How To Put Slate Back On Roof ?

ahll

Hi,
The other day I found a slate in the garden and can see that it has come of the end slates near the gutter. I have a ladder that will reach this location and was wondering what was the best way to ensure the slate is put back correclty and stays in place.

I have noticed that other slates on the roof seem to have like lead tags which I assume is keeping them in place. Does anyone know where I can get one of these lead tags from ? (if that is the best thing to use).

weekendwarrior

Many roofers tend to glue the slate back in place with silicone. Tabs look unsightly and are more work and do not last as long as silicone.

ahll

ok I wondered about using silicone but I wasnt sure as obviously I dont want it to fall off again as I guess it could injure some one.

Would you know if there is a particular kind of silicone that should be used ?

weekendwarrior

ahll wrote:

ok I wondered about using silicone but I wasnt sure as obviously I dont want it to fall off again as I guess it could injure some one.

Would you know if there is a particular kind of silicone that should be used ?

I'm not sure if one type of silicone is better than an other but I know a few roofers and builders that use this method as it is much easier and cheaper than messing around with lead tabs.

ahll

so you think using say bathroom sealent silicone type stuff would be ok ?

weekendwarrior

Silicone sealants are pretty much the same, but they are packaged differently and some contain chemicals to inhibit mould growth. You can pay between £1.00 and £9.00 per tube, I always get the £1.00 per tube stuff. Much of the expensive stuff is the cheaper stuff repackaged!

twobob_2

If youre going to 'glue' it make sure the slate is clean & dry before you attempt. You can buy the lead tabs from most builders merchants, alternatively if you have a bit of copper pipe you can flatten it with a hammer.

ahll

if you flatten some copper pipe then what would you do with it ?

Do you need to put lots of 'glue' on the slate before putting it back on ?

twobob_2

If you flatten a piece of copper pipe you can use it instean of the 'lead tags' you mention (i.e. it does not rust).

I would glue the area on the roof rather than the slate because you will probably need to slide it into position whilst wedging up the 2 slates directly above it.

plumb1_2

Do not use silicone to stick the slate back into possition, you need to use a copper strap which can be made by flattening a piece of copper pipe(200mm long) and drilling a 4 mm hole 25mm from one end, then you can nail it to the timber batten with a galvanised clout nail.
If can't push the slate back in place, it could be that the old fixing nails are still in, you will need a slate rip to pull them out(these can be hired)

If you have a few slates with lead straps in one area maybe worth taking them off and nailing them without the straps, todo this just work in a diamound/triangular patern.

ahll

I havent been up on to the roof yet to try and put the tile back but I am a little confused.

If I 'flattening a piece of copper pipe(200mm long) and drilling a 4 mm hole 25mm from one end' and I slip the slate under the exisitin one there how will I be able to hammer a nail in ?

Am I right in thinking the flattened copper pipe goes at the top of the slate to be put back ? Can anyone describe the process I need to go through to put the slate back ?