop. The fact is that in order to prepare welding for use, it is necessary to knead it and warm it up with your hands. If the palms are not moistened with water, then the bitumen will stick to them, which will make the work much more difficult. As soon as your hands dry out a little, immediately moisten them with a little water.

Step 1. Find the crack and clean it of dust. The main attention should be paid to the crack itself, but a clean strip about one centimeter wide should also be prepared around the perimeter.

Step 2 Knead the welding with your hands, it should become soft. Depending on the diligence, kneading will take 3-5 minutes.

Step 3 Roll a thin sausage out of welding. The diameter of the sausage should slightly exceed the width of the crack. Don't Prepare Right Away a large number of material, it should not cool down until the patch is applied.

Step 4 Press the sausage very firmly into the crack. If you have an assistant, great. Let him hold the welding emerging from the gap on the back of the roof, this will help to fill all the smallest pores with maximum density. The larger the area of ​​contact of welding with the surface of the crack, the more reliable the sealing.

Step 5 As the gap fills with mastic, smear the excess with a thin layer along the edges of the crack. At the same time, form a small tubercle to divert the flow of water. The less water gets into the crack, the more reliable the roof. It is necessary to work with welding according to the principle of working with plasticine - do not rush and do not forget to periodically heat up the frozen material.

Practical advice. Choose dry and warm weather for repairs. If the slate is warm to the touch - excellent, the quality of adhesion will increase significantly.

Application for slate roof repair cold welding is the fastest, simplest and most reliable method. As practice shows, tightness is maintained for 5-6 years.

Repair of slate with foam plastic

Let's just say that it's not the best. The best way repair slate coating, but it can be used in cases where, for some reason, it is impossible or unprofitable to buy industrial materials. The material for sealing cracks is prepared independently from gasoline and foam.

Important. The glue dries very quickly, you need to work at a pace. Before making glue, it is advisable to find leaks and pre-clean them from dust and dirt. If there are a lot of them, then it is recommended to mark problem areas with chalk.

The payment is made in the following way.

Step 1. With a stick or small spatula, apply glue to the crack and press it as hard as possible into all the recesses.

Step 2 Align the layer of glue, pay attention that no dry surfaces remain around the perimeter of the hole.

Step 3 Place an appropriately sized piece of galvanized sheet steel on the adhesive and press it into the adhesive.

It is not necessary to close the gap with metal patches; other materials can be used. The main thing is that they are not afraid of moisture, do not dissolve in gasoline and are resistant to UV rays. But they must be used. The fact is that the foam plastic reacts very negatively to ultraviolet rays, without such protection the patches will crack the next year, and the roof will have to be repaired again. And this is a waste of time and nerves.

On a rigid patch, you can apply another layer of glue, due to this, the adhesion strength will further increase.

How to quickly repair a slate roof after hail

Situations are rare, but bring a lot of problems. The slate roof does not just leak, but flows like a sieve. Measures must be taken immediately, otherwise, all the interior premises will have to be repaired, and this increases the cost at times. Another problem is that hail falls in summer and autumn period and it's rainy time. It is unrealistic to completely change the roof in the rain.

The repair we offer allows you to immediately eliminate a large number of holes in the slate and calmly wait for good weather for overhaul roofs of buildings. If this is an inexpensive extension, then after repair it can wait for its turn for several years, patches will ensure tightness all this time. And one more plus of the method - the first stage of repair can be done from the attic.

Holes are sealed with silicone putty or sealant and corrugated cardboard. Corrugated cardboard bends well along the corrugation lines and holds the bending load across it well. In addition, this material is always at hand and costs almost nothing.

How to save a house after a hail?

Step 1. Climb up to the attic for a rough estimate of the amount of loss and revision of the condition of the slate sheets. As we already mentioned, when damaged by hail, the number of holes is in the tens. Prepare materials according to the volume.

Step 2 Cut out patches from corrugated board. There is no need to waste time trying on each hole, focus on the largest. Moreover, there is little time for repairs, everything must be completed as soon as possible. First, you should close up the holes only on the lower waves of the slate. The upper waves almost do not leak.

Step 3 Use any brush to remove dust from the slate. From the side of the attic, the sheets are much cleaner than from the outside; preparing the gluing site is much easier and faster. We recommend that you immediately prepare all the holes, it will be much faster than sealing and cleaning each individually.

Step 4 Squeeze out the silicone onto the patch, squeeze it out in a zigzag manner, and then spread it with your finger in an approximately even layer over the entire surface of the corrugated board. It must be borne in mind that silicone adheres strongly to the skin, work in disposable medical gloves or use other skin protection.

Extrusion on a patch of silicone

Important. Do not leave gaps, paper is afraid of moisture, silicone should reliably protect it.

Step 5 Immediately firmly glue the patch into place, making sure that it lies exactly along the profile of the bend of the sheet.

Sticking the patch in its place

Step 6 Once again, go over the perimeter of the patch with silicone, align the silicone with your finger, the fit should be tight.

Step 7 Protect the back of the corrugated board from moisture. Coat it with silicone in the manner described above.

This completes the first emergency repairs. In this state, the roof can be several months and expect a complete replacement. If it is impossible to quickly replace the sheets and the roof will remain in this state for the winter, then you need to take measures to strengthen the patches. Work is being done outside. How exactly?

Step 1. Scrub the area around the hole with a metal brush. Work carefully, do not damage the patch already installed below.

Cleaning the slate with a brush and brush

Step 2. Use a soft brush to remove dust, especially from the patch. The cleaner the surface, the more reliable the repair will be.

Step 3 Buy a bottle of solvent (you can use white spirit), put a spray bottle on it, wet the surface of the patch and the surface of the slate around it.

The solvent will not only degrease the slate, but also destroy all microorganisms growing on it. Due to this, the bonding strength is increased, the reliability of the slate repair is significantly increased. When working with solvents, follow the safety rules - the liquid is explosive, the fumes are poisonous. Protect your respiratory organs with personal protective equipment.

Step 4 Apply sealant over the entire area of ​​the patch, especially carefully around the perimeter of the hole. It is desirable that the thickness of the sealant be slightly greater than the thickness of the slate, due to this method, water will not stagnate on the patch. But this is an optional condition, make a decision based on what period you are roughly counting on and how much sealant is.

Important. Be sure to have a certain amount of sealant on the surface of the slate around the perimeter of the hole. In the upper part, it is recommended to make a small tubercle, it will drain water along the sides of the patch.

Step 5 Align the surface of the sealant, check the quality of the putty. To prevent the sealant from sticking to your hands, periodically moisten them with soapy water. You can take some dishwashing detergent and dilute it with water.

If desired, the entire roof can be repaired in 4-5 hours. If everything is done correctly, then you can safely spend the winter, and next year make the final decision with the repair of the roof. Old damaged slate, of course, will have to be changed. And what roofing material to use instead of it is a personal matter for each owner of the building.

Prices for polyurethane sealant

Polyurethane sealant

Video - Slate roof repair

Slate has always been considered one of the most popular roofing materials of all. This is easily explained - it is affordable for everyone, simple and understandable in installation, unpretentious in maintenance, strong and durable enough. Therefore, the vast majority of private houses in Russia, despite the diversity of more modern materials, yet has

However, for all positive qualities of this material, despite the strength of its asbestos fibers in combination with cement filling, slate sheets cannot boast of high resistance to accentuated mechanical loads, and natural impact slowly "aging" them. Therefore, over time, cracks or even serious holes can form on the roofing, as a result of which the roof will begin to leak. Replacing an entire roof covering is an expensive and time-consuming undertaking, which is why many homeowners resort to renovations.

Repair of slate: how to close holes and cracks - this is how the question is often raised by homeowners if there are obvious signs of a roof leaking. In order to choose the right, optimally suited method for putting the roof in order for a particular case, it is necessary to consider several of the most popular technological methods. This is what this publication is about.

The main reasons for the destruction of slate

Slate is attractive because this material has clear advantages over other coatings. For example, such a roof, unlike steel coatings, is not subject to corrosion, is highly resistant to moisture, tolerates temperature changes well, practically does not give significant linear expansion, and is almost completely indifferent to the influence of ultraviolet rays. However, it still needs to be repaired from time to time.

Slate is still not eternal - it decays, becomes covered with cracks, chips can form along the edges

Before proceeding to the description of technological methods for performing repair work, it is necessary for clarity to determine the possible reasons occurrence of flaws. With this information, it is quite possible that it will be possible to prevent such damage simply by paying attention to the prevention and proper care of the slate.

So, on the slate may appear for the following reasons:

• Most often, these are some kind of shock loads, for example, a large hail or large tree branches falling onto the roof surface. This also includes inaccurate, incorrect movement on the roof surface.

In order not to damage the slate during roofing or repair work, it is necessary to secure it by laying a flooring of boards on top, which will increase the supporting area and thereby reduce the pressure on the coating.

For roofing or repair work on slopes of great steepness, over 20 ÷ 25 °, especially in the area or upper part of the slate roof, it is necessary to have a special mobile ladder, which is fixed by the ridge with a special fastener.

• The second reason is the appearance and development on the surface of the slate of colonies of the simplest plants, which are fixed on it, and slowly but steadily destroy the structure of the material. Lichens and mosses especially love the rough surface of the roof. Having fixed in one place, they first grow in size, and then multiply by spores and over the entire surface of the roof. Moss grows into the joints of slate sheets and thereby begins to lift them, which is why during rain water is able to freely fall under the coating. If the moss has chosen a place at the bottom of the wave, then it can delay the normal flow of water, which also leads to the roof leaking.

These phenomena usually occur on the north side of the roof, where the sun is not enough time, or on the roof, which has a slight slope, due to which moisture is retained on it, contributing to the growth of such plant colonies. In addition to the fact that the coating is destroyed and the roof begins to leak, the whole building as a whole looks sloppy and not aesthetically pleasing.

If mossy colonies have already settled on the roof, but there is a desire to try to save the roof, avoiding its replacement, then it is necessary to free the slate from this "garden". This process can be done in three ways:

- mechanical, using an iron brush;

- using high pressure water;

- chemical, by spraying the roof with special herbicidal compounds.

• The reason for the dilapidation of slate can be quite a banal reason - a long service life. Unfortunately, not all slate produced today is of the proper quality, since often in its manufacture, in order to reduce production costs, not only GOSTs, but even less “demanding” specifications are not fully observed. As a result, the sheets of such a slate coating turn out to be brittle, and, not withstanding even minor blows, crack or even split along the entire length. Non-compliance with technological rules can be allowed at various stages of the slate production process, for example:

- The solution for the manufacture of slate was made in violation of the recipe - the proportions of the constituent ingredients were not observed.

— Roofing material produced on handicraft equipment.

- Insufficient quality processing of slate sheets.

- Reduction of the period of full maturation of the material - it must be at least 28 ÷ 30 days from the date of manufacture.

Unfortunately, it has been noticed that products of the "old school" serve for more than a dozen years, and modern slate is often only enough for 12-15 years. Conclusion - when buying a material, you should pay increased attention to the reputation of the manufacturer and the obligations provided by him.

• From standing water around chimneys and ventilation pipes, as well as roof windows, cracking of sheets of material can also occur, especially with a sharp drop in temperature. Therefore, such problem areas require enhanced sealing and ensuring the free flow of water.
• As mentioned above, a slight slope of the roof slope and stagnation of water on it can also contribute to the cracking of the material. And stagnant water very often becomes the result of a banal accumulation of dirt or fallen leaves, that is, a kind of damming of the waves.
• The reason for the damage may also be that the installation of slate sheets was carried out in violation of established technology this process, and from this the coating may experience excessive internal stresses.
• To fix the material to the crate, ordinary nails were used or rubber gaskets were not used. In this case, cracks will certainly appear over time.
• Too small holes were drilled for driving slate nails, which, if the temperature changes and the material expands, will also lead to damage to the coating sheets. Therefore, when drilling holes, it must be borne in mind that slate nails must enter them freely. But, at the same time, the holes should not be too large, otherwise leaks will occur.
• Snow also adds load to the roof, and not only with its considerable weight, but also with the formation of ice in the lower part of the slope, near the eaves. In spring days or during the thaw period, the snow begins to thaw, and water flows into the lower part of the slope, and in the evening the air temperature drops, and ice forms on the edge of the slate, which leads to crumbling of the roofing material in this area.

If the slate is destroyed in this place, then through the cracks formed, water will fall on the crate, insulation, rafters and mauerlat, on the load-bearing walls, which will lead to the formation of fungus and the gradual decomposition of wood. Therefore, prudent homeowners, in order to preserve all the materials and elements of the roof, often arrange cable heating in the lower part of the slope and in the drainage channels, which, if necessary, turns on in winter, preventing the formation of ice.

Now, having considered the main causes of slate damage, taking into account what possibilities exist to avoid them, let us dwell on how to identify damage that has appeared.

Detection of roofing defects

On the rough surface of slate laid on truss system, it is almost impossible to see small chips or microscopic cracks, therefore, special attention should be paid to some alarming signs that the roof needs repair:

• If there is at least a small leak, even imperceptible to the eye, then soon it will manifest itself by the appearance of mold spots in the corners or at the joints of the ceiling and walls, the occurrence bad smell dampness.
• If thermal insulation material is not fixed on the roof from the inside, then even the smallest crack is easy to detect by climbing up to the attic after rain. The leak will show itself as a darker spot compared to the rest of the inner surface.

Now you need to focus on which areas of the roof most often need to be repaired, as this information will come in handy when looking for damage to the roofing.

1. First of all, it is necessary to monitor the edges of the slate that go to the eaves. They are recommended to be examined every spring. If cracks have formed on the edges, then they will not be difficult to detect - sometimes you don’t even have to climb the stairs for this, as they can be seen from below.
2. Moss may appear on the roof without cracks or chips, but you should not wait until it grows and occupies the entire surface of the slate. It is on a neglected roof after cleaning that a very sad picture with a lot of damage is very often found. In addition, it is much easier and cheaper to remove several islands of emerging moss than to subsequently clean the entire wavy surface.
3. Cracks can form at the crest of a wave or at its lowest point. It is more difficult to detect the latter, since they are invisible at first glance. How they can be identified has been described above.
4. On the crest of a wave, the cracks are mainly formed along the line where the slate nails are driven in, and they are immediately visible to the naked eye. However, if these cracks are already so evident that they are visible visually, repairs should be urgently started.

Having examined the roof in all respects, it is necessary to make a decision on how it will be more rational to carry out repairs.

• If significant chips are found along the edge bottom sheets, then, perhaps, one or all of the sheets of the first row should be replaced, especially since the roof structure allows this to be done. However, it must be taken into account that the nails will have to be removed with all care so as not to damage the bottom edge of the next row, since it is he who overlaps from above to the bottom.

If it is not possible to replace the sheets, then the integrity of the edge can be achieved by putting a kind of patch on the inside of the sheet, but it is impossible to leave the coating in a damaged state, since in this case leaks cannot be avoided.

• If the crack went along the crest of the slate wave, then it must be repaired with patches by applying them from the inside and outside. Usually, a piece of galvanized iron sheet bent in the shape of a wave is placed under such a crack from the inside, and a special roofing tape is applied on top of the damage.

• If the crack has gone across the slate sheet, then you can’t do without replacing it. You will have to carefully dismantle it and install a new one.

Methods of repair work on sealing damaged areas of slate

So, knowing all the nuances of the occurrence of defects in this roofing material and the detection of damage on it, it is necessary to proceed to the consideration of repair work.

There are several effective ways to seal cracks using traditional and special modern materials. But in any case, all repair work must be carried out on the roof surface, well cleaned of dirt, debris, any growths, foreign objects, etc.

Whatever approach is chosen for repair work, one should never forget to carefully move along the slate if the damage was found not at the edge of the roof, but at a height. To avoid additional damage to the slate on a gable roof, a ladder-ladder is used, and on a single-pitched roof - a flooring made of boards that will help to evenly distribute the weight of a person on the surface.

The first way - using ordinary concrete mortar

Repairing slate with cement and sand can be called the simplest and most accessible way, if you do not take into account that the process will take place at a height - this always complicates the work.

The solution for repairing slate is made from cement and sand in proportions of 1: 2, and fine-grained washed sand and cement grade M-500 are used for it. Instead of this solution, it is quite possible to use high-quality tile adhesive for external facade works(you can also find another name - for complex bases), able to withstand high humidity and temperature extremes. The glue has a fine consistency and good adhesion to the surface of the slate, as it is also made on a cement basis.

The solution should have the consistency of a soft dough and adhere well to the surface. To increase the adhesion of materials, the slate in the repair area should be moistened. If the damage is too large, then a lining of galvanized roofing steel should be made under it, bending a piece of sheet in the shape of a wave and slipping it under a crack or pothole. This device will give an additional guarantee of a good fit of the solution to the asbestos concrete surface.

The solution is applied to the surface with a spatula. On the surface there should be a not too thick layer of it, which will not hold water much if the crack is in the bottom of the wave. The surface of the applied solution should be even - for this it is slightly moistened and smoothed with a hand in a rubber glove.

After the final drying of the patch, it should be carefully primed, and then painted with a waterproof slate paint for outdoor use.

The second way - using butyl rubber sealing tape

Butyl rubber waterproof tape is used not only for repair work, but also for sealing the joints between sheets, as well as for waterproofing the fit of the roofing to ventilation and chimneys.

The surface of the tape is made of non-woven material, thanks to which the applied patch can be coated with paint desired color. Working with such material is quite simple, and repairs are carried out in the following sequence:

• The slate area requiring repair must be cleaned and degreased. This can be done with white spirit, acetone or other organic solvents.
• Further, a piece of tape of the required length is cut off from the roll (so that the entire crack is closed, plus along its edges the tape enters the undamaged area by another 50 mm).
• The adhesive layer of the tape is closed protective film. The tape is applied to the crack and, in the course of its gluing, this protective substrate is removed from it sequentially, very carefully. There is no need to hurry - you can not allow wrinkling, wrinkling, sticking of the tape.
• The tape is carefully pressed against the surface of the sheet, as it should fit as tightly as possible, without the slightest gaps, to the slate.
• So that the patches do not stand out on the roof, the roof can be completely covered with paint or you can choose a shade to match the patch to match the slate. But painting over the patches on top with high-quality waterproof paint is a must.

It should be noted that not rolls can be found on sale, but ready-made butyl rubber patches of various sizes.

In addition, for a more reliable repair of wide cracks in the slate, in addition to butyl patches, it is recommended to use fiberglass, which acts as a reinforcing layer that gives greater strength to the sealed seam.

If work is carried out using a sickle, then for the bottom layer glued to the damage, use a double-sided tape or patch, that is, a coating with a protective substrate on both sides. In this case, the work is carried out in the following sequence:

• Butyl tape is first glued onto the fat-free slate, in the same way as it was shown above - only the bottom substrate is carefully removed. The tape is also carefully smoothed over the repaired area.
• Then the top protective coating is removed from it.
• After that, a cut-out piece of sickle tape is fixed on top of the tape.
• Then, a tape is fixed on the serpyanka with one-sided application of an adhesive composition and a non-woven surface on the front side.
• The last step is coloring.

The third way - using bituminous mastics

Repair with the help can be carried out in two ways - hot and cold.

bituminous mastic

1. If repair work is carried out with hot bitumen, then it must first be prepared - this is done as follows:

• Bitumen is put into the old bucket.
• A fire is kindled, which is fenced with bricks so that a bucket of bitumen can be placed on them.

• The contents of the bucket are periodically stirred so that it does not burn to the bottom or ignite. The composition must be heated to 160 degrees.
• If the work is to be carried out with negative temperature outdoors, it is recommended to add about 10% of oil waste from the total volume to the bitumen. It will give the composition the missing elasticity, which will help to avoid cracking the patch. This is especially important if the edge of the roof is being repaired, as this area is considered the most problematic. In this case, it is best to additionally reinforce the patch with fiberglass mesh.
• You can do without reinforcement if you stick a waterproofing material of the TechnoNIKOL type (Euroroofing material), which is usually used to cover flat roofs, on hot bitumen.

Due to the elasticity of the material, it will perfectly take the shape of slate waves. If it is not possible to press it tightly against the applied mastic, then it will have to be heated with a burner or a building hair dryer.

Bitumen is applied to the degreased damaged area of ​​the roof with a brush or spatula. Then reinforcement is laid on the heated mass. After the first bitumen layer has set, another bituminous layer is applied on top of the sickle mesh.

2. When using ready-made waterproofing bituminous mastic, its heating is not required.

It will be enough to mix the contents well and apply on a previously degreased and primed slate surface.

On the first layer of mastic, you can also lay a sickle mesh, which additionally fastens the two edges of the sheet, which were separated by a crack.

The number of layers can be any, but the thicker it is, the longer the period of its drying. Therefore, the best option is considered to be this: two layers of mastic 1.5 mm thick, between which reinforcing material will be laid.

The fourth method - using cement-asbestos mortar

Repair of slate in a similar way is carried out using a mixture of cement with the addition of asbestos fibers and PVA glue. Bulk asbestos can be made by grinding a piece of asbestos sheet, cord or strips that are used in masonry brick ovens. When grinding this material, it is imperative to secure the respiratory tract with a respirator or at least a medical mask, and protect your eyes with goggles.

For the manufacture of the mixture, materials are taken in the following proportions: 3 parts of asbestos, 2 parts of cement, and PVA glue and water are diluted 1: 1. All components are mixed until the mixture reaches the consistency of thick sour cream. The composition is prepared immediately before its use.

Slate for applying this composition must be well cleaned and dried. After it dries, the damaged area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe sheet is carefully primed with a solution consisting of PVA and water, taken in a ratio of 1: 3. Such a primer is applied in two layers, waiting for each of them to dry.

Then, using a spatula, the asbestos-cement composition is applied to the damaged area of ​​\u200b\u200bslate treated with a primer. If a crack is closed in the lower part of the wave, then the layer should be as thin as possible, approximately 1 ÷ 1.5 mm. In the case when the defect is located on the crest, the layer thickness is of no fundamental importance. In the latter case, it is very important to fill the resulting crack throughout the entire thickness of the slate. The applied material must be well leveled, since its surface must be smooth.

Fifth way - using polyurethane foam and epoxy resin

We can say that this method was invented by home craftsmen, since repairs are carried out using mounting foam and epoxy resin. To perform work using these materials, you will need a balloon of mounting foam, a sealant and a two-component epoxy adhesive complex, the latter will serve as a waterproofing for the foam. This method is called "three-layer", and the repair itself is carried out in several stages:

• Preparatory stage consists in cleaning and degreasing the repaired area. If the crack or gap in the slate is large enough, the edges of the slate inside this hole should be cleaned and processed using, for example, a file.
• The next step, the existing gap (hole) is filled with mounting foam. After that, you should wait for a pause necessary for the expansion and polymerization of the foam, about a day. It should also be noted here that if a very large flaw has formed in the slate, then it is recommended to place a piece of roofing material or galvanized metal under it, but it must be well pressed from below to the slate, otherwise the foam, expanding, will push it away.
• After the foam dries, its excess is cut off in a waveform.
• On top of the hardened and cut foam, a sealant is applied in a thin layer. It is necessary to ensure that it fills all the pores on the surface of the material. After that, the sealant is left to dry completely. The curing and hardening time of the sealant, which must be allowed to pass before proceeding to further operations, is usually indicated on the packaging of the material.

• The third, final stage is the coating of the repaired surface with an epoxy composition, which will finally smooth the surface and it will merge into a single whole with the slate. The cured epoxy will cover the repair patch with a durable protective layer.

This repair method is quite complicated and expensive. But after complete hardening of the repaired area, it gains high strength and is guaranteed to eliminate the problem of roof leaks.

If you need to repair a slate sheet located in the middle of the slope and split along the entire length, then you can get by with only an epoxy composition, which fills the entire crack completely. In this case, first, from the bottom side of the sheet, from the side of the attic, a mounting waterproof tape is glued onto the crack, and only after that the gap is completely, as tightly as possible, filled with epoxy.

The sixth way - chalk + drying oil

This composition for repairing cracks in slate can also be called folk, however, it is absolutely not suitable for sealing large holes, therefore, if such a technique has formed, then such a technique can be immediately rejected.

The repair mixture in this case is made from chalk and drying oil. The mixture should eventually resemble the consistency of thick honey. Therefore, chalk is added to the drying oil, so to speak, “by eye”, in small portions, each of which is thoroughly mixed. The mixing process is carried out until the desired density of the solution is reached.

The finished mixture is covered with a pre-cleaned crack, and then leveled. After the mixture dries, the crack is densely covered with moisture-proof paint. On this, work on repairing slate in a similar way can be considered completed.

The seventh way is to use moisture-resistant nitro-based glue

In this method of repairing roofing material, a moisture-resistant nitrocellulose adhesive is used, for example, "Emalit". The defect is repaired as follows:

• The inner side of the slate sheet, which goes into the attic, is well cleaned with a metal brush and washed with water, then completely dried.
• Dry slate in places of damage is sealed with a cloth. To do this, you can use a regular thick cloth or fiberglass. The patch should have a size that exceeds the size of the hole or crack by 40 ÷ 50 mm on each side.
• The fabric is impregnated with glue and superimposed on the damaged area, well pressed and smoothed.
• After the materials have been bonded and the glue has set, another glue is applied on top of the patch.
• After the internal patch is fully prepared, the hole or crack on the outside of the sheet is filled with concrete mortar or tile adhesive for facade work. The surface of the filled hole must be well leveled.
• If a crack is closed, then one hole is drilled at its beginning and end, which are filled with an elastic sealant, and then self-tapping screws are screwed into them. This must be done so that the crack does not develop further.

The eighth method - using special waterproofing coating compositions

Excellent for repairing slate sheets are ready-made cement-polymer-based waterproofing coatings, sold ready-made in buckets, or in the form of dry mixes that require dilution. Instructions for their preparation can always be found on the packaging.

In any case, it is very easy to work with such compositions, since they have a fine-grained composition that fits perfectly on the repaired material due to its high adhesive qualities. Repair work is carried out in the following order:

• The surface around the damage, cleaned and degreased with the help of one of the solvents, as well as the inner walls of the crack, are dried well.
• Then, the waterproofing mixture is diluted with water, and the surface to be repaired is primed with it. The primer should also dry well.
• The next step is to apply a thick mixture prepared for repair using a spatula or gun.
• After six hours, the crack must be covered with fiberglass, and on top of this patch, apply another layer of waterproofing compound and level it well.

If a certain repair method is chosen, it would be reasonable to ask about the weather forecast for the coming days for which work is planned. Repair of the roof should be carried out in dry, calm, but better - not sunny, cloudy weather, since any mixture should dry out at medium temperatures. Therefore, the best time for repair work will be the end of summer or the beginning of autumn, when it is quite possible to choose the days that are suitable for the forecasts.

In addition, it must be remembered that even very good and high-quality patches will only provide temporary protection against roof leakage. The problem is that the roofing material and various repair compounds - different odds linear expansion and density. Therefore, sealed flaws can only withstand a few cycles of strong temperature changes, and then leaks will appear again. Such repairs are needed so that homeowners have time to select and purchase new roofing. If it is possible to close the roof immediately, then if serious damage occurs, you should not resort to repairing it - it is better to immediately resolve the issue radically.

Protecting the slate from further damage

If on a roof that has been in use for a long time, cracks have appeared from time to time, then patching or filling the damage with sealant will not be enough, since the destruction will continue anyway. In this case, in addition to completely replacing the coating with a new one, there are several more ways to stop the process of rapid aging of the slate roof.

• First of all, the roof surface is well cleaned, washed and dried. If there are no moss growths on the slate, then the coating can simply be cleaned well with a broom. In any case, whatever cleaning is carried out, the airways of the master during this operation must be well protected - asbestos dust is extremely harmful.

• Further, it is recommended that the entire surface of the roof be well primed and dried.

• Further, the slate roof is completely covered with rubber paint, which creates an elastic waterproofing layer on the surface.

• Another way to save an aging slate roof is to cover it completely with "risolin".

"Rizolin" is a self-adhesive flexible material with a foil surface, based on fiberglass impregnated with bitumen-polymer compounds with targeted additives that improve the performance of this coating.

This material is specially designed for flooring on roofing surfaces of any complexity, it reliably waterproofs the roof. "Rizolin" has excellent adhesion to any surface, and plasticity allows it to take the form of slate waves.

The adhesive side is protected by an anti-adhesive backing, which is removed from the material before it is installed on the roof. After removing the protective layer, the sheets are pressed against the surface of the slate and reliably adhere to it.

This material has another important advantage - due to the fact that the outer layer is a foil, "rizolin" prevents overheating of the roof and closes it from direct ultraviolet rays. Thanks to this, the old slate is, as it were, “preserved”, and it is never hot in a house with a roof covered with “rizolin”.

In conclusion, I would like to recall that in 1999 the European Commission adopted a directive banning the use of asbestos and products made from it from 2005 in the countries of the European Union. This decision was made on the basis of studies and the discovery that asbestos can cause serious harm to human health. Therefore, if it's time to repair a slate roof, maybe consider this a reason to completely replace the coating with one of the modern roofing materials, and not to repair cracks and holes?

And in conclusion - an interesting video in which the master shares his secret of preparing glue for repairing a slate roof

Video: homemade glue for slate repair

How to fix a crack in the slate on the roof? Such a question can often be heard from summer residents who have a leaking roof of a house covered with slate for more than a decade. And to change, for various reasons, there is no possibility.

The appearance of cracks in the slate can be associated with both mechanical damage as well as improper installation and operation.

Slate defects and their causes

Old, kind, gray wavy slate, proven over the years. It would seem that he has no demolition. However, in reality, this is far from the case. Cracks, chips, holes - a familiar thing for him. Repair? Yes, it's possible. But you need to clearly understand that patches will not save you for a long time. If only on a short time while funds for radical repairs are accumulated, but then the roof still needs to be changed. Alas, slate is not the most technologically advanced material. And you should start by determining the causes that contribute to the appearance of these same cracks. And there can be many such reasons.

• natural "aging" of the material or its operation beyond the prescribed period;
• non-compliance with the technological process of production; liberties can be very diverse: for example, the norm of cement embedded in the mortar is not observed, short ones are used instead of long asbestos fibers, the time for hardening the sheet is not met, etc.;
• the slate roof is based on the wrong angle of inclination of the slopes;
• violation of the manufacturer's requirements during the transportation of slate, errors in preparation for fixing work, during laying and installation;
• use for fastening not slate (with special rubber gaskets), but ordinary nails;
• mechanical impact on the slate.

Before starting repairs, the slate should be cleaned with a broom and water.

To know how to repair slate, you need to determine what type of planned work belongs to.

1. Radical (complete) repair, which involves the replacement of the entire roofing system, namely: rafters, roof coverings. It is used when the slate sheets and rafters are seriously damaged or the person just wanted to change the slate to a different roofing material, and it requires a completely different design of the rafters and battens.
2. Partial renovation. Occurs when you need to change the old slate, dotted with cracks, chips and big holes, on new sheets.
3. Redecorating. In this case, small defects in the slate are repaired with patches, special compounds, etc.

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Preparatory work and methods for sealing cracks

Let us dwell in more detail on the latter option and, in particular, on sealing a crack in the slate. There are just too many such ways.

But first, about what they have in common: this is the mandatory preparation of the surface for repair. And it consists in the following:

• first with a broom, and then with water, dirt, litter, grass, foliage, moss, earth and other debris are removed;
• the crack is degreased with acetone, gasoline or another solvent, then treated with a primer based on PVA glue;
• the repaired area is filled with cement or other insulating mixture.

Now for the most common methods.

The mixture for repairing slate is made from cement, asbestos, PVA glue and water.

After the preparatory work, it is necessary to prepare a repair mixture. It is done simply: 1 part of cement is poured to 3 parts of asbestos, where water and PVA building glue are then added in equal proportions. Everything is thoroughly mixed until a thick consistency is formed. The resulting mixture in 2 layers should close up a hole or crack, and the thickness of each of them should be at least 1 mm.

It is necessary to repair a slate roof in dry weather, when there is no sunlight, thereby allowing the asbestos to gain maximum strength.

For long-term preservation of its qualities, the mixture should be prepared in small portions.

In addition, there are ready-made compositions based on waterproofing materials. In this case, the damaged area is cleaned of debris and degreased with acetone or gasoline.

Further, with the same composition, only more liquid (diluted xylene), it is first primed, then covered directly by itself, and after 6 hours, fiberglass is applied to this layer, followed by another layer of sealant.

And aluminum foil is also used to repair slate with a crack. The patch is cut out the right sizes, the corners are rounded. From the inside, it is smeared with universal glue, after which it is pressed tightly against the sheet with a little effort, from which the old fasteners are previously removed.

At the end of the process (applying a patch), the slate is attached to the roof with nails through holes made in it already elsewhere.

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A few more easy ways

Building foam can be used to seal cracks in slate.

Butyl rubber sealing tape is also used as a patch. It is self-adhesive with a double-sided working surface. From above, the tape is made of a decorating material or non-woven fabric, from below the adhesive base is protected by an anti-adhesive strip of paper or polymer.

All you need is to remove this strip and seal the damaged area. And the upper part, if desired, can be painted in any color, the material allows it.

Another such method is the application of several layers to the crack at once. Mounting foam is “blown” into the hole on the prepared surface. After hardening, drying and cutting it along the contour of the wave (slate sheet), a layer of sealant is applied on top, and after some time (after drying) - another layer of bituminous resin.

This layer cake is good to use when the slate roof is leaking. A simpler similar method is the alternate laying of dense fabric (almost any) and nitro paint.

Sometimes a crack in the slate can be repaired right on the roof, not really bothering to remove the material to the ground. In this case, silicone paste plays a decisive role. After preliminary procedures, the desired crack is first covered with slate chips, and later filled with silicone.

Holes up to 4 mm in diameter are drilled along the edges of a small crack. She herself is filled with hot resin or special roofing sealants, which, when dried, become like rubber.

Carrying out repair work, especially on the roof, you should carefully observe safety precautions.

As you can see, the methods are not very complicated. And for the repair of a slate roof with your own hands, you can safely use them.

However, if there are no primary skills or there is no elementary desire to mess with slate, you can hire a specialist who will solve the problem quickly and efficiently.

Everything is suitable for slate repair: cement, polyurethane foam, sealant, bituminous resin. But much more important are high-quality preparatory work, summer and dry weather. It makes sense to repair only when the roof is leaking in a maximum of two or three places.

In case of large damage, you should not try to fix something, it is easier to replace the damaged sheets, and if such a procedure is impossible, it is better not to touch anything at all.