How Do You Install A Slate Roof?
How Do You Install A Slate Roof?
To install a slate roof, the roofing should be in good condition before installing the slate.
1. Assess the Underlying Roof Structure
Slate roofs are heavier than asphalt shingles and other forms of roofing, such as zinc and copper roofs. In rare circumstances, the underlying home and structure may require reinforcing to support the hefty weight of the slate.
The initial stage in the procedure is to determine the integrity and strength of the underlying structure. Furthermore, the roof must be thoroughly cleaned and prepared to ensure no debris gets trapped between the slates.
2. Install High-Quality Roof Decking
When properly built, a slate roof has a lifetime of 100-150 years. Keeping this in mind, the underlying structural elements must be designed to survive this long. As a result, solid timber with a thickness of at least 2-3 cm is the most widely utilized roof decking material.
Other materials will not endure the weather, so solid timber is the best option. Using substandard wood might cause the slate roof to break prematurely.
3. Place Felt Underlayment to Protect the Roof
Although slate roofs are not typically waterproof, a felt underlayment should be utilized to protect the roof structure while the slate tiles are fitted. This underlayment will be removed when each row of tiles is completed, and the roof flashing is put in.
4. Begin Installation of Each Course of Slate Tiles
Using galvanized copper roofing nails, each slate is put into position in a “course.” Each slate receives two nails with a vertical spacing of around 3-4 cm. These nails are sunk into the slate gradually until they are level with the surface.
Nail the slate too deeply, and it will break and get damaged. To avoid overdriving nails, take caution during this stage.
5. Install High-Quality Flashing On Valleys, Gutters, and Chimneys.
Copper flashing is added in valleys around gutters, chimneys, and other roof gaps while slate is laid. Copper standing seam is popular because of its long lifespan – because it may endure more than 100 years, it’s the ideal match for slate tiles with comparable longevity.
6. Install Flashing at the Base Of The Roof
Flashing should be added around the base of the roof to prevent water penetration. Without this flashing, rain and snow may get trapped against the chimney or around windows and doors, leading to damp, moldy conditions within the home.
This type of metal flashing should be stored out of direct sunlight in order to prevent deterioration over time.
7. Apply Sealant to Prevent Water Damage to Your Slate Roof
Most sealed slate roofs are coated with some protection sealant to prevent water damage. However, you will want to coat your slate roof before applying the sealant to ensure that your tiles don’t become discolored by any chemicals that leach onto your roof.
8. Install an All-Weather Roofing Coating
Once a slate roof has been properly installed and sealed, it is important to protect the slate with an all-weather roofing coating. This coating is used for the entire roof and goes on in sections, one coat at a time.
It is important to ensure that your slate shingles are fully protected with this type of coating that consists of hardwearing polyurethane.
Can You Put Solar Panels On A Slate Roof?
A slate roof is harder to install than a conventional tile roof, but an experienced solar business will have no problem installing solar panels on a slate roof.
It’s more challenging than installing panels on a conventional tile roof, but you can do it if you have the right tools and experience.
What Size Is A Standard Roof Slate?
A standard slate roof tiles come in sizes ranging from 12″ (length) x 6″ (width) to 24″ (length) x 12″ (width). It’s important to get the right size so you will not have gaps between your tile roofs.
How Do You Nail A Slate Roof?
Depending on the slate provider, each piece of slate will have two nail holes that are either drilled or punched. Always punch the holes on the back of the slate and the thinner side of the slate.
Punching the slate creates a spalled countersink on the slate face, allowing the nail head to lie flat. This reduces the risk of damage to the slate from the nail head, which puts you at risk of cracking or shattering the slate.
