White Stains On Slate Roof

Many slate roofers and slate inspectors assert that as the white stains progress from the edges of individual slates towards their center one can estimate the remaining roof life.

White stains on slate roof.

Because a slate roof should last a lifetime flashing fasteners and accessory materials are often the highest quality so they don t fail before the slates need replacing. If the absorption is 0 5 or less it is classified as impervious. White stains signal trouble for a slate roof so call a roof cleaning professional soon and then regularly thereafter. It can lighten the color of your roof and bleach anything the overspray contacts.

Answer answer apparently there were a number of compounding deficiencies in how the slate was sealed. It is possible to get deposits of limestone and marble pebbles or stones which crush between the layers of silt. But here s the kicker. If your slate is looking a little worse for wear do not be alarmed.

If 50 of the slate remains inside of the white area the slate may have about half of its life remaining. With the latter it is often misinterpreted as a fading or washing out of the colour of the material. Slate is very dense and considered impervious. Rust or chimney soot stains red or brown rust stains around chimneys is a common roof stain.

The slate stains to a lighter color due to the mineral efflorescence or salt content of rainwater. Slate is basically squashed mud and silt from ancient oceans and river beds subjected to tremendous pressures in a hot environment deep underground eventually being forced to the surface by the collision of continents. Bleach may kill the top layer of algae and lighten the stains but it doesn t kill the underlying. White stains on slate roofs efflorescence or salt stains from rain water sometimes appear on slate shingles.

The mineral content of the rainwater often causes problems over time. On concrete roof tiles and fibre cement slates efflorescence is often categorised as lime bloom which appears either as white patches or as a more general lightening in colour. Sometimes white stains appear on slate shingles. Here is a diagnostic guide to types of stains and staining materials found on roof surfaces black red green brown or other coloured stains on asphalt roof shingles or on other roofing materials need first an accurate diagnosis of the stain cause and then proper steps to remove the stain or to prevent future staining on roof shingles surfaces.

And the runoff harms plants. Plus chlorine bleach is a corrosive agent that can damage metal roof flashings gutters and downspouts. Slate is hundred s of million s of years old. Copper will corrode when exposed to incompatible chemicals such as ammonia or.

Slate is a beautiful and popular medium for fireplaces and patios but it is highly susceptible to stains from water and hard calcified deposited stains under pots and other items.