I learned from an experienced roofer how to quickly repair nail holes, cracks in a slate roof (4 reliable ways)

Slate was once considered the best roofing material. And even now it surpasses modern counterparts in many respects:

• Fire safety;
• The material is not capable of accumulating static electricity;
• Long service life;
• Does not corrode.

It often happens that the slate remains after being removed from the roof of the house. It's a pity to throw it away.

Therefore, used slate is used for a fence, chicken coop, shed, compost pit, firebox or other structure. Old, flat slate can serve as a fence for garden beds. But it is believed that cut flat slate is harmful because of asbestos. If there are cracks and breaks, then asbestos dust can get into the lungs, into the ground.

If you use old used slate, then it is worth eliminating the holes from the nails, cracks, otherwise leaks will occur. Rafters, saturated with moisture, will deteriorate. If there are suspicions (smell of dampness, mold stains), then an urgent need to repair the roof.

How to permanently repair nail holes in used slate? 4 ways

Various products are sold in stores. For example, butyl rubber tape, epoxy, etc. A heat-resistant sealant helps a lot. It is used to repair car engines. There are other tools that do not require special costs.

1. A home craftsman will always have a little on the farm PVA glue and cement. From them, you can prepare a reliable mixture against leaks on a slate roof.

Mix these 2 ingredients so that you get a mass like thick sour cream. Next, tear off a piece of fabric (you can use denim). We wet the brush in a cement mixture and apply it to those places of the slate where repairs are required. Next, the fabric is moistened in the same mixture and applied to the crack or hole. Coat the top again with a brush. This guarantees good water resistance and UV protection. There are reviews that such repairs are not enough even for one season.

2. You can close the holes from the nails like this. In these holes we attach the slate to the crate roofing screws with silicone or rubber washer.

You can just as well use ruffled nails on the slate.

3. Good solution to patch up holes rubber cord. This is what the tire changers do. Just choose a soft cord so that it can easily cover the holes in the slate.

4. There is one more grandfather's way. We take gasoline and pour it into a can. Dissolve the foam in it until a thick mixture is obtained. Then take a fiberglass mesh and cut off the desired piece. Put a piece on the roof and spread the prepared mixture on top with a spatula. The same mass can be used to cover cracks, holes between the slate and the chimney.