How to tell if slate roof wear is normal or a serious problem?
Original slate roofs develop wear patterns and aging signs that look alarming to buyers even when inspectors dismiss them. This leaves homeowners doubting professional advice and struggling to figure out whether the roof needs expensive repairs or is simply aging normally.
What people tried
Every workaround mentioned in the threads below. We haven’t tested any of them — and nobody here is claiming they worked.
- 1Getting a gut check from online communities or experts
- 2Checking pipe flashing and tarred ridges
- 3Trusting the reassurance of the home inspector and real estate agent
In their words
Unedited, grouped by where they were said, most upvoted first within each place, each linked to the thread it came from.
“Both my inspector and agent said this isnt a big deal but I dont know if I believe that?”source ↗
“Looking at a house with an original slate roof from 1946. Looking for a gut check on whether or not the “wear” patterns I see should be of conern”source ↗
Where this came up
People with this problem also raised
- 19How to tell if a new roof was installed correctly
- 2How to find the real age of an old roof
- 2Can you tell if a car belt is worn from one photo?
- 3Is underlayment required under slate, tile, or thatch roofs?
- 4How long will my new roof last in my state's weather?
- 2What waste factor to use on a cut up roof?