Slate roofs can sometimes have minor issues arise with them so this guide is here to show you how to fix some of the more common problems.
Leaking Roof
Broken slates are normally visible from the ground and quite a few issues with slates are capable of causing a leak. A missing slate is an obvious leak, a slate cracked horizontally, cracked vertically or having a corner missing can all also cause leaks but some are harder to spot from the ground than others. If you start experiencing leaks then it is smart to get a ladder to have a closer inspection.
How to replace a Slate
To replace a slipped or broken slate you need to use a slate ripper. A slate ripper allows you to push up slates to cut or pull out the fixing nails. Insert the ripper under the damaged slates then push it up and work it around to hook one of the cutting edges behind a fixing nail. pull the ripper down the line of slates in an attempt to break the nail. If the ripper doesn't break the nail you may need to also use a hammer. Repeat this process until each nail is gone and the slate is free. now you simply need to pull the damaged slate out of the roof although you may need to lever up the surrounding slates to remove pressure from it. carefully raise the slates in the row above the missing one and align the new one in place while keeping it in line with the roof slope as much as possible.
Leaking Roof
Broken slates are normally visible from the ground and quite a few issues with slates are capable of causing a leak. A missing slate is an obvious leak, a slate cracked horizontally, cracked vertically or having a corner missing can all also cause leaks but some are harder to spot from the ground than others. If you start experiencing leaks then it is smart to get a ladder to have a closer inspection.
How to replace a Slate
To replace a slipped or broken slate you need to use a slate ripper. A slate ripper allows you to push up slates to cut or pull out the fixing nails. Insert the ripper under the damaged slates then push it up and work it around to hook one of the cutting edges behind a fixing nail. pull the ripper down the line of slates in an attempt to break the nail. If the ripper doesn't break the nail you may need to also use a hammer. Repeat this process until each nail is gone and the slate is free. now you simply need to pull the damaged slate out of the roof although you may need to lever up the surrounding slates to remove pressure from it. carefully raise the slates in the row above the missing one and align the new one in place while keeping it in line with the roof slope as much as possible.