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What do I need to know about slating a roof?

What do I need to know about slating a roof?

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. If you can understand the anatomy of a slate and the words used for the different bits, you will be a lot clearer in your mind.

What should the gauge be on a slate roof?

Gauge – This is the distance measured between the top of one slate and the top of another slate laid underneath or above it, which is normally determined by the height of the nail holes in the slate, and will be the same distance as the margin and batten gauge in most cases.

How much does a square of slate roof weigh?

The thickness of the slates also affects the weight. Standard thickness (3/16”) slates weigh 600-700 pounds per square (the smaller slates make a heavier roof). Half inch thick slates weigh doublethat. The smaller the slates, the more nails, more nailing, and more labor costs.

What should I use to cover my slate roof?

Felt paper does, however, provide a temporary cover in the event of rain during installation, and it helps insulate and waterproof the roof, so it is recommended to use 30 lb. felt in order to do the best job. NAILS Many years ago, roof slates were hung on slating lath with a single wooden peg driven through a hole in the top center of the slate.

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. If you can understand the anatomy of a slate and the words used for the different bits, you will be a lot clearer in your mind.

The thickness of the slates also affects the weight. Standard thickness (3/16”) slates weigh 600-700 pounds per square (the smaller slates make a heavier roof). Half inch thick slates weigh doublethat. The smaller the slates, the more nails, more nailing, and more labor costs.

Gauge – This is the distance measured between the top of one slate and the top of another slate laid underneath or above it, which is normally determined by the height of the nail holes in the slate, and will be the same distance as the margin and batten gauge in most cases.

Can a slate roof be fixed with a hook?

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. Lets start off with probably the most prolific type of roof tile found on roofs in the UK, the interlocking roof tile.

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Ruth Doyle