shedMusic Posted June 9, 2019 Share Posted June 9, 2019 Hi Any thoughts or comments about how the tiles here have been laid in the image below. I have seen many images and demo videos about laying a slate roof and none off them look like this with the slates having gaps between them, as opposed to being flat on one another right from the start/eaves course. It looks to me as if the outer brick skin is one course too high and that to compensate, the slates are laid with gradually changes pitch? Also as it will be a cold roof, I don't see how it can ventilate if the eaves tiles sit flush to the brick. Thanks for any advice you can give. Mark Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeterW Posted June 9, 2019 Share Posted June 9, 2019 Looks fine to me - that edge lift is done to stop water rushing off the roof and overtopping the gutters. There are plenty of gaps for air to get through with slates - having a continuous air space top and bottom is belt and braces. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shedMusic Posted June 9, 2019 Author Share Posted June 9, 2019 (edited) OK many thanks @PeterW So it's ok to have lift on the courses above as well, with the slates only being supported at the top and bottom edges, but not in the middle? Mark Edited June 9, 2019 by shedMusic additional question .. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cpd Posted June 9, 2019 Share Posted June 9, 2019 The overlap of the slates looks good. I prefer to lay them flatter (not just touching top and bottom) but not sure this is essential, you would need to check. ‘It looks like you have used galvanised nails....... I would ONLY use copper what membrane is it and is it being used in the right way, is it on Sarking ? Is it designed not to have cross battens ? ‘It does not look like the bottom row of slates has a continuous double row under it ? How are the gutters going to be fixed. some more photos would be helpful from the front and of the last row. personally it looks a bit dubious but without more detailed photos I can’t tell. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Punter Posted June 9, 2019 Share Posted June 9, 2019 If this had been counter battened it would have reduced the kick at the bottom. Unless they have used extra long nails it may be that those on the lower course of full slates will not have enough embedment. Also the membrane looks like it will not direct water off as it goes level / up at the end. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shedMusic Posted June 9, 2019 Author Share Posted June 9, 2019 Hi @CPD I didn't lay them .. builders/contract roofers. Yes I had concerns about the nails too but it was all done by the time I got home at the end of the day. It's not on sarking just the membrane under the lathes. I assume it's the correct stuff!? Gutters on metal hangers into the brick ... but there's not much roon?! My gut feel is it's dubious too ... hence why I am asking for comments. Many thanks Mark Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simplysimon Posted June 9, 2019 Share Posted June 9, 2019 in scotland where the roof has sarking the bellcast or edge lift to slow the water is constructed using tilting fillets (ripped triangular timber) nailed to rafters the boarded over. this allows the slates to lay flat, usually the first course is laid horizontally. looking at the pic, the first course nails look to be left proud to support the next course which seems a good idea, however i wouldn't want anyone walking up the roof with all those unsupported slates. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Construction Channel Posted June 9, 2019 Share Posted June 9, 2019 Ideally they should have doubled the bottom batten to take up some of the gap. Now you have an issue of what to do on the verge detail. You could muck it in but Imo it will look out of place as it will only be on the bottom 2 slates. I wouldn't worry too much as it looks like it will keep the water out, but it could have been done better. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ProDave Posted June 9, 2019 Share Posted June 9, 2019 Yes my concern is someone later working on the roof. The point loading of say a roof ladder on the bottom couple or rows would likely break some slates. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
makie Posted June 9, 2019 Share Posted June 9, 2019 9 minutes ago, ProDave said: Yes my concern is someone later working on the roof. The point loading of say a roof ladder on the bottom couple or rows would likely break some slates. Any roofer that knows what they are doing would not fully extend the roof ladder past the bellcast. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ProDave Posted June 9, 2019 Share Posted June 9, 2019 7 minutes ago, makie said: Any roofer that knows what they are doing would not fully extend the roof ladder past the bellcast. Most roofers I see have a fixed length roof ladder that often extends beyond the bottom of the roof. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
makie Posted June 9, 2019 Share Posted June 9, 2019 2 minutes ago, ProDave said: Most roofers I see have a fixed length roof ladder that often extends beyond the bottom of the roof. If they don't have more than one roof ladder or one that can be extended they probably aren't that good of a roofer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shedMusic Posted June 9, 2019 Author Share Posted June 9, 2019 @Simplysimon Yes that is my main concern ... and it just doesn't look right! Mark Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shedMusic Posted June 9, 2019 Author Share Posted June 9, 2019 35 minutes ago, makie said: Any roofer that knows what they are doing would not fully extend the roof ladder past the bellcast. My concern is not just the bell .. there is a lift on at least the first 5 rows. Mark Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
makie Posted June 9, 2019 Share Posted June 9, 2019 1 minute ago, shedMusic said: My concern is not just the bell .. there is a lift on at least the first 5 rows. Mark It shouldn't cause you a huge problem, bring your concerns up to the roofer and they should explain everything to you. For the ventilation issue you need to install slate vents as close to the eave as possible. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shedMusic Posted June 9, 2019 Author Share Posted June 9, 2019 Many thanks to you all. I will discuss with the builders tomorrow. Mark Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Construction Channel Posted June 9, 2019 Share Posted June 9, 2019 28 minutes ago, makie said: For the ventilation issue you need to install slate vents as close to the eave as possible Im not so sure about that one. I assume you mean rip out a slate and install a vent between each rafter? If so I'm still sceptical as if that was Intended they should already be there. As for ventilation I wouldn't worry that much. Between the gaps in the slates, the breathable membrane and also assuming the didn't tape/ seal the laps it should be fine. As for roofing ladders. Most people carry a softening bag (old sofa cushion) to bring the bottom of the ladder away from the eaves. I have also seen people use a bearer (bit of batten) to spread the weight but I prefer the cushion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
makie Posted June 9, 2019 Share Posted June 9, 2019 1 minute ago, Construction Channel said: Im not so sure about that one. I assume you mean rip out a slate and install a vent between each rafter? If so I'm still sceptical as if that was Intended they should already be there. As for ventilation I wouldn't worry that much. Between the gaps in the slates, the breathable membrane and also assuming the didn't tape/ seal the laps it should be fine. As for roofing ladders. Most people carry a softening bag (old sofa cushion) to bring the bottom of the ladder away from the verge. I have also seen people use a bearer (bit of batten) to spread the weight but I prefer the cushion. The ventilation issue should have been sorted before hand. Being a roofer myself I see this issue a fair amount. It will need vents installed to be properly ventilated. Roofers should have multiple roof ladders to deal with different situations. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now