--On Monday, May 15, 2006 2:32 PM -0500 m Ransley
wrote:

Are some roofers realy recomending a slate sealer, gee then I guess
everyone around the world has been doing it wrong for a thousand years
or so, no that guy I would throw out the door. Just keep broken tiles
replaced. How bad is the leak, pinholes in copper happen, copper gets
thin, but knowing the cost of your work, for just minor holes I would
clean well-sand the area bright and silicone or solder for a few, to
many years. For an honest opinion it might only be found from a non
roofer, a home inspector who has a moisture meter and good camera to
show you photos. You might save thousands.


Yes - some roofers have suggested a sealer. I thought that I had read
that it was not needed, but he was quite convincing

I have called another roofer, based on one of the links another poster
provided.

The trouble is, this house is only worth about $80k, so relining the
gutters with copper may be a bit out of line. The gutters have been
patched numerous times with silicon and roofing cement already, but
eventually something more will need to be done.

I have had another roofer replace all of the broken/ missing slate, but he
doesn't seem to want to call me back, so now I am back to having to find
someone trustworthy.

Thanks to everyone for all the advise!