Using a specialized ripping bar, each slate tile is removed by extracting the copper nails used to hold the tile in place. Then, once the nails have been removed, the slate tile is slipped out of place, and placed in a bucket or tub for removal. This process continues until the entire roof has been removed.

How do you remove a slate roof?

Most slate pieces are held in place with two nails, although large pieces use four nails. The ripper has a curved end, which must be hooked onto each nail individually. Move the nail ripper towards the back of the slate piece, then slide the ripper towards the side of the slate piece until the ripper stops at a nail.

What can I replace a slate roof with?





Concrete tiles are an excellent alternative to slate, and they offer many benefits over natural slates. Here at Marley, our Edgemere Anthracite concrete roof tiles have been developed to provide the beautiful, natural appearance of slate at a fraction of the cost – and with easier installation.

How do you remove a slate roof without breaking it?

Lift the side of the slate (and the nail) 3mm or so. Put the slate back down and lift the nail, with the bar, from above the slate. Then put your hand as far under the slate (towards the second nail) as you can, so as to support it, and push (and pull)the slate up. The action you are after is like turning a page.

How do you remove slates?

Slide the slate ripper tool under the slate you want to remove, and locate one of the two clouts holding the slate in place. Catch the clout in one of the hooks notched into the ripper’s blade. Applying a gentle downwards pressure on the handle, use the hammer to strike gently on the upright of the ripper.

Can I walk 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. If you don’t have the proper materials on hand, it’s best to let a professional tend to the roof.

How do you replace a slate slipped roof?






Quote from Youtube video: Without trapping generally. Speaking it's easier to pull nails out rather than to chop them. So I'm now feeling for the left-hand nail and hooking it onto it. So I can hammer the slate rip downwards.

What is the average lifespan of a slate roof?

75 to 200 years

Hard slate will last anywhere from years, while soft slate will last only 50 to 125 years,” he said, adding that as a result, a homeowner trying to decide whether to repair, restore or replace a slate roof should first determine whether the existing slate is hard or soft.

How often does a slate roof need to be replaced?

Slate is a natural material with unmatched technical features that will last well over 100 years. In fact, it’s usually the fixings and the supporting timbers that deteriorate before the slate tiles themselves.

How expensive is a slate roof?



Average cost: $11,000 – $24,000



The average roofing installation price for a slate tile roof costs anywhere between $11,550 to $24,000 depending on the slope, pitch, and size of your home’s roof. You can expect to pay $9 to $16 per sq. foot or $900 to $1,600 per square installed on a standard sized single story home.

What is a slate rip?

In this article we will be covering how to use a slate ripper, but first, what is a slate ripper? This is a tool that is used to remove and replace broken, cracked or chipped slates from a roof. Alongside your slate ripper (sometimes known as a slasher), you may also use a hammer, slate cutter, and lead snips.

How do you retile a slate roof?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Make sure that your rafters or trusses are clean of any splinters or old nails that may damage the membrane. Or under socking. That's going to go on next. The next step is to roll out your chosen.

How are slate tiles attached to a roof?



The sheathing, also called decking, is the wood to which the slate is attached. Ideally, the wood will last 150 years — or long enough to support an average initial slate roof and replacement slate roof. The right sheathing choice is individual plank boards.

What is under a slate roof?

Underlayments: Underlayments are installed on the roof deck, prior to the installation of the slate roofing shingles. Roof underlayments include traditional asphalt saturated organic felts as well as many synthetic underlayments and ice dam protection membranes.

How do you install slate shingles?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: So at the bottom of a roof. You can put drip edge usually copper or slate is actually a natural drip edge so we're just going to go ahead and start with wood can't strip.

What is the difference between slate and tile roof?

The basic difference



The fundamental distinction to be made between slate and tiles is the fact that slate is natural stone while tiles are a manufactured product.

Is a slate roof worth it?



Unlike many roofing materials, slate tiles are completely fireproof. Weather resistance is another reason slate roofs are worth the investment. They are waterproof as well as resistant to severe weather and perfect for colder climates. Slate roofs can withstand high winds, heavy snow, and rain.

How do I know if my roof is slate?

How to Identify Slate Roofing and Slate Tiles?

  1. Slate Tiles Are Made Of Natural Rock.
  2. Slate Tiles Can Be Crumbly or Smooth.
  3. Slate Roofing Comes In Specific colours.
  4. Slate Roofs Are Found On High-End Properties.
  5. Slate Rock Does Not Bend.


Are roof slates more expensive than tiles?

Slate tends to be more expensive than tiles. It is also double lapped to perform a watertight layer, which adds to the cost of installation. However, it’s long-lasting properties usually mean that after the initial cost, you will have very few expenses on your roof for many years to come.

How long does a composite slate roof last?



Unlike less expensive asphalt shingles, however, synthetic slate roofs can last for up to 100 years, and the majority of synthetic slate shingles have 50-year warranties.

What are artificial slates made of?

What are artificial slate tiles made of? The most common types of artificial slate are; fibre cement and composite slate. Fibre Cement Slates are manufactured using cement together with a non-asbestos formulation of blended synthetic and cellulose fibres.