Use the roof slope area, slate size and gauge created by the required headlap. Add an allowance for cutting, sorting, breakage and future repairs.
Slate Coverings for Traditional Pitched Roofs
Slate creates a closely coursed roof covering with a crisp, traditional appearance. MacBlair stocks roof slates for new builds, extensions and repairs where size, pitch, exposure and structural loading have been established.
Slate size and headlap determine gauge and coverage. The roof design must also account for fixing holes, edge treatment, sorting and any natural variation in thickness or colour. When matching an existing slope, compare a sample against the installed material in daylight.
Fix slates over the specified roofing underlay and correctly spaced graded battens. Use compatible slate nails or hooks from the approved system, with ridge and verge components detailed for wind uplift and water shedding.
Roof Slate FAQ's
Headlap depends on slate size, roof pitch and exposure. Use the slate supplier's guidance and the roof specification rather than one figure for every roof.
A cracked slate should normally be replaced or repaired with an approved slate repair method. Surface sealant is not a reliable substitute for correct fixing.
Yes. Sort by thickness and appearance so courses lie evenly and colour variation is distributed across the slope.
Use corrosion-resistant slate fixings of the type and length specified. Ordinary nails may corrode or provide the wrong head and shank performance.