Reduces condensation

Condensation can form in roofs of all types when relatively warm, moist air reaches cool roof elements. In slate roofs, this shortens the lives of wooden supports and slates (review the processes that age roof slate).

Because the climates of most of the largest slate markets tend to be cool, and interior air tends to be warmer than exterior air, precautions against this condition are common.

In such conditions, condensation can accumulate on the upper portion of the slate's back surface.

Two effects

Condensation has two notable effects on slate, one familiar, one less so.

The familiar effect: Condensation can age slate where it first forms and lingers.

The less familiar effect: Condensation is a second source of water (in addition to rain) that collects between slates and prolongs aging processes generally.

When enough condensate accumulates to form drops on a slate's upper back, the drops can run down the slate and enter the minute voids between overlapped surfaces, where they become trapped by capillary action (review capillary action between (and in) roof slates).

By separating slates, SlateSpacer™ unblocks water trapped by capillary action, allowing condensation to drain from the roof. And, by increasing air circulation, SlateSpacer™ speeds evaporation.