What is Headlap on a slate roof?

The top of the slate is referred to as the ‘head’. Overlap is when one slate overlaps another, whereas ‘head lap’ is when the head of a slate is overlapped by the slate two courses above it. On a slate roof this is the critical overlap and is necessary to prevent water penetration and leakage.

What is the minimum Headlap for a slate shingle installed on a roof with a slope of 6 12?

Slate shingles shall comply with ASTM C406. Minimum headlap for slate shingles shall be in accordance with Table 1507.7. 6. Slate shingles shall be secured to the roof with two fasteners per slate.

1507.7 Slate Shingles.

SLOPE HEADLAP (inches)
4:12 < slope < 8:12 4
8:12 < slope < 20:12 3
slope ≥ 20:12 2

What is the minimum Headlap for a slate shingle installed on a roof with a slope of 4 12?

4 inches

Headlap or Exposure by Slope
The standard minimum headlap is 3 inches, so the exposure for a 20-inch slate is: 20 – 3 = 17 ÷ 2 = 8½ inches. According to modern building codes, if the roof is 4:12 or greater but less than 8:12, the headlap should be a minimum of 4 inches.

Can you put a ladder on a slate roof?

Slate is hard-wearing and durable but it can easily crack under pressure. That’s why professionals use hook ladders, jacks and planks on slate roofing. This allows them to walk on the roof without putting any weight on it.

How do you set up battens for a slate roof?

We need to play some of your chosen slates onto the roof along with some buttons to help us have a look at the batten spacings a bit better. Pick up two buttons. And place them on the roof.

How do you calculate slate Headlap?

Take the length of the slate, deduct the headlap and divide the answer in half for the gauge dimension. For a 500mm long slate with a 100mm headlap the gauge is 500-100=400×0. 5= 200mm. In this case the nail holes should be 200+100+4=304mm from the leading edge of the slate.

What does Headlap mean on roof tiles?

The very top of the slate is called the “head.” When one slate overlaps another, that’s called overlap. Pretty simple. When the head of a slate is overlapped by the slate two courses above it, that’s called headlap — that’s the critical overlap on a slate roof (Figure 2).

What is the shallowest pitch for a slate roof?

The Minimum Roof Pitch for Natural Slates is 20 degrees (BS 5534:2014 Page 45), depending on Size of Slate See Table Above (BS 5534:2014 Page 45, Table 9). Slates 450mm Long or Less Should Not Be Used at Pitches Of 27.5 Degrees or Less (Moderate & Severe Exposure) (BS 5534:2014 Page 45).

What’s the minimum pitch on a slate roof?

20 degrees
‘The minimum pitch for any double-lap slating is actually only 20 degrees, but there are many design factors that go in to this and so, in reality, this is rarely seen; a more realistic minimum pitch for most slates is around 27.5 degrees, but even this depends on certain conditions’.

What is the lowest pitch you can have on a slate roof?

The Minimum Roof Pitch for Natural Slates is 20 degrees (BS 5534:2014 Page 45), depending on Size of Slate See Table Above (BS 5534:2014 Page 45, Table 9). Slates 450mm Long or Less Should Not Be Used at Pitches Of 27.5 Degrees or Less (Moderate & Severe Exposure) (BS 5534:2014 Page 45).

What is the best pitch for a slate roof?

It is agreed that the roof pitch should be a minimum of 20 degrees, preferably a bit more. A couple of likely slate suppliers are consulted and they confirm that they are happy to supply 600x300mm slates for a minimum roof pitch of 20 degrees, assuming a minimum lap of 125mm.

Can you walk on slate?

Natural slate tiles are relatively smooth and on a pitched roof they become slippery when wet. If the roof has aged, there has likely been mold or mildew buildup that makes it even more dangerous to walk on.

How can I walk on my roof without damaging it?

Tips for Walking On Your Tile Roof

  1. Distribute your weight evenly.
  2. Transfer your weight between your feet gradually as you walk.
  3. Walk on the balls of your feet.
  4. Never jump or leap from tile to tile.
  5. Make sure you’re wearing soft-soled shoes with good grip.

Does a slate roof need battens?

The different shapes and sizes of the slates make it highly unlikely for water to get stuck, meaning there isn’t a need for battens.

How much batten do you need for a slate roof?

The minimum size of a batten for slating is 25x50mm.
It is recommended that, once battens are fixed, every second perpendicular line is marked for slate joints. A gap of 3–5mm between each slate is recommended.

What is the minimum degree of pitch for a slate roof?

What is the lowest pitch for a slate roof?

Is a 20 degree roof pitch OK?

It is agreed that the roof pitch should be a minimum of 20 degrees, preferably a bit more. A couple of likely slate suppliers are consulted and they confirm that they are happy to supply 600x300mm slates for a minimum roof pitch of 20 degrees, assuming a minimum lap of 125mm.

What roof tiles go down to 12 degrees?

900, Woodshake and Roman profiles go down to 12 degrees.

Is it OK to stand on a slate roof?

Pitched slate roofs are particularly dangerous and the fragility of the slate when it is walked on only adds to the danger. Slate is also resistant to water so any surface water will run down the slate and make it even more dangerous to walk on.

Can you repair slate roofs?

Broken or missing slate tiles are easy to see and repair but it requires careful examination by a roofing inspector with knowledge of slate roofing to determine if the slate is at the end of its service life. One sign it may be time for replacement is when 20 to 30% of the slates on a roof need repair.

Will I damage my roof if I walk on it?

Walking on your roof (unless absolutely necessary)
Beyond the potential of falling off, there is the actual damage to the roof that may occur as a result of your walking on it. Walking on your asphalt shingles can leave the shingles bare, dislodge them or create gaps that can increase the potential for leaks.

How do you walk on a tiled roof without breaking tiles?

Should you leave a gap between slates?

Lay the roof 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.

What batten spacing for slates?