Fixing Loose Roof Slates

Replacing missing roof slates or tiles.

Fixing loose roof slates.

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. 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. 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.

They are ideal for securing loose top course slates as well as isolated slates in the centre of a roof. First identify the damaged or loose piece of slate on your slate walkway. 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. Normally friction alone is enough to hold the lead bib in place.

The nail hole is punched into the slate from the back so that the ragged part of the hole is on the front or face of the slate. This will allow the nail to sit flush in the hole. Many slipped slates due to the original nails now rotting away completely strips of lead approx 12. 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.

Slide the slate into place use the gap between the sides of the above course of slates to mark the location of a single holding nail. Quick video i made when i was fixing the roof last week. If you have successfully removed the grout around the tile you should be able to easily lift it up.