Gaps with slates should be lying flat on a roof...

nobile

"Gaps WHERE slates should be lying flat on a roof..."

Relating to a kitchen extension a few years old now.

In the last few months been getting woodlice coming through the cooker hood (and meeting a nasty end judging by the number I found!) Some made it through but I couldn't work out how.

Had a look from my neighbours side to see these gaps- there are no gaps on the other side, everything is very flush) but not so as you can see in the photos.

(best photos I can take from my side)

https://ibb.co/m4dXWx

https://ibb.co/kjhFjH

How can I resolve this? A bit of expanding foam and them trim?

Some magic roofing sealant that builders swear by? (except mine obviously!)

A bit of cement?

None of the above? All of the above?

And no, I won't call those builders back in because I might end up in jail!

Your advice is always appreciated! Thanks

Furts

I am uncertain about orientation with the photos. There is no guttering so I am assuming the photos are taken showing the verge. If so the first issue is there will be perpetual problems because the tiles and the wall have not been built correctly. However sorting this out means removing the slates and best not go there!

If you buy polysulphide, or silicone, sealant in an appropriate colour then a good, substantial bead could be run up the verge. Put the tubes into a skeleton gun and away you go. Get this into the gaps. This will also stick the render and tiles together helping to prevent future cracking

nobile

Thanks for that advice.

Guttering is at the front - the issue is at the sides (the Verge)

I've ordered a tube of Arbokol 1000 Polysulphide Sealant 380ml.

So best not to cement any of the gaps?

Furts

nobile wrote: »

Thanks for that advice.

So best not to cement any of the gaps?

Any cement mix will crack away, it will shrink and it will be difficult to get it into any gaps. If you are used to pointing then you would be able to work a bit in here and there. You would have a bucket handle finisher tool. So your choice here.

Personally I would avoid any cement mix, and carefully gun in some expanding foam where I could. But that means having a decent gun and a can of foam, plus experience of carefully using this. Again your choice.

I would not be surprised if the edge slates are not properly fixed. Which is why using polysulphide/silicone would be a one hit application and job done. Gaps sealed, slates glued down, and no more render coming away. But you may need more than one tube, so do not be surprised if the job eats up 2+ tubes.

nobile

Thanks Furts - that's great advice. Really appreciated