How do I refit slates to my roof?

Question

I have had some slate tiles fall from my roof recently due to weather and general ageing. Some of the tiles are barely damaged so would be reusable and I will find some replacement for any others. 

What would I need to set the slates back on the roof most effectively? 

Would it usually be by using cement or some other adhesives to keep them in place correctly? 
I would like to resolve this myself if possible.

Perry · Accepted Answer

If your roof is indeed a natural or man made slate covered roof, then you will need to re-fix the slates using aluminium nails to the roof batten. There should be nail holes where the old existing nails would have been prior to the slate coming loose. You may also need to use a "Tingle" which is a strip of narrow lead, nailed to the under batten, this will permit you to slide the slate back in place and simply curl the lip of the lead strip over the bottom edge of the slate to keep it in place. 

You might also need a "Slate Rip" which is a long handled tool used for removing the existing nails that might well be left protruding from the under batten. These protruding nails will prevent you sliding the slate back into place. These nails must be removed prior to attempting to replace the slate.

Alternatively, you can use a good quality silicone based product to effectively glue the slate back into place, but this is not as good a method as fixing the slate back in correctly using nails and or a lead strip.

You can also look up "Replacing a slate on a roof" on You tube, this would show you exactly how the job is carried out. I hope this has been of some help to you.

Stephen · Answer

The most common way to refit slates would be to use a lead tab, which can be attached to the batten underneath the slates and folded over the bottom of the slates to hold them in place.

Harry · Answer

Rip out remaining slates using a slate ripper, refit the slate by applying a lead tag to the rafter/batten. Slide the slate back up where necessary. Fold the lead tag up and cut, ensuring a secure fix.

Trevor · Answer

Never use cement to put a slate back. You need a ripper to remove the old nails then a strap to keep the slate in place

Neil · Answer

What you use is a lead strap and where the slate is missing and you can see the batten. Nail the lead strap to the batten and push the slate back in and fold the lead under the bottom of the slate.

Stephen · Answer

If it's tiles then they can simply be fitted by sliding the tiles above up, fitting them, then sliding back down.
If it’s slate, I would recommend hiring a professional.

Paul · Answer

You will need a slate remover to remove the nails from broken slate then use a new slate or 2 and hand one use some strong adhesive. Put on back of tile then push the tile back into place once sealer goes it will hold but when slates start to slip its sign of batten timber gone rotten and no longer supporting nails that's holding tiles into place

Steve · Answer

You really should leave it to a professional roofer. 
To refit your slate roof you would need a slate ripper to remove the rest of broken slate and copper nails then replace slate using lead straps to hold the slate in place.

Graham · Answer

Hi,
You need to use a slate hanger, there are various ones on the market. I like to use “Hall clips” myself with little bit of clear adhesive such as “Fix all” for good measure. 
Hope this helps.

Michael · Answer

You can lead strap them in also can use clear silicone under the slate holding them in as well

Daniel · Answer

Use a hook slate fixing, screws into the baton and holds the slate in place. Cheapest option.

How do I refit slates to my roof?

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