Setting Out A Roof For Slating

Installation when laying out a roof in preparation for slating it chalk lines across the entire roof area marking the top edge of every row of slate.

Setting out a roof for slating.

The width of the first course slates was 12 a very heavy thick slate to cut. Alternatively the fascia board can be raised slightly in order to raise the bottom of the starter course. Locate the centre point of the eaves and centre the first under eaves slate. First courses of slating on the main roof note the undereaves slates fitted upside down to form a drip with the first course slates.

Measure between the top of the top batten and the top of. Traditionally this has been done by nailing a cant or shim strip made from wood under the bottom edge of the starter course usually the same wood that is used to create the roof deck see photos below. When slating with a shallow pitch a wide slate is highly recommended for maximum side lap or lateral lap side overlaps. Lay the first full slate over the top of this under eaves slate and cut the slates on both verges to the same width.

Generally speaking 20degrees is the lowest advisable pitch for a slate roof depending on the size of the slates and how much that the roof is exposed to moderate weather conditions. Then determine the position of the highest batten at the top typically the top of the uppermost row of slates tiles. The building will have an exposed timber eaves. The first thing to do is work out the slate exposure as you would for normal slating the length of the slate minus the headlap divided by 2 the exposure.

The gutter will be formed in cast aluminium. Cut the second under eaves course from the same slate as the first course. You should have all of these tools plus a nail belt chalk line utility knife and a collection of ladders. Work towards both verges with the remaining under eaves slates.

For example a 20 inch slate with a 3 inches headlap would have an 8 5 inches exposure 20 inches 3 inches 2 81 2 inches.