Slate Roofs in Hudson, WI
A slate roof on a Hudson home can usually be repaired by replacing the cracked or slipped slates and the worn flashing, since sound slate typically lasts 60 to 150 years. Hudson Roofing Pros inspects slate roofs in Hudson and western Wisconsin and prices the repair, or the replacement where the slate has truly worn out.
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When Does a Hudson Slate Roof Need Repair?
A Hudson slate roof needs repair when slates crack, slip out of place or go missing, or when the flashing at the chimney, valleys or walls starts to leak. The stone itself typically lasts 60 to 150 years, so a leak on a slate roof is more often a failed nail, a broken slate or worn flashing than a worn-out roof.
Winter is when the damage shows. Ice that builds at the eaves pushes water back up under the slates, and snow sliding off a steep slope can tear loose a slate that has lost its nails. Walking on slate can crack it, so look at slate damage from the ground or a ladder and leave the climbing to us.
Typical slate life
60 to 150 years
Most slate roofs need repairs long before the stone itself wears out.
What Goes Wrong on a Hudson Slate Roof?
What goes wrong on a Hudson slate roof is usually one of four things: broken slates, slipped slates, worn flashing or ice backing water up at the eaves. Each can be fixed without replacing the roof when the rest of the slate is sound.
Cracked or Broken Slates
Hail, falling branches and foot traffic crack slates, and each broken one is replaced on its own.
Slipped or Missing Slates
A slate slides out when its nails rust through, leaving a gap that lets water in.
Worn Flashing
Metal at the chimney and valleys can wear out before the slate, and chimney flashing repair often stops the leak.
Ice at the Eaves
Ice dams back meltwater up under the lowest courses, where it drips into the walls and ceilings.
Got cracked or slipped slates on your Hudson roof?
Tell us where they are and we will come and inspect the roof.
Should You Repair or Replace Your Hudson Slate Roof?
You should repair a Hudson slate roof when the slates are mostly sound and the trouble is broken pieces or flashing, and replace it only when the slate itself is flaking, soft or failing across the roof. Because slate lasts so long, a repair on a sound roof usually costs far less than any new roof.
When slate does need replacing, you can put new slate back or choose a lighter material. You can weigh slate against tile roofing or a cedar shake roof, and our roof replacement work covers each of them.
Repair the Slate When
- A few slates are cracked, slipped or missing
- The leak traces to flashing at a chimney, valley or wall
- The rest of the slate rings solid and does not flake
Replace the Roof When
- Slates are flaking, soft or crumbling across the roof
- Nails are failing everywhere and slates keep slipping
- Leaks continue after the flashing has been replaced
What Does a Slate Roof Cost in Hudson?
A new slate roof costs about $15 to $30 or more per sq ft installed, or $30,000 to $60,000 or more for a 2,000 sq ft roof, as a Wisconsin range, not a quote. By type, standard quarter-inch slate is published at $27.20 per sq ft in Wisconsin and architectural slate at $35.35.
Repairs cost far less than either, and the price depends on how many slates need replacing, how hard they are to reach and whether flashing is part of the job. We price your repair or replacement in a written roof estimate after inspecting it.
Slate roof in Wisconsin
Wisconsin ranges, not quotes. The high end runs higher for some slate.
Want to know whether your slate roof can be saved?
We inspect it and give you a written price for the repair or replacement.
What Rules Apply to Slate Roofs in Hudson?
Wisconsin does not allow a new roof to go over an existing slate roof, so slate is always removed before any other roofing goes on. Repairs, such as replacing broken slates, are not covered by that rule, so a sound slate roof can be kept going for decades.
Flashing rules still apply when we rework a chimney: it is flashed and counter-flashed at least 6 inches high, and a chimney wider than 30 inches on its upper side gets a cricket to split the water around it.
Buildings in Hudson's Downtown Overlay District have their own step. Reroofing there with identical colors and materials can be approved administratively, while a change of roofing material or color goes to the Plan Commission with samples. In the rest of the city, a reroof with no structural work needs no building permit, and in other towns we confirm the rules with the local building inspector.
Slate Roof FAQs
How Long Does a Slate Roof Last?
A slate roof typically lasts 60 to 150 years, depending on the slate. The nails and flashing usually need attention well before the stone wears out.
Can One Broken Slate Be Replaced?
Yes, a single broken slate can be replaced without disturbing the slates around it.
Can You Put Shingles Over a Slate Roof?
No, Wisconsin does not allow new roofing over an existing slate roof. The slate must be removed first.
Why Shouldn't I Walk on My Slate Roof?
Walking on a slate roof cracks the slates underfoot, which turns a small repair into a bigger one. Clearing a gutter or looking at damage is safer done from a ladder.
Get a slate roof estimate
Send the form or call us about the cracked or slipped slates on your roof, and we will inspect it and price the repair in writing.
Call now (651) 691-2168 Open 24 hours, 7 days a week