A person would need specific knowledge and skills for slate roof installation. A well-installed slate roof can last more than 100 years with low maintenance, depending on the type and quality of the material you choose for roofing. But when the slate roof eventually needs repairing or replacing, it would because of corrosion occurring to the nails or damage to the flashings and chimney.
Although it’s ideal for getting professional service for roofing to keep away from causing any mistake or major accident, you can DIY by following proper application procedures. There are some basic rules and guidelines you would need to follow so that you can avoid further damaging your roof. Let’s get to know those tips from below.
1. Space and colour blending requirements
The first thing to consider while slate roofing is to know the type of slate you want to install and the space requirements. Since roofing slate tiles come in varied colours and textures, each original slate tile has its own aesthetic look; you might want to do some colour combination to give a modern but sophisticated look to your house.
The requirement of minimum space between slate tiles should be 3/8”. This space making would provide the tiles with any movement for the roof deck and expansion and contraction in various weather applications. The application of solid and blended coloured roofing slate tiles with added spaces would give a more natural, aesthetic appearance to your house.
2. Fastener or nails requirements
Make sure to choose corrosion-resistant fasteners such as stainless steel type and hot-dipped zinc coated, copper, aluminum roofing nails. The nails’ head diameter should be 3/8,” and the length should be 2”. The fasteners’ length requirement will change according to the exposure, and they should be long enough to penetrate through the sheathing half an inch.
Ensure that you don’t hammer the nail to over-penetrate or under-penetrate the sheath. You should choose steel fasteners and advanced accessories in areas that are exposed to high humidity or other severe climatic condition.
3. Underlay and sheathing
The underlay should always be installed directly under the slates and on the top of the slate tiles. Install a single-layered ice and water shield over the felt all around the dormers, roof projections, and skylights, etc. the felt should be secured with ¾” long galvanized roofing nails. Choose solid decking material, or you would need to double the decking felt along the eaves. Spread the roof cement between the layers and increase the headlap along the eaves with a 13Cm gap.
4. Flashing and snow guards
Installing flashings with correct overlap will help in preventing any leakage. Always lap the uphill flashings on top of the downhill flashing. Also, keep in mind to install corner flashings such as chimneys. The chimneys should be correctly folded so they could guard against leakage.
You can use folded flashings on positive slopes and use soldered flashings when the slope is very low that the water flow can’t be directed by gravity. The soldered flashings should be installed with cleats or expansion joints to prevent strain on the solder joints. Be careful not to solder with an open flame.
5. Hips and ridges
Ensure to make the field slates meet tight at the roof hip and would form a straight, weather-tight, close-mitered junction for slate roof installation. Or you can install the ridge tiles laid to a true line with the edges and joints solidly bedded in mortar. You can also substitute a metal roll on the hips and ridges instead of mortar.
It is advised to get professional help instead of doing the installation of slate tiles yourself since it can be more difficult than installing any other kind of roof. For more information regarding slate roofing, you can contact Top Tier Slate Roofing, a reliable slate roofing expert.
