How To Start Laying A Slate Roof

The reason the starter course is laid face down is because the drip edge of the starter slate then merges flush with the drip edge of the first course of slate see photo below.

How to start laying a slate roof.

Roofing with slates. 3 before you start do your homework. Working on a roof involves working at height even on a bungalow so always use scaffolding or other stable platform never use just ladders. How to slate a roof http www fixmyroof co uk videos and guides pitched roof slate a roof this video shows you the basics of how to set out a roof for slat.

Install the underlayment for the new roof tile next working with 10 foot sections at a time. Secure the underlayment with nails that are at least 2 inches from the edge of the roof. All roof coverings should be treated with care. Slating terms and phrases if you are not a seasoned roofer some of the terms used for slates batten spacing or overlapping of the slates can add to the confusion.

To install slate roof tiles correctly you ll need to stagger each course so the proper headlap which should be at least 3 inches for moisture protection is established. All other slates on the roof are installed with the face up in order to expose the beveled edges of the slate the face of the slate is the side that shows the beveled edge the back doesn t. Starting a slate roof the right way is the key to installing a good looking and long lasting slate roof and there are a number of steps that you should follow. If your roof has a steep slope install the battens next which are thin strips of material that run horizontally along the roof.

When you are working on a roof you must ensure that there is sufficient protection around the roof such as scaffolding. Roof pitch the angle of a roof not only determines what slates to use but the amount of overlap that the slate roof needs to remain waterproof. To begin remove the old roof tile. Start from the bottom of the roof and work your way up staggering the joints between courses by a minimum of 1 inches.

Much like laying a course of bricks or building a foundation any errors that you make in begining will be magnified by the time you get to the end of the project. You need to ensure that you take the necessary precaution in order to protect the materials when laying slates on a new roof or replacing a slate on an old roof.