A recycled roof slate is the result of combined waste slate materials. This goes even further regarding the environmental impact as there is no manufacturing process involved in the creation of the final project. In turn, this means that the amount of wastage is reduced. I’ve chosen what I want for my slate roof, what’s next? Nails should be copper (to BS 1202 part 2) or aluminium (to BS 1202 part 3). In corrosive or marine atmospheres copper nails are preferable and in severe conditions silicone bronze nails should be used. The nail head diameter should be at least 10mm to comply with BS 5534 to minimise the risk of the nail head pulling through the slate. A 10mm head is only possible where the nail shank is 3mm diameter or greater. A slate roof isn’t limited to one type of slate material. Here at Roofing Superstore, you can choose from an array of unique slate solutions. Here is a brief summary of notable points regarding the types of slate available to you: Natural roof slate

Hall Hook slate repair fixings are the market leading remedial repair hook, designed over a 20 year period by an experienced slating contractor who always wanted to have the perfect solution to an everyday roofing problem. Now the roof has been set out correctly, with the battens at the right distance apart, it’s time to lay the slates. Start by laying the under eaves course, creating a staggered pattern for stability – a 5mm gap between each slate is required to allow for natural expansion. Aesthetics – the nails are hidden beneath the rows of slate above, whereas hook fixings are visible. Firstly, find out if your slates are pre-holed. If they aren’t you’ll need to pierce two holes into the slate, one either side of the short width, approximately a third of the way up the length of the slate. To do this, you can use a number of cutting and holing tools. 1. Find out the pitch of your roofFirstly, put the hooked end of the slate ripper underneath the damaged slate, trapping the nail in the hook. Then hammer the handle of the slate ripper, to force the nail out of place. If you are looking for a cost-effective alternative to copper nails yet still comply with British Standard, alloy clout nails are an excellent choice. These nails have been specifically manufactured for use on natural slate roofs and will protect your roof from nail fatigue. Stainless Steel Slate Hooks The natural roof slate is exactly what you’d expect. This authentic slate roof solution provides the ultimate natural slate look and comes with an array of benefits. Not only does it look great, but it is also fireproof, frost resistant and requires little maintenance. It also comes in a variety of different styles including Spanish slate (below), Welsh slate, Canadian slate, Brazilian slate and Argentinian slate. Man-made roof slate Typically, slate hooks attach to the batten by a spike at the upper end, which is driven into the batten or a hook that wraps around the batten. The use of wrap hooks is not recommended. Only “spike-end” or nail-in hooks are permissible under BS 5534.

There are two type of Slate Hook, an over batten type and a drive in type. The use of over batten type is very limited with the majority being drive in type (shown in picture).Take a strip of lead and nail it into place against the batten, then push the replacement slate up and into position, ensuring it is level with the other slates. Now fold the lead strip over the bottom of the replacement slate to keep it in place, acting like a hook. This should hold the replacement slate securely in place. When hook fixing, additional nail fixings should be used at eaves, ridges and top abutments and, to prevent lateral drift, at verges, hips, valleys and side abutments. In my opinion, the Solar Slate Plate is the best slate fixing solution for solar PV installations on the market. After installing this product I would not consider using any other product currently out there. Couple this in with a very high level of service, there is no reason to go elsewhere.