Common Roof Issues in Slate Roofing

Work With the Best Roofing Contractors in Central Texas

Quality is at the heart of our Austin roofing company in every project we take on. Contact our experienced Central Texas roofers for a same-day, pressure-free inspection. Call 512-375-3654 to book your free inspection.

If you need a new roof installed, LOA is the roofing company to call! Our roofing experts are known for providing quality workmanship at a fair price. If you own a house or business in Central Texas you can't afford to work with another roofer.

Find out how much roof replacement will cost in Austin, Texas and the surrounding areas.

Schedule a FREE Roof Inspection

Issues in Slate Roofing

Slate roofs have a great reputation for lasting decades, and the slate roof cost can be justified by its longevity, even a century if they’re treated right. Still, they’re not perfect, especially when it comes to shingles. Wind, water, shifting temperatures, and roof shrinkage — it all adds up over time, leading to various roof problems. Tiles can break, flashing can loosen, and leaks can pop up when you least expect them.

If you’re wondering whether your slate roof is holding up, don’t wait. Give LOA Construction a quick call at 512-375-3654 and schedule a comprehensive inspection to assess the roofing square and any potential issues. It’s better to catch something early than deal with expensive repairs later.

Why So Many Homeowners Choose Slate

People like slate for its natural beauty and strength, which contributes to its natural appearance. It’s heavy, solid, and doesn’t burn. Plus, it looks amazing on just about any style of home. It’s no wonder the natural slate roof, including options like textural slate roof, is still one of the most respected roofing materials around.

But just because it’s strong doesn’t mean it’s worry-free. Regular inspections and a few small repairs here and there go a long way in keeping things in good shape, especially concerning the structural support.

-->

What Can Go Wrong Over Time

Here are the issues we see most often with slate roofs:

Cracked or sliding tiles
Flashing pulled away at the joints
Moss or algae growing in shaded areas
Water pooling or slow leaks
Tiles breaking from tree limbs or foot traffic

Most of these don’t start out big, but left alone, they can get expensive fast.

Slate Roof Flashing Issues

Flashing is that thin metal tucked around chimneys, vents, or valleys and it’s your roof’s first defense against leaks in those spots. Over the years, flashing gets rusty or shifts out of place, which may cause severe roof leaks.

If flashing isn't sealed properly, water finds a way in. We see this a lot, and it’s one of the most common reasons people call for roof repair.

The Trouble with Ice Dams

In cold climates, ice builds up near the roof’s edge. That ice blocks water from draining, so it pushes back under the slate tiles. That’s how leaks start, often due to the presence of standing water.

Good attic insulation and airflow help, but keeping gutters clean and free-flowing is just as important.
Damaged or Loose Slate Tiles

One of the most obvious problems is a broken tile. Maybe it slid down, maybe it chipped, or maybe it cracked right in place. If left alone, these small damages lead to water seeping through, especially during heavy rain.

Fixing them early is always cheaper and easier. You don’t want water sitting under a tile where it can rot the wood underneath.

Clogged Gutters = Bigger Problems

When gutters fill up with leaves and debris, roof problems arise as water overflows. That overflow hits your siding, your foundation, and sometimes works its way up under roof tiles.

It’s a small job to clean the gutters. But when skipped, it can lead to water damage, mold, and rot.

Is It Installed Right?

Some slate roofs look great from a distance, but they weren't installed properly. We’ve seen tiles nailed in too tightly or with the wrong fasteners due to poor installation practice, particularly with materials like soft slate . That leads to cracking during temperature swings.

Other times, the wrong slope or underlayment causes leaks even if the tiles themselves are fine.

Heavier Roof, Heavier Stress

Slate is heavier than most other roofing options. If the structure beneath isn’t designed for it, over time the weight causes sagging or stress.

If you see dips in your roofline or ceilings inside starting to show cracks, it’s time to get that checked out.

What’s the Fix?

Not all problems need a full replacement; in some cases, synthetic shingles can be used as a repair option. In many cases, we can repair sections by replacing damaged shingles :

Replace cracked or slipped tiles
Fix damaged flashing
Clear out clogged gutters
Seal problem areas to prevent future leaks

Getting these done early is the key to extending the life of your slate roof.

When It Might Be Time for a New Roof

Sometimes repairs aren’t enough, especially if:

There are many broken or loose tiles
Flashing has failed in multiple spots
There are signs of mold or rot underneath
You’ve had repeated leaks in different areas

That’s when we talk about replacement options. But again, we always start with an honest inspection.

Choosing the Right Roofing Material

If slate isn’t within the price range, there are different top options for addressing non-unusual roof troubles. Composite shingles, for instance, can mimic the look of slate at a lower price in comparison to asphalt shingles. Metallic roofs are lighter and stronger. Asphalt is always a safe fallback, though it won’t last nearly as long.

Every material has pros and cons. What matters is choosing what fits your home and your plans.

Keep Slate Looking Its Best

Want to make sure your slate roof lasts?

Don’t walk on it
Cut back overhanging branches
Clean your gutters
Get a professional inspection every couple of years
Check your attic for signs of moisture

It really comes down to catching small issues before they become big ones.

Have a Pro Take a Look

Some roof problems are easy to miss. Unless you’re up there checking every flashing seam and every tile edge, you might not know there’s a problem until water shows up inside.

That’s why we always recommend a proper repair inspection, especially if your slate roof is more than 15 years old.

Keep Your Roof Strong

Your slate roof is built to last — but only if it’s properly maintained and looked after. Don’t assume it's fine just because there’s no leak yet, as there may be hidden safety issues. Check it, fix small issues, and work with a roofing contractor who knows how slate should be handled and the importance of avoiding poor ventilation.

Book a Free Slate Roof Inspection

At LOA Construction, we’ve helped thousands of Texas homeowners extend the life of their slate roofs. With routine maintenance, we know how to spot trouble early and fix it right.

Call us at 512-375-3654 to schedule your free inspection.

There’s no pressure, just honest advice and expert care.

We're One of the Highest Rated
Roofers in Austin for a Reason

At LOA, we believe success is defined by customer satisfaction. We're proud to say we have some of the happiest clients in the roofing industry! You can find hundreds of 5-star reviews like the ones below online.

"I got three inspections and decided to use LOA Construction for a new roof. LOA’s Dan Harvey worked with my insurance inspector to make sure all the hail/wind damage was accounted for, gave us a good choice of shingle colors, and was great at communicating. The workers did quality work, found and repaired rotted wood and cleaned up. Highly recommend!"

— Brian McFarlin, 5-Star Google Review

"Brandon at LOA construction made replacement of our roof very easy. He was the only roofing contractor that I could find that would work directly with our insurance company. They showed up on time and made the whole process very easy. And we have a great looking high quality roof! I Would definitely recommend them to anyone looking for a new roof. Give them a call if you need a roof or think you might have wind or hail damage. I had several other bids that were higher cost and didn't think our insurance would cover it. Our insurance did cover it, I think they were just unwilling to work with the insurance company. Not Brandon, not only was he will to work with our insurance he met with the adjuster and made the whole thing a breeze. Thanks again LOA and Brandon!!!!"

— Mike A., 5-Star Google Review

LOA Construction has exceeded my expectations again. This is the second roof installation with them and I couldn't be happier. Specifically, Tyler Griffiths is professional, attentive, and made the entire process of working with my insurance company effortless. My tenant sent a glowing account of their experience as well. Knowing it was a rental, they still diligently protected all property and plants. They were on time every time and went out of their way to not inconvenience the residents. LOA Construction has integrity and takes pride in their work. I couldn't recommend them more.

— Sheri Moran

"Worked with Zac and his team. Zac did an outstanding job working with the insurance company to ensure all damage was covered. Roof and gutters installed each were on time and all work was top of the line. This is a company that really does put the customer first. With out question I would recommend loa construction and roofing."

— Tony Smith, 5-Star Google Review

From the very start, I knew I was in good hands. The professionalism was top-notch, but most important, was the caring attitude of the project manager, Dan Harvey, the roofing supervisor, Ambrocio, and the roofing crew. They made sure every detail was covered. They are definitely an asset to LOA Construction. I highly recommend them. Dennis and Suzy S

— Dennis Sanger

Andrew was very great at getting myself and my wife all the information and getting us started from start to completion. His workers were friendly and professional. If ever I had to contact him, he was quick to respond back. We are very happy with the finished product. Yes, I would and have recommended him and his company to get their work by LOA Construction and Austin. Andrew made sure my wife would be satisfied with whatever roof she liked. Can't thank you enough Andrew and LOA Construction.

— Paul Coleman

As a first time home owner with no experience in how to make claims and start the process of getting a new roof I was scared to the point of avoiding what needed to get done after the bad hail storm. August Walker did an amazing job walking me through each step along the way. He answered all my questions and calmed my concerns. They inspected my roof and drove from Austin to Belton just to be there with the ins inspector, and followed up with me in person after the roof was installed. He also made a special trip back to drop off samples! I’m grateful to August and LOA construction for being highly professional and friendly!

— Angela Baker

From start to finish Lee and his team took great care of us. He made us feel comfortable during the process and answered any and all questions we had. I would definitely them recommend to anyone.

— Taneisha Jones

Arthur Harris and his team with LOA Construction did an excellent job on our roof. They finished it in one day. Arthur was very good in explaining all the information to us.

— Crystal Hill

Will, has been so awesome and easy to work with he gets everything we want done the way we want it and also keeps us updated as we are over the road truck drivers !!! Hands down to LOA Construction for their great service and great customer service !!!

— Tanya Dudkiewicz

Dan Harvey is Very Knowledgeable and directed me straight to the products that will save us money in the next 3 years the savings on energy costs alone will pay for the installation itself. I highly recommend LOA Construction and Dan Harvey! Actual Customer Jefferson Fara

— Jefferson Fara

Mark from LOA roofing was very professional from the git, the initial estimate process, he quickly identified all the issues that needed to be addressed. The company was very prompt, to coordinate the crew, and for a very reasonable price, got my roof repaired without any hassle. They also took care of all the cleaning, so that it all looked like nothing happened. I would recommend Mark from LOA to anyone needing a roof repair, with no kind of hesitation.

— Ale León

Loa Construction provides quality services in installing roof and related repairs. I’ll recommend it to my friends and family.

— Peijie Li

Thanks to Landon Wells of LOA Construction for the beautiful new roof! It was all completed in one day including a meticulous clean up job afterwards. The workers were all polite and professional. Landon made sure everything went smoothly and that all of our questions were answered. I am thrilled with our new roof. I would definitely recommend Landon and LOA Construction to all of my friends and family. Thank you Landon!

— Renee Johnson

Choose quality roofing for a lasting investment in your home.

Request an Inspection

Dedicated to excellence, our Austin roofing company ensures quality in every project. Contact our skilled Central Texas roofers for a same-day, hassle-free inspection. Call +1 (512) 375-3654 to book your free inspection.