Setting Out A Roof For Slating

When slating with a shallow pitch a wide slate is highly recommended for maximum side lap or lateral lap side overlaps.

Setting out a roof for slating.

Start by establishing the position for the lowest batten for the slates tiles on the roof allow for the overhang of. The width of the first course slates was 12 a very heavy thick slate to cut. The first thing to do is work out the slate exposure as you would for normal slating the length of the slate minus the headlap divided by 2 the exposure. Installation when laying out a roof in preparation for slating it chalk lines across the entire roof area marking the top edge of every row of slate.

Cut the second under eaves course from the same slate as the first course. Then determine the position of the highest batten at the top typically the top of the uppermost row of slates tiles. You should have all of these tools plus a nail belt chalk line utility knife and a collection of ladders. The building will have an exposed timber eaves.

The gutter will be formed in cast aluminium. Alternatively the fascia board can be raised slightly in order to raise the bottom of the starter course. First courses of slating on the main roof note the undereaves slates fitted upside down to form a drip with the first course slates. Work towards both verges with the remaining under eaves slates.

Measure between the top of the top batten and the top of. Traditionally this has been done by nailing a cant or shim strip made from wood under the bottom edge of the starter course usually the same wood that is used to create the roof deck see photos below. For example a 20 inch slate with a 3 inches headlap would have an 8 5 inches exposure 20 inches 3 inches 2 81 2 inches. This is also the lathing gauge for that course.

Locate the centre point of the eaves and centre the first under eaves slate.