
How to Replace Damaged or Lost Roofing Slates using the Copper Tab Method
- Cut the concealed nails, holding the damaged slate in place. There are usually two nails.
- acquire the properly sized replacement slate. If the exposure is ten inches the slates should be twenty-three inches...
- slide the slate into place, use the gap between the sides of the above-course of slates...
Is it worth repairing a slate roof?
Slate roof repair is viable for localized problems and damaged roofs with reasonably long serviceable lives remaining. If 20% or more of the slates on a roof or roof slope are broken, cracked, missing, or sliding out of position, it is usually less expensive to replace the roof than to execute individual repairs.
How to make a temporary emergency roof repair?
- You just have to cut the sheet metal into some proper shapes of singles. ...
- For the next step, you need to bail those metal shingles onto roof just in the same manner you might have installed any asphalt shingle. ...
- After that, you have to nail it in its proper place and cover those nail heads with the help of added roofing cement to some extent.
How much does a slate roof replacement cost?
You can expect to pay $9 to $16 per sq. foot or $900 to $1,600 per square installed on a standard sized single story home. Labor costs are usually expensive for this roof type as it is very heavy and you’ll need an expert slate roofing contractor to complete the installation.
How to seal and protect your slate?
- Properties of Slate Stone Tile: Composition of slate: Mainly grains of mica and quartz, plus smaller amounts of chlorite, hematite and other minerals.
- Advantages of Slate Tile: Slate creates a very natural and beautiful finish to any wall or floor. ...
- Disadvantages and Shortcomings of Slate Tile: Slate has two lines of breakability - cleavage & grain. ...

How are roof slates fixed?
Centre-nailed, double-lap slates are fixed with two nails close to the side-edge of the slate and positioned immediately above the slates below. In centre-nailed slating, the gauge is the spacing at which the battens are fixed to the rafters, trusses or counter-battens to provide the required head-lap.
Can you repair cracked slate?
Cracked or loose slate can be repaired by yourself, so long as you have the tools and skill to do so. Most people find that repairing cracked or loose slate tends to be a bigger job than they can handle by themselves, though, which is when a roofer should be called. Time is of the essence with cracked or loose slate!
What is the biggest problem with slate roofs?
One of the most significant issues with slate tiles is their weight. Unlike other options, slate roofs comes with a significant extra weight that homeowners need to account for. These roofs can weigh on average 800 pounds per square foot, so it is critical to know a home's framing can handle all of that extra weight.
How do you bond slate to slate?
Clean both the broken slate piece and the main slate tile thoroughly. ... Apply a thin layer of urethane glue along the spot where the tile broke and along the part of the broken piece that matches up with the tile. ... Press the two sections together, matching them up along the break line.
How do you seal a leaking slate roof?
1:215:41How to Repair a Slate Roof by The Durable Slate Company - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSee how I pulled the nails completely out there's two acceptable ways to repair this one is by usingMoreSee how I pulled the nails completely out there's two acceptable ways to repair this one is by using a slate hook. And it's made of stainless steel.
What is the best glue for slate?
Adiseal & Adiseal Hi-Grab are great adhesives when used adhesive for slate or glue for slate. When using Adiseal or Adiseal Hi-Grab to glue slate, make sure both surfaces are thoroughly clean to get the strongest bond. Sealing the slate is not necessary on the surface where the adhesive will be applied.
How many years does a slate roof last?
75 to 200 years''Hard slate will last anywhere from 75 to 200 years, while soft slate will last only 50 to 125 years,'' he said, adding that as a result, a homeowner trying to decide whether to repair, restore or replace a slate roof should first determine whether the existing slate is hard or soft.
What's the life expectancy of a slate roof?
Slate is one of the few roofing options that doesn't need to be replaced within the span of a lifetime. In most environments, slate shingles will last at least 125 years and sometimes as long as 200 years.
Can u 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 do you repair slate stone?
1:504:10How-To Repair Slate - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThis is a polymeric mortar uh with some kaufman's bonding agent mixed in uh we apply this stuff toMoreThis is a polymeric mortar uh with some kaufman's bonding agent mixed in uh we apply this stuff to our base. We're pushing it. Into all the sides. The most successful things i've ever.
How do you mortar slate?
0:117:14Laying Slate Tile in Thinset - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow there's two ways to mix the thinset. You can mix it by hand with a bucket trial.MoreNow there's two ways to mix the thinset. You can mix it by hand with a bucket trial.
Does silicone stick to slate?
I have used silicone on slate I purchased from a landscaping company. They weren't actual tiles though, just flat slate rocks. I just rinsed all the dirt off of them, let them dry, and siliconed them together. They have been in my tank for several years and I've had no issues with them falling apart.
How long does slate roof last?
Installed properly, slate roofs require relatively little maintenance and will last 60 to 125 years or longer depending on the type of slate employed, roof configuration, and the geographical location of the property. Some slates have been known to last over 200 years.
Why should slate be repaired?
Broken, cracked, and missing slates should be repaired promptly by an experienced slater in order to prevent water damage to interior finishes, accelerated deterioration of the roof and roof sheathing, and possible structural degradation to framing members.
What was the purpose of slate roofs in the 17th century?
Seventeenth century building ordinances of New York and Boston recommended the use of slate or tile roofs to ensure fireproof construction. Architectural pattern books of the mid-19th century awakened Americans to the availability and quality of slate for roofing purposes.
Why is slate deteriorating?
The more rapid deterioration of slates found on roof slopes with the most severe exposure to the sun, wind, and rain (typically, but not always, a southern exposure) may be attributable to the combined result of the deleterious effects of impurities in the slate and mechanical agents.
What type of roofs were used in the Second Empire?
Slate, laid in multicolored decorative patterns, was particularly well suited to the Mansard roofs of the Second Empire style, the steeply pitch roofs of the Gothic Revival and High Victorian Gothic styles, and the many prominent roof planes and turrets associated with the Queen Anne style.
When was slate roofing first used?
Although slate quarrying was not common in the United States until the latter half of the nineteenth century, slate roofing is known to have been used prior to the Revolution. Archeological excavations at Jamestown, Virginia,have unearthed roofing slate in strata dating from 1625-1650 and 1640-1670.
How many square feet does a slate roof cover?
One square is enough to cover 100 square feet (13.3 square meters) of plain roof surface when laid with a standard headlap of 3" (7.5cm). When ordering slate, considerable lead time should be allowed as delivery may take anywhere from 4 to 12 weeks and even as long as 1 year for special orders.
Holding actions for older, damaged, or leaky slate roofs
If a client cannot afford to replace a slate roof a wiser course may be to do nothing in the short run, other than to trap small leaks in an attic, or to tar leaky areas.
Slate Roofing Articles
SLATE ROOF LEAKS, TEMPORARY REPAIR at Inspect A pedia.com - online encyclopedia of building & environmental inspection, testing, diagnosis, repair, & problem prevention advice.
When inspecting a building with a slate roof, I feel it is my responsibility to encourage the preservation of the
When inspecting a building with a slate roof, I feel it is my responsibility to encourage the preservation of the historic character of this durable, natural material. I do this by educating building owners on effective maintenance and appropriate repairs of slate. Roofs are highly visible and an integral architectural element of historic buildings. If roof replacement is necessary, I encourage homeowners to replace slate with slate.
What is the weakest link on a slate roof?
A chain is only as strong as its weakest link. For slate roofs, flashing is often the weak link. Terne coated sheet iron, lead coated copper, lead sheet, galvanized steel and copper are the most common flashing materials used with historic slate roofs. Evaluation of these components does not differ from any other roofing system.
What are the best fasteners for slate roofs?
Fasteners are also important in extending the life of a slate roof. Cut steel nails, copper wire nails and galvanized steel nails are the most common fasteners used with slate roofing. A less common French method of securing slates involves hooks that are partially exposed below the bottom edge of each slate.
What does it mean when a roof is delaminated?
Major delaminating (flaking) is a sign that a roof will need replacing soon. Powdering on the underside of the slates is another sign. Since most slates in my region are installed on spaced wood battens, I can often see the powdering from the attic.
Is slate visible from the attic?
The slates were installed over an earlier wood shingle roof, and so were not visible from the attic below. But a hands on inspection revealed that slates so porous that they felt like my son's sidewalk chalk that's been left out in the rain.. Powdering on the undersides of these slates is visible from the attic.
Can slate roofs be replaced with flashing?
Evaluation of these components does not differ from any other roofing system. But slate roofs commonly outlast the flashings. And if your flashing leaks, your roof will also leak. The solution is not to glob on tar or other sealers, but to replace your flashing. Fasteners are also important in extending the life of a slate roof.

The Repair, Replacement and Maintenance of Historic Slate Roofs
History of Slate Use in The United States Return to Top ▲
Character and Detailing of Historic Slate Roofs Return to Top ▲
Where Does Slate Come from? Return to Top ▲
Deterioration of Slate and Slate Roofs Return to Top ▲
Repairing Slate Roofs Return to Top ▲
- Broken, cracked, and missing slates should be repaired promptly by an experienced slater in order to prevent water damage to interior finishes, accelerated deterioration of the roof and roof sheathing, and possible structural degradation to framing members. The damaged slate is first removed by cutting or pulling out its nails with a ripper. If ste...
The Replacement of Deteriorated Roofs Return to Top ▲
Maintenance Return to Top ▲
Summary and References Return to Top ▲