Slate Roof Repair

What This Service Involves

Natural slate is one of the longest-lasting roofs in Washington, but slipped and broken slates leave gaps that funnel our persistent rain into the attic. Most slate failures come from corroded nails and fasteners rather than the stone itself, which can outlast the building. We reset and replace individual slates using slate hooks or copper nails, never face-nailing or slathering mastic the way inexperienced crews do. Preserving the correct headlap and hardware keeps a heritage slate roof performing for generations more.

Benefits

Extends a roof that can last a century when maintained; Uses copper and slate hooks instead of damaging shortcuts; Matches slate thickness, color, and size for consistency; Protects historic and high-value Northwest homes; Stops concealed leaks before they rot rafters

Our Process

1) Identify slipped, cracked, or missing slates and failed nails; 2) Remove broken slates without disturbing sound courses; 3) Set replacement slates with copper nails or slate hooks; 4) Verify headlap, alignment, and watertightness of the course

What Affects the Cost

Sourcing slate that matches thickness and quarry color; Extent of nail corrosion across the affected courses; Height and steep pitch typical of slate roofs; Need for specialized slate tools and copper hardware; Historic or landmark requirements on older homes

Best Time of Year

Mild, dry weather is safest for walking steep slate, so we favor late spring through fall for non-urgent repairs.