Fitting A Slate Roof

Generally speaking 20 degrees is the lowest advisable pitch for a slate roof depending on the size of the slates and how much that the roof is exposed to moderate weather conditions.

Fitting a slate roof.

Set out the first second and all the rest of slates on a pitched roof. The stone is dug or quarried from the earth brought to the surface then hand split with a hammer and chisel into thin sheets about a quarter of an inch thick. In this case 2 5 inch copper roofing nails were used. Install ridge slates and flashings in the same manner as installing slate hips except ridge joints should be caulked.

As you roll out the underlay keep the bottom edge of the material aligned with the edge of the eave but above any metal or synthetic edging that may cover the borders of the eave. The gauge is in fact the same as the margin which is the length of the slate exposed. These slate shingles are then trimmed into particular shapes usually punched for nail holes and are then ready to be installed on a roof. When slating with a shallow pitch a wide slate is highly recommended for maximum side lap or lateral lap side overlaps.

This is a video showing the fitting of a velux roof window with instructions. This step by step video guide by velux shows how to install a velux new generation roof window in a slate roof at standard installation height. You will need longer nails when installing ridge slates over vent material. Position the first roll of underlayment at one side of the roof perpendicular to the lower edge the eave of the roof.

Nail the vent material to the furring strips. Set out the first second and all the rest of slates on a pitched roof.