Results 1 to 6 of 6
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Chicago, IL
    Posts
    2,797

    Default Downspout discharge onto slate roofs

    Don't see a lot of slate in my area, so two quick questions about this new construction slate roof

    Q1. To what extent (if at all) should I be concerned about direct downspout discharges downwards across the shingles in a vertical direction at slate roofs (see 1st attached picture).

    Is there a significant likelihood of eroding the slate (as is the case on a convention shingle roof), or is this a non-issue on a slate roof?

    Q2. To what extent is it an issue if the discharge is *across* the shingles (see 2nd attached picture).

    Is there a significant likelihood of water penetrating under the shingles where discharge is crosswise to the vertical edges of the shingles?

    I notice that someone has applied sealant between the tiles immediately below the discharge.

    Standard procedure? Kluge? Idiocy? (I would think that if anything you would want to interleave copper flashing below the shingles in this area, as it would only be visible at the gaps between the tiles...)

    Q3. If these are significant concerns, is there an industry source I can cite when discussing such discharge?

    Thanks as always.

    ***IMPORTANT*** You Need To Register To View Images ***IMPORTANT*** You Need To Register To View Images
    Member Benefits1
    Michael Thomas
    Paragon Property Services Inc., Chicago IL
    http://paragoninspects.com

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    Caledon, Ontario
    Posts
    4,982

    Default Re: Downspout discharge onto slate roofs

    Its of such short distance to the lower gutter in my opinion I don't think it would be troublesome other than the downspout discharge overshooting the lower gutter.


    Found this site for you interest.

    Roofing Slate | Some facts on roofing slates


  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jul 2010
    Location
    Wisconsin
    Posts
    274

    Default Re: Downspout discharge onto slate roofs

    I would turn the one downspout downhill, and maybe install something like in the photo.

    ***IMPORTANT*** You Need To Register To View Images ***IMPORTANT*** You Need To Register To View Images

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jul 2008
    Location
    Chicago
    Posts
    263

    Default Re: Downspout discharge onto slate roofs

    ASHI article should read: http://www.traditionalroofing.com/do...ticle_4_05.pdf

    The sealant at the tiles next to the sideways downspout elbow says trouble. Water may be entering the slate nail holes.

    Another good reference: Slate Roof Central - How to Install a Traditional American Slate Roof

    Mike Lamb
    Inspection Connection, Inc.
    http://www.inspection2020.com/

  5. #5
    tom daley's Avatar
    tom daley Guest

    Default Re: Downspout discharge onto slate roofs

    There's no chance of slate erosion but best practice is to point the discharge down the plane of the roof.
    There is a possibility of moisture penetration when discharging across the plane.
    Maybe (as mentioned above) they pointed the elbow across the "grain" to prevent any possible overshooting over the nearby gutter?

    As also mentioned, the caulking of the slate is definitely bad practice - the slate bond is irregular
    and a length of "ripped" slate is missing.

    Slate should be supplied in modular sizes, only using random sizes when specifically specified eg. to achieve some kind of traditional "cottagey" look.

    Rather than "interleaving" copper soakers under the slate in the at risk area, perhaps, a simpler solution would be to, as mentioned above, point the discharge downhill.


  6. #6
    tom daley's Avatar
    tom daley Guest

    Default Re: Downspout discharge onto slate roofs

    The problem with an improvised chute, such as the one in the Mike Kleisch pic, is that there is no method or fixing the device in a secure and watertight manner. Hence, there is a possibility of the chute being lifted & blown off the roof.
    From a safety point of view, i would consider it a risky method.
    Fixings through the roof plane would also introduce more penetrations of the roof coverings.
    Plus, there is the possibility of introducing overshoot at the gutter (although a kick-out would help but where do you stop improvising), or jetting water out from the eaves if no gutter is present.


Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •