Fixing Loose Roof Slates

If the tile or paver is already cracked or chipped it may be easier to break it up and remove it in smaller pieces.

Fixing loose roof slates.

Replacing missing roof slates or tiles. Lead bib slate repair if the roof hasn t got too many mistakes a good method of repair is the lead bib it s simply a section of code 3 or 4 flashing lead cut large enough to sit under the faulty slate or bad overlap to make it waterproof and the repair invisible. Reinstate or replace any loose or missing tiles and slates. First identify the damaged or loose piece of slate on your slate walkway.

To avoid lifting the surrounding slates too much you will need to use a slate ripper which can be pushed up between the slates to cut or pull out the fixing nails. Fixing points generally roof tiles have two fixing options lugs or lugs and nails. Normally friction alone is enough to hold the lead bib in place. Roof tiles and slates can break or come loose due to high winds or impact damage the failure of fixings and the action of frost or structural decay of timber roofing members.

They are ideal for securing loose top course slates as well as isolated slates in the centre of a roof. Many slipped slates due to the original nails now rotting away completely strips of lead approx 12. If you have successfully removed the grout around the tile you should be able to easily lift it up. Roofing slates on the other hand will always be nailed as this is their primary and only point of fixing unless it s a hook fixing or in very rare occasions old traditional slate roofs may have wooden pegs.

Insert the ripper upwards under the damaged slate push it up and work it around to hook one of the cutting edges behind a fixing nail. A hole is drilled through the new slate directly above the plate and the joint in the lower slates for the screw to clamp them together in the same mode as a tail rivet. Quick video i made when i was fixing the roof last week.