The roof is leaking, what should I do? Repairing leaks of various types of roofing. Leaking over nails on an iron roof.

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 roofing is prohibited due to the presence of carcinogenic substances in it. It’s difficult to argue with science, but people have lived and lived in such houses for many decades, without feeling any harm to their health.

Among the main advantages of slate are durability and relatively low cost. Service life of slate if construction rules are followed rafter system at least 50 years old.

The weight 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

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

What causes leaks on a slate roof?

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 rafter system must withstand approximately two tons of weight. In addition to the load from the slate, there are also significant forces snow cover. Especially in spring, when snow absorbs a lot of moisture. If the calculations are made incorrectly or errors were made during construction, but the load-bearing elements bend, the slate cracks.
	Most often, slate is damaged by hail, sometimes undermined by hurricane gusts of wind. There are cases when slate cracks during installation on the roof of various engineering communications– the coating cannot support the weight of the installers.
	After about 20–30 years, mosses begin to grow on the surface of the slate. Their root system penetrates into the material and gradually destroys it.
	If slate nails are driven incorrectly, there is a risk of cracking. Another mistake is that the nails do not fit into the sheathing, the sheets are not fixed according to the rules, and during the wind they rise a little and vibrate. Such movements also cause cracks to form.

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 repaired, the less negative consequences will have to be eliminated in the future. In this article we will look at some of the simplest and most effective ways slate roof repair.

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

If you need to repair very old slate, then walking on it in shoes with hard soles is prohibited; the sheets can no longer withstand such loads. You need to prepare a special ladder or platform, otherwise, instead of repairing one leak, you can ruin several sheets. Sometimes they can no longer be repaired and have to be completely replaced. 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.

Repairing a slate roof using soft roll roofing

This is one of the simplest and most reliable ways to restore the integrity of a slate roof. Modern roofing roll materials are made on the basis of modified bitumen, which is not only resistant to temperature changes from plus to minus, but is also very resistant to harsh ultraviolet irradiation. Namely, it is the main enemy of bitumen; under the influence of UV rays, it loses its 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 the work you need to have a piece soft roof of the appropriate size, a gas can 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 there is no need to repair them; there are no leaks due to them. On the contrary, during repairs the sheets can be damaged even more.

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

Step 2. Taking into account the size of the problem area, cut a piece of soft roofing. The specific brand doesn't matter at this time domestic producers roofing materials they use imported bitumen, and this guarantees high quality. The size of the patch should be approximately five centimeters larger than the dimensions of the hole.

Patch. Material "Technoelast" from "TechnoNIKOL"

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

Step 4. Heat the 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 may boil or ignite.

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

Try it to tear it off; if the adhesion is weak, then lift the edge and re-heat the patch and slate, pressing it when ready.

Important. Pay the most attention to the junction of the upper part of the patch, this is where repeated leaks may appear. Take your time, work very carefully and carefully.

A soft roof must accurately follow the surface relief of the sheets. They have small grooves, the bitumen must fill them to their entire depth. If the heating temperature is correct, then bitumen should be slightly squeezed out around the perimeter of the patch. Such a patch can last for several years, exact time depends on your professionalism.

Slate roof patch

Repairing 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, brush and polymer mesh.

Step 1. Clean the leak area thoroughly, preferably using a wire brush. The slate dust must then be blown off or removed with a clean paint brush.

Step 2. Cut a piece plastic mesh, place it on the crack. Apply 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. Give time for the mastic to polymerize; depending on the weather and type of material, this will take 3–4 hours.

Step 4. After the first layer has completely dried, you can apply the second layer. The technology of work is no different from that described 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, it is recommended to increase its area slightly.

Professionals advise last layer Cover the mastic 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 roofing.

Cold welding of cracks

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

Cold welding is easy to use, does not require special skills, and has high adhesion rates 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 insignificant, and the storage time is long. You can use welding at any time and not only for repairing 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 there are some peculiarities. It is necessary to clean not only the surface of the sheets, but also the crack itself. It is highly advisable to remove all the smallest fragments, dust and dirt. The cleaner the cracking plane, the more reliable the leak will be sealed.

Practical advice. Bring a water bottle with you to the roof. The fact is that to prepare welding for use, you need to warm it up and warm it up with your hands. If your palms are not moistened with water, 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 weld with your hands, it should become soft. Depending on your diligence, kneading will take 3–5 minutes.

Step 3. Roll the weld into a thin sausage. The diameter of the sausage should be slightly larger than the width of the crack. Do not prepare a large amount of material at once; it should not cool down before applying the patch.

Step 4. Press the sausage very firmly into the crack. If you have an assistant, great. Let him with reverse side the roof holds the weld emerging from the gap, this will help fill all the smallest pores with maximum density. The larger the area of contact between the weld and the surface of the crack, the more reliable the sealing.

Step 5. As you fill the gap with mastic, spread the excess thin layer along the edges of the crack. At the same time, form a small mound to drain the flow of water. How less water will fall on the crack, so more reliable roof. You need 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. If the slate is warm to the touch, great, the quality of adhesion will increase significantly.

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

Slate repair with foam plastic

Let's say right away that this is not the most The best way repair slate covering, 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 plastic.

Important. The glue dries very quickly, you need to work at a pace. Before making glue, it is advisable to find leaks and first clean them of dust and dirt. If there are many of them, it is recommended to indicate problem areas chalk.
The patch is made in the following way.

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

Step 2. Level the layer of glue, making sure that there are no dry surfaces around the perimeter of the hole.

Step 3. Place a piece of galvanized sheet steel of the appropriate size on the glue and press it into the glue.

It is not necessary to cover 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 polystyrene foam reacts very negatively to ultraviolet rays; without such protection, the patches will crack already. next year, the roof will have to be repaired again. And this is an extra waste of time and nerves.

You can apply another layer of glue to the rigid patch, which will further increase the adhesion strength.

How to quickly repair a slate roof after a hail storm

Situations occur infrequently, but bring many problems. A slate roof doesn't just leak, it leaks like a sieve. It is necessary to take immediate action, otherwise the entire interior will have to be repaired, and this will increase the cost significantly. Another problem is that hail falls in the summer and autumn period, and this is rainy time. It is unrealistic to completely replace the roof during rains.

The repairs we offer allow you to immediately eliminate a large number of holes in the slate and calmly wait for good weather to 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 another advantage of the method is that the first stage of repairs can be done from the attic.

Holes are sealed with silicone putty or sealant and corrugated cardboard. Corrugated cardboard bends well along the lines of the corrugation 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. Go up to the attic to get a rough estimate of the extent of the loss and check the condition of the slate sheets. As we have already mentioned, when damaged by hail, the number of holes is in the dozens. Prepare materials according to volume.

Step 2. Cut out patches from corrugated cardboard. There is no need to waste time trying on each hole; focus on the largest one. Moreover, there is little time for repairs; everything must be completed in as soon as possible. At first, you should only seal the holes on the lower waves of the slate. The upper waves have almost no leaks.

Step 3. Use any brush to remove dust from the slate. From the attic side the sheets are much cleaner than from the outside; preparing the area for gluing is much easier and faster. We recommend preparing all the holes at once, this will be much faster than sealing and cleaning each one separately.

Step 4. Squeeze silicone onto the patch, squeeze it out in a zigzag pattern, and then spread it with your finger in an approximately even layer over the entire surface of the corrugated cardboard. Please keep in mind that silicone adheres firmly to the skin; work with disposable medical gloves or use other skin protection.

Squeezing silicone onto the patch

Important. Do not leave gaps, the paper is afraid of moisture, the 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 sheet bend.

Gluing the patch in its place

Step 6. Once again, walk the silicone around the perimeter of the patch, level the silicone with your finger, the fit should be tight.

Step 7 Protect the back of the corrugated cardboard from moisture. Coat it with silicone using the above method.

This is the first emergency renovation work completed. The roof can remain in this condition for several months and wait complete replacement. If it is impossible to quickly replace the sheets and the roof will remain in this condition for the winter, then you need take measures to strengthen the patches. The work is already being done outside. How exactly?

Step 1. Use a wire brush to clean the area around the hole. Be careful not to damage the patch already installed underneath.

Cleaning 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 and wet the surface of the patch and the surface of the slate around it.

The solvent will not only degrease the slate, but will also destroy all microorganisms growing on it. Due to this, the adhesive strength increases and the reliability of slate repairs increases significantly. When working with solvents, follow safety regulations - the liquid is explosive and the fumes are toxic. Protect your respiratory system with personal protective equipment.

Step 4. Apply sealant over the entire area of the patch, especially 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 technique, water will not stagnate on the patch. But this is an optional condition; make a decision taking into account the approximate period for which you are counting and how much sealant you have.

Important. There must be some amount of sealant on the surface of the slate around the perimeter of the hole. It is recommended to make a small tubercle in the upper part; it will drain water along the sides of the patch.

Step 5. Level the surface of the sealant and check the quality of the putty. To prevent the sealant from sticking to your hands, periodically wet them with soapy water. You can take a little 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 overwinter, and next year you can make a final decision on roof repairs. Old damaged slate, of course, will have to be replaced. And what roofing material to use instead is a matter for each building owner personally.

Video – Slate roof repair

A roof leak is an emergency that can occur after snow or rain melts.
If this is not addressed in a timely manner Special attention, then chronic stagnation of moisture can lead to the collapse of the ceiling, roof, the formation of fungus in the room, a short circuit in the electrical wiring, etc.

The main causes of leaks are defects in the roofing surface carpet, failure of the drainage system, moistening of the thermal insulation layer and violation of the tightness of the coating adjacent to the vertical structures(parapets, antennas, pipes, walls). Such damage can vary in extent. Accordingly, some will require minor repairs, while others will require the intervention of craftsmen and more complex activities, including roof replacement.

All leaks that occur can be divided into 3 classes:

“flickering” (formed in any season with large temperature changes);
associated with melting snow on the roof;
created immediately or a short time after the next rain.

Thus, to properly eliminate a leak, it is necessary to correctly localize the problem, i.e. understand which element of the roof has stopped functioning.

Causes of leaks:

moistening of the thermal insulation layer due to technology violations;
not enough effective work drainage systems;
mechanical damage to the integrity of the roof and the geometry of the rafter system;
violation of installation technology;
exposure to biological and atmospheric factors on the roof, which lead to its natural destruction;
poor-quality fasteners and roofing building materials.

The cause of the leak is an installation defect.

Violation of technology in roof construction is unacceptable. Quite often, to correct such errors, the roof has to be dismantled and installed almost from scratch. The factors for its successful installation are the following:

1. Projects created without errors

Improperly designed eaves, roof pitches and parapets can aggravate the problem of water drainage from the roof. Wherein big number complex architectural elements and inconsistency of their placement with ventilation can lead to the emergence of unventilated areas.

2. Technological installation of the roof in compliance with all recommendations

When creating a roof, it is important to ensure reliable hydro- and vapor barrier, ventilation of the thermal insulation layer by installing ridge and eaves ventilation vanes and vents. If the vapor barrier is installed incorrectly, condensation may form in the structure, which will cause ceiling humidity inside.

3. Correct selection construction materials and contractors

It is very important to use only high-quality building materials and accessories. The manufacturer must provide a guarantee for its products. For installation it is necessary to involve specialists with certificates and licenses.

What to do if the roof is leaking at home:

1. Initially, you need to inspect the roof. If the leak is not very significant, then you can test the roof yourself. First you need to go up into the attic and check the condition of the waterproofing for mold, rot, wet places, rafters, flooring and decking. For example, moisture can discolor the coating or leave dark marks on the wood.

The next object of inspection is the electrical wiring installed in the attic. Any damage found in it must be repaired immediately.

2. After you have checked the roof from the inside, move on to external examinations. Inspect the ridge for waterproofing and the integrity of its elements. Pay special attention to the fastenings of metal aprons in the area where the roof adjoins vertical structures and the condition of the insulation. When going down to the bottom of the roof, make sure that no plant debris has accumulated on the valleys. Review the bottom layer of the roof covering and cornice board— their integrity may be damaged by rain and strong winds. Check to see if the ventilation channels, funnels, gutters and drain pipes are clogged with any debris, whether lichens and mosses have formed on the slopes, and whether there are bubbles, chips, cracks, holes and dents on the roof itself.

3. If an external inspection does not reveal any damage, but the leak continues, you should wait for precipitation, go up to the attic, find the place of moisture penetration and mark it with chalk. In dry weather it can be patched.

Remember that repair work and inspection of the roof are associated with great risk, since the slopes can be slippery and steep, high up and you can suddenly feel dizzy. All these are quite good reasons to seek help from professionals. The roof repair method involves not only detailed diagnostics and selection of special building materials, but also the use of special equipment. Today, many companies examine roofs using an infrared camera. It is able to quickly detect leaks and visually represent the technical condition roofing system. Based on the data received, the craftsmen determine the nature and scope of the work and draw up an estimate. Next, the owner and contractor enter into an agreement specifying warranty obligations, payment terms, rights and obligations of the parties.

How to fix a leak in the roof?

Repairing roof leaks:

1. If a metal roof is leaking

Metal tiles are durable and high-quality building material. Its leakage is almost impossible due to wear. However, sometimes unforeseen circumstances happen:

an error occurred during installation;
there was a loosening of fasteners;
mechanical damage has occurred, etc.

In case of minor damage, the surface can be sealed with sealant or steel patches can be laid on it. In case of major damage, the sheet is completely changed, and the gaps are removed with special adhesive tape.

If scratches are found, they must be covered with special paint to prevent corrosion.

The most serious repairs are required if the roof is installed incorrectly. The most common cause of leakage is in insulated pitched roofs, including those covered with metal tiles, is the use of cheap perforated polyethylene films as vapor and waterproofing, which do not remove moisture from the insulation well enough. It is best to replace them with a superdiffusion membrane that is laid directly on insulating material. However, this method involves complete dismantling of the roof.

In order to protect the roof from leaks, it is recommended to install snow guards on it. IN winter period they will hold back the flow of snow, and in the spring, melt water will flow between the waves of metal tiles.

2. If your metal roof is leaking

Causes of leaks in roofs covered with galvanized iron:

mechanical damage;
corrosion;
violation of the tightness of the seams that secure the covering sheets.

Most often, holes and holes are eliminated as follows:

Initially, you should clean the damaged area with a metal brush;
then cut out a patch from roofing building material, which will be 50-100 mm larger than the damaged area;
then the edges of the patch and the damaged area are covered with flux and soldered to each other with a soldering iron;
after the solder has cooled, its excess is eliminated with a file;
At the end of the work, the roof is painted completely or partially.

In case of major damage to a metal roof steel sheets are completely replaced using special electromechanical devices for rolling up the seams.

3. If your slate roof is leaking

Repairing a slate roof is quite simple. However, you need to move along it carefully, as this material is very fragile. IN in this case It is better to use a ladder, which evenly distributes the weight of a person over the surface.

Repairing a slate roof comes down to repairing small chips and cracks. For this, a special solution is used, which contains cement and fine sand in a ratio of 1:2. Another method of sealing is adhesive repair tape based on butyl rubber:

the damaged area is wiped with a cotton cloth, which is first moistened in gasoline or white spirit;
Next, the protective paper is removed from the tape, and a piece of it is glued to the damage, overlapping it by 30-50 mm.

These tapes are covered with non-woven material on top, so they can later be easily painted in the desired shade.

To prevent the steel nails securing the slate sheets from becoming corroded, they are coated oil paint or drying oil.

If the size of the gap is quite significant, then it is recommended to change the entire sheet, or place a piece of slate under it that has the same wave width.

4. If a corrugated roof leaks

A roof that is covered with corrugated sheets can serve reliable protection structures over a long period, however, subject to all regulatory requirements. Only natural disasters can serve as a reason for repair work. In this case, repairs come down to removing damaged sheets and replacing them with new ones. Sometimes, due to poor-quality work of the craftsmen, over time a leak may form at the junction of the building material with the sheathing. This occurs due to the fact that the self-tapping screw was screwed in at an angle to the plane of the sheet. Thus, the rubber gasket is deformed and loses its waterproofness. In such places, you can eliminate the leak by replacing the screw with a new one and sealing the hole with sealant.

5. If the roof of the apartment is leaking

Most often, when constructing a roof in multi-storey buildings Roll building material is used.
It is this type of it that is most susceptible to leakage, since it is budget option with rather low quality. How to fix a leak in the roof?

Repair of a soft roof is carried out only after it has completely dried. Initially, the location of the leak is visually determined and, depending on the nature, a certain decision is made.
If a roofing material swelling is detected, it means that water has leaked under it. To remove the defect, cut the swollen area, dry it, coat the inside with mastic, and then press it back. When tears or cracks occur in the material, a patch is applied and placed over the damaged area. It needs to be coated with mastic on both sides.

How to repair a leak in a roof made of iron video:

One of the most common problems in autumn spring period, for residents - is a roof leak. Why during these periods? As a rule, it is in autumn and spring that a large amount of moisture is absorbed by the roof. In autumn there are heavy rains, in spring there is melting snow. Therefore, roof leaks are terrible during this period, but at the same time given time not the best year for a complete replacement waterproofing materials. Leaks must be repaired before summer period to complete roof repairs.

The roof of the apartment is leaking. What to do?

If your entrance roof is leaking, you must report this to the housing authority, which is in charge of maintaining your home. If the craftsmen refer to the fact that roof repairs are winter time not be carried out, then demand that the leak be localized - they are obliged to do this. Roof repairs in winter are really not carried out due to the fact that neither the weather nor temperature regime. Leak localization does not require such standards and can be done at any time of the year, even in winter. To do this, you need to clear the snow or dry the puddle at the leak site using blowtorch, and fill the crack in the roofing felt with bitumen.

If the balcony roof is leaking, then you can localize the leak before spring using sealant or polyurethane foam.

What to do if the roof leaks in a private house or country house?

What to do if the roof is leaking near a pipe

Now let's look at roof leaks in a private house and country house. The most common problem with roof leaks is near the pipe. This occurs as a result of a temperature difference in the pipe, and the waterproofing material cracks. You can solve the problem in the following way: blow out the existing gap between the pipe and the roof with polyurethane foam. Then finish this area with cement on top. When the cement has dried, it must be waterproofed with resin. This will complete the leak repair.

What to do if a corrugated roof leaks

As for roof leaks from corrugated sheets, the most common cause of leaks is a low roof slope and a “shallow” wave. Leakage occurs due to leaky seams. Decide this problem can be done by sealing leaking joints with sealant.

If the problem is much more serious, the sheet itself is leaking, then this can be solved in two ways: by soldering a piece of the same metal, or by localizing a small hole in the plate until spring using silicone. Big hole you can blow it out with foam, the foam on top needs to be cut off and painted with paint in order to protect it from destruction and improve its water-repellent properties.

What to do if your slate roof is leaking

A slate roof is also not immune to leaks. Repairing slate roof leaks is solved in slightly different ways. For example, a small crack in slate can be repaired by pouring bitumen on top of it. If the hole in the slab is large enough or there is a wide crack, then it must be sealed differently, by first cementing and filling the sealed area with bitumen on top.

The gaps between the slate sheets, as in the previous case, are best sealed with sealant. In some cases, when the gap is very large, use polyurethane foam.

That's basically all there is to it. We wish you good luck in the fight against leaks.

Among the popular roofing materials was and remains affordable and easy to install slate. It is resistant to weather and atmospheric loads, is not afraid of moisture, is durable and reliable. Its service life even in difficult conditions is at least 15 years. But even such a stable and reliable roofing material will require repair and maintenance over time. What should you do if your slate roof leaks or has surface defects? How to carry out repairs correctly, what to use, what technology to use? We will try to find detailed answers to these and other questions.

Service life of slate, or Why do leaks happen?

When covering the roof, smooth, and more often wavy, asbestos-cement is used sheet material. Modern technologies proposed an analogue of classic slate - sheets based on jute and polyacrylic fibers. It is lighter and easier to install. Euro slate - bitumen products - are also used. But no matter what type of slate roof is used, in 7-10 years it will need repairs. The period of capital work can be postponed by 5-6 years if you perform annual roof maintenance.

But in any case, repairs are inevitable. Reasons for this:

physical aging of sheet products;
an incorrectly organized drainage system leads to stagnation of water. The same problems will arise if the sheets are installed incorrectly. Therefore, when doing this procedure for the first time, it makes sense to ask how to seal the roof so that it does not leak; if the roof is uneven, the slate structure in this case experiences additional stress;
incorrect installation;
incorrectly selected roofing material for operating conditions;
moisture accumulation;
mechanical loads.

There are many more reasons why you have to figure out how to fix slate roof from leakage and restore its physical and technical data. Problems may be associated with non-compliance with the production technology of sheet products, and with their incorrect transportation, and with careless handling during installation. Therefore, having chosen slate as a roofing material, you should first become familiar with its “weak points” and the technology of installation and maintenance. This will help reduce the risk of leaks in the future.

Is it possible to detect defects before they cause damage?

Yes, it is possible and even necessary. An annual inspection of the coating ensures timely detection of defects and their rapid elimination. Leaking roof - fungus and mold, high humidity, proliferation of microorganisms inside residential premises. All this will lead to rotting truss structure, damage to furniture and decoration, will cause harm to health. Therefore, if you discover that a slate roof is leaking, you need to find out how to fix it immediately. Then urgently carry out repairs.

What indicates a leak:

raw rafters of the structure (may be in a certain place);
high humidity in the attic;
the feeling and smell of dampness in the house, characteristic stains on the ceiling;
raw thermal insulation material on the roof;
mold zones on rafter structure elements and walls.

In order to carry out slate repairs in a timely manner, without allowing leaks to spoil the microclimate during interior spaces, we recommend checking attic space after every rain, in the spring when the snow melts. If there are signs of leaks, there are also cracks, holes, chips, and surface destruction. It is necessary to climb onto the roof and assess the integrity of the coating. It is easier to work with smooth types of flooring - even minor injuries are visible to the naked eye. It is more difficult to detect cracks and chips in corrugated slate, as well as to repair them. Therefore, when choosing a type roofing sheets It is worth paying attention to this aspect.

In 8 out of 10 cases, the roof is organized using corrugated sheets. The type of cracks on them can be different. It is he who determines how difficult slate repair will be, as well as what technologies to use. Types of cracks on “waves”:

A slate roof that has been used for a long time may also have holes. They are sealed according to the same principle as the cracks running at the bottom of the wave. Sealants are used, galvanized sheet iron and special patches.

Slate roof repair technologies

Having assessed the integrity of the surface, you should decide what to cover the slate with so that the roof does not leak during snow and rain. Professionals offer a number of effective techniques:

Method No. 1: butyl rubber tape.

Used as a patch. It can be bought at any hardware store. The tape is ready for use. Needs to be removed protective film and apply tape to the prepared area around the defect. The patch is made from nonwoven material, and therefore resistant to stress and easy to paint.

Method No. 2: sickle tape.

Initially, the damaged area must be cleaned. Remove moss, dirt, and loose parts of the cover. Next step: a layer of bitumen is applied to the crack covering an area of 5-7 cm. Serpyanka is glued on top. Cheap and efficient technology restoration of a slate roof - prevents the spread of defects and leaks.

Method No. 3: rubber tapes.

This is a special patch for slate. Sold in construction stores and is completely ready for use. Installed on a prepared surface - completely clear of dirt and moss, degrease with gasoline. Recommends capturing an area of 3-5 cm around the defect.

Method No. 4: ordinary cement mortar.

Clean the damaged area from moss and dirt. Mix the solution. You need sand (pre-sieve), water and cement. The mixture should have a thick consistency. Apply it to the crack. Allow the patch to dry.

Method No. 5: waterproofing mastics or hot bitumen.

The first type of materials does not require additional heating. Apply with a spatula to the prepared - cleaned, degreased and dry surface. When working with waterproofing mastics, a water-soluble coloring pigment is usually added to the composition. But you can skip this step. Apply mastic and then paint the surface.

Having chosen hot bitumen, slate repair will have to begin by melting a piece of material over a fire. It is better to carry out work in the warm season. Bitumen should be applied to a surface that is free of dust and dirt. If the crack needs to be repaired in winter, waste is added to the molten bitumen.

Method No. 6: putties.

They are purchased at construction stores and are intended for slate work. Sold ready-made. But their use is associated with complex preparation surfaces. The damaged area is cleaned and degreased. Then it is applied to it construction primer. Only then, using a gun, spread the putty over the damaged area. Partial drying will be achieved in 6.5-7 hours.

Method No. 7: moisture-resistant adhesives.

To carry out the work you will need to remove the slate sheet. The adhesive sealant is completely ready for use. But its use requires careful treatment of the damaged area. The first step is to clean the damaged area with a stiff brush. clean water. After drying, glue a durable piece of textile onto the area, covering an area 3-5 cm from the edges of the crack. At this step, experts recommend thoroughly soaking the flap with moisture-resistant glue. After setting, glue the fabric again. Apply an even and even layer over the flap. Let the glue set. The gap on the reverse side is concreted. As soon as the solution has set on its surface, another patch with moisture-resistant glue is placed.

Major repairs must be carried out in accordance with technology. The slightest deviation from the instructions or carelessness in cleaning the damaged area will lead to the fact that the next time it rains, water will certainly get inside the structure. After restoration work, you can check the quality of the patch by going up into the attic after the next rainstorm. If everything is done correctly there will be no moisture or dampness.

Despite the wide range of 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. 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.

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 coating sheets are more moist and there is no direct sunlight, moss is growing. As a rule, this is the north side of the roof. Moss is a destructive organic substance for asbestos cement.
Incorrectly assembled roof drainage system. If rainwater stagnates 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 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, prone to seasonal expansion, will destroy the structure 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, according to appearance insulation and wood rafters can indicate 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 of the roof covering is needed. 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 the hole can spread to neighboring waves, which will lead to the breaking of the entire sheet of covering. 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. Ready mixture gradually fill the crack, 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 the 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: apply putty mixture You can use 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 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

Repairing holes in slate will also help with regular polyurethane foam. 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.