Knowledge Center

Slate Roof Inspection Checklists

Annual maintenance checklists, pre-purchase assessment guides, and storm damage evaluation forms for slate roofing professionals and homeowners.

10 min read Last updated: July 2026

Pro Tip: Inspect your slate roof twice a year — once in spring after winter, and once in fall before winter. Always inspect after major storms. Early detection of minor issues prevents costly structural damage.

Annual Homeowner Inspection Checklist

This 20-item checklist is designed for homeowners to complete twice yearly — spring and fall — without climbing onto the roof. All items can be assessed from ground level or from inside the attic. If you identify any High priority items, contact a qualified slate roofing contractor promptly.

Ground-Level Inspection

Walk the perimeter and look for broken, cracked, or missing slates visible from ground level.High

Check for slates that appear to be sliding out of position or hanging at an angle.High

Look for granule or debris accumulation in gutters that may indicate slate deterioration.Medium

Inspect chimney flashing and ridge cap from ground level for visible gaps or lifting.High

Note any moss, lichen, or algae growth on the roof surface.Low

Attic Inspection

Inspect the underside of the roof deck for water stains, dark spots, or active moisture.High

Check for daylight visible through the roof deck — indicates missing or cracked slates.High

Inspect rafters and sheathing for signs of rot, mold, or structural compromise.High

Verify attic ventilation is unobstructed — poor ventilation accelerates deck deterioration.Medium

Check around chimney, skylights, and pipe penetrations for moisture infiltration.Medium

Gutter & Drainage

Clean gutters and downspouts of all debris, moss, and sediment.Medium

Inspect gutter hangers and fascia for rot or separation from the structure.Medium

Verify downspouts discharge water at least 6 feet from the foundation.Low

Check for standing water or ice dam evidence along eaves.High

Inspect valley flashing visible from gutters for corrosion or separation.High

Documentation

Photograph any damage found and compare to prior year photos to track progression.Medium

Record the date, weather conditions, and inspector name for your maintenance log.Low

Note the approximate age of any repairs made in previous years.Low

Update your maintenance log with any new findings or concerns.Medium

Schedule professional inspection if any High priority items were identified.High

Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Buying a home with a slate roof is generally a positive — it signals quality construction and long-term value. But the condition of that roof matters enormously. Use this checklist when evaluating any property with a slate roof before making an offer.

Age & Condition

Determine the approximate installation date of the slate roof — ask for permits or prior inspection reports.High

Identify the slate type (Vermont, Pennsylvania, Spanish, etc.) — this determines expected remaining lifespan.High

Count the number of visible broken, missing, or sliding slates from ground level.High

Assess the condition of ridge cap, hip cap, and valley flashing — these are the first components to fail.High

Look for "nail sickness" — slates that have slipped because the original nails have corroded.Medium

Repairs & History

Ask the seller for all roofing repair records and contractor invoices.High

Identify any areas where non-slate materials (asphalt, rubber) have been used as patches — a red flag.High

Check if any sections have been re-roofed with a different material, indicating prior failure.Medium

Inquire about any insurance claims related to the roof in the past 10 years.Medium

Ask whether the roof has ever been walked on by non-slate-trained contractors — improper walking breaks slates.Low

Professional Assessment

Hire a qualified slate roofing contractor (not a general roofer) for a formal inspection before closing.High

Request a written assessment with estimated remaining lifespan and repair cost estimate.High

Ask the inspector to assess the condition of the roof deck and structural framing.High

Verify the inspector carries appropriate liability insurance and has verifiable slate experience.Medium

Use the inspection report to negotiate repair credits or price adjustments with the seller.Medium

Post-Storm Damage Assessment

After any significant weather event — high winds, hail, ice storms, or heavy snow loads — use this checklist to assess your slate roof. Safety is the first priority: never climb onto a wet or ice-covered slate roof.

Immediate Safety

Do NOT walk on the roof immediately after a storm — wet slate is extremely slippery and dangerous.High

Check the interior of the home for active leaks before inspecting the exterior.High

If you see structural damage or sagging, vacate the affected area and call a professional immediately.High

Secure any interior areas where water is actively entering to prevent secondary damage.High

Visible Damage

From ground level, identify any obviously missing, broken, or displaced slates.High

Look for displaced ridge cap or hip cap slates — these are common in high-wind events.High

Check for debris (tree branches, hail dents) on the roof surface visible from ground.Medium

Inspect gutters and downspouts for blockage from storm debris and slate fragments.Medium

Documentation

Photograph all visible damage from ground level before any repairs are made.High

Document the date and nature of the storm (wind speed, hail size if applicable).High

Contact your insurance company to report potential damage before authorizing repairs.High

Obtain written repair estimates from qualified slate contractors for insurance purposes.Medium

When to Call a Pro: If you find more than 3–5 broken or missing slates, or any flashing damage, contact a qualified slate roofing contractor immediately. Delaying repairs after storm damage allows water infiltration that can cause exponentially more expensive structural damage.

Historic Building Assessment Checklist

Historic buildings with slate roofs require a specialized assessment process that goes beyond standard condition evaluation. Preservation requirements, material matching, and regulatory compliance add complexity that demands careful documentation from the outset.

Documentation

Obtain original construction documents, historic photographs, or prior survey reports for the building.High

Identify the original slate type, color, and size from historic records or physical sampling.High

Document the current condition with high-resolution photography before any work begins.High

Verify the building's historic designation status (National Register, local landmark, etc.).High

Identify the applicable State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and their material approval requirements.Medium

Condition

Assess the percentage of original slates remaining versus replacement slates.High

Identify the condition of original copper or lead flashing — replacement in kind is typically required.High

Check for evidence of prior non-historic repairs that may need to be reversed.Medium

Evaluate the condition of the original wood deck — replacement may require documentation.Medium

Assess whether original slate can be salvaged and reused in the repair scope.Medium

Compliance

Confirm that proposed replacement slates match the original in color, texture, size, and thickness.High

Verify that all proposed materials are approved by the applicable preservation authority.High

Determine whether a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) is required before work begins.High

Confirm that proposed contractors have documented experience with historic slate preservation work.Medium

Identify applicable federal or state historic tax credit programs and their documentation requirements.Medium

Contractor Qualification Checklist

Slate roofing is a specialized trade. A general roofing contractor without specific slate experience can cause more damage than they repair — improper walking technique alone can break dozens of slates. Ask these 10 questions before hiring anyone to work on your slate roof.

How many years have you been working exclusively with natural slate roofing (not general roofing)?High

Can you provide references from at least three completed slate roofing projects in the past two years?High

Are you licensed and insured in this state, and can you provide current certificates of insurance?High

What slate suppliers do you use, and can you provide samples of the replacement slate you propose?High

How do your crew members access the roof — do they use chicken ladders and proper slate hooks?High

What is your process for matching existing slate color, size, and thickness on repair projects?Medium

Do you have experience with historic preservation projects and working with SHPO requirements?Medium

What warranty do you offer on your labor, and how is it documented?Medium

Will you provide a written scope of work specifying the exact materials, quantities, and methods?Medium

Are you a member of the National Slate Association or any professional roofing organization?Low

A qualified slate contractor will answer all of these questions confidently and in detail. Vague answers, reluctance to provide references, or inability to show current insurance certificates are disqualifying red flags.