How to Slate a Roof

Here is a brief overview on how to slate a roof for people looking to do it themselves.

Positioning the Battens

Normally the surlier of the slates should recommend the spacing of the battens known as the gauge. This usually varies according to the specifics of the slates, the degree of exposure and the angle of the roof.

Laying the Slates

Slates are laid on the battens with the joints between them aligned with the center of the slates above and below them. This gives a double lap covering so there is always a two slate thickness. The overlap depends on the slope of the roof with steeper slopes need less of an overlap. In the case of any slates needing cut simply use a pair of slate cutters to the appropriate length. To fix the slates in place you should us aluminium nails as these are less likely to corrode. You can also use copper or stainless steel nails. Slates should be nailed at the center line or near the top, both ways having separate advantages over the other. Make sure not to overdrive the nail or you risk damaging the slate.

Verges

The slates fitted to the verge should be about one and a half times wider than the rest. Sometimes half width slates are used instead but this can cause water to run onto the roof instead of over the edge. If the roof has verges at both ends make sure to measure the run before hand to make sure both ends are equal.