Fixing Loose Roof Slates

If the tile or paver is already cracked or chipped it may be easier to break it up and remove it in smaller pieces.

Fixing loose roof slates.

Roofing slates on the other hand will always be nailed as this is their primary and only point of fixing unless it s a hook fixing or in very rare occasions old traditional slate roofs may have wooden pegs. Fixing points generally roof tiles have two fixing options lugs or lugs and nails. Many slipped slates due to the original nails now rotting away completely strips of lead approx 12. First identify the damaged or loose piece of slate on your slate walkway.

Slide the slate into place use the gap between the sides of the above course of slates to mark the location of a single holding nail. Insert the ripper upwards under the damaged slate push it up and work it around to hook one of the cutting edges behind a fixing nail. They are ideal for securing loose top course slates as well as isolated slates in the centre of a roof. To avoid lifting the surrounding slates too much you will need to use a slate ripper which can be pushed up between the slates to cut or pull out the fixing nails.

Quick video i made when i was fixing the roof last week. Reinstate or replace any loose or missing tiles and slates. This will allow the nail to sit flush in the hole. The nail hole is punched into the slate from the back so that the ragged part of the hole is on the front or face of the slate.

A hole is drilled through the new slate directly above the plate and the joint in the lower slates for the screw to clamp them together in the same mode as a tail rivet. Normally friction alone is enough to hold the lead bib in place. Roof tiles and slates can break or come loose due to high winds or impact damage the failure of fixings and the action of frost or structural decay of timber roofing members.