FAQs

Many of our customers have questions about slate maintenance and tile roofing care. We hope that we are able to help answer some of those questions for you here. For additional information, don't hesitate to ask us for help.

Q: How do I care for my slate or tile roof?
A: An annual inspection is recommended to repair any broken or missing slate or tile. The roof should also be kept clear of all leaves and debris, and the gutters and downspouts should be cleaned regularly.

Q: Are most slate and tile roofs walkable?
A: Although not recommended, most slate and tile roofs are walkable when proper precautions and care are taken; however, many slate and tile roofs are steep, and all are slick when wet. Breaks in the slate or tile can occur when walked upon incorrectly; should this occur, the broken slate or tile should be replaced in a timely manner. The best policy is to not allow anyone other than a qualified roofer on your roof.

Q: How long do slate and tile roofs last?
A: Typically, slate and tile roofs last from 60 to 300 years, depending on the materials used. Check out our Materials section for information on a specific slate or tile.

Q: Does hail damage slate or tile?
A: Most slate and tile roofs are able to withstand hail up to 1" - 1 1/2" in diameter. Should a slate or tile be broken by hail, usually only the broken shingle needs to be replaced, not the entire roof.

Q: What if I need a repair or maintenance on my tile or slate roof?
SBRI does provide repair of most tile and slate roofs. Repairs should be done by qualified experts, trained to repair theses roofs. Maintenance is vital to keep your roof performing and providing protection to a great investment… your home or building. Repairing roofs is part of our service here at SBRI. SBRI keeps a large stock of historical tiles to match your roof.