How do slate clips work?

This means that each slate is held in place by four hooks; one at the head, one at the tail and one on each side. The one at the tail stops the hook from sliding down, the ones at the side prevent it from turning and the one at the head holds it at the batten.

How do you use a slate hook?

Typically, slate hooks attach to the batten by a spike at the upper end, which is driven into the batten or a hook that wraps around the batten. The use of wrap hooks is not recommended. Only “spike-end” or nail-in hooks are permissible under BS 5534.

Do you need battens for slate roof?

Slates should always be installed double lap. Concrete slates require 38x25mm batten for 450mm joist spans and 50x25mm batten for 600mm joist spans. Timber shingles and shakes will need a timber batten size of 38x25mm for spans up to 450mm, and 50x25mm for 600mm spans.

How do you use copper slate straps?

Once the slate has been removed from the roof, simply nail the copper strap vertically onto the exposed timber batten. Insert the slipped slate or a new slate and bend the end of the tingle around the bottom edge of the slate. The slate is now back in place and fixed securely.

Can you walk on a slate roof?

Slate is hard-wearing and durable but it can easily crack under pressure. That’s why professionals use hook ladders, jacks and planks on slate roofing. This allows them to walk on the roof without putting any weight on it. If you don’t have the proper materials on hand, it’s best to let a professional tend to the roof.

How much do you overlap slates?

around 50mm
Take one full sized slate and place onto the batten, allowing for overhang (overhang is recommended to be around 50mm).

What nails do you use for roof slates?

Most slate roofs use copper nails as they typically last longer than stainless steel and compatible with copper, lead and lead-coated copper flashings. A standard ¼” thick slate will require an 11 gauge nail where a thicker slate will require a 10 gauge copper nail.

How do you keep slates from slipping?

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; 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.