Holes in slates wrong for vertical cladding can I punch some more?

[MikeSharp01]

We are getting ready to fit the cladding which is formed of fibre cement slates hung vertically. The ones we have have the holes set for the roof pitch but I can get away with a 25mm smaller headlap when using them vertically, and save myself 200+slates! It means adding some new fixing holes 25mm below the ones in the slate. As far as I can see the old holes won't be visible so I am thinking there is no problem doing this but just in case I am being very stupid and cannot see the obvious I though I would seek the collective wisdom!

 

Is it OK to punch new holes and carry on?

[TonyT]

I made a cover for my car charger, I just drilled the slate with a masonary bit, on drill not hammer.  Never punched a hole in slate and didn’t have spares so drilling worked for me

Edited June 29, 2023 by TonyT

[Temp]

In case not obvious...the lap is determined by the batten spacing as well. 

[Mr Punter]

Why not consider hook fixing?  They are much more secure and the slates won't rattle in the wind.

[joe90]

1 minute ago, Mr Punter said:

Why not consider hook fixing?  They are much more secure and the slates won't rattle in the wind.

+1, my builder used hooks and a far better method in my opinion (and you can get broken slates out and replace them!).

[makie]

3 hours ago, joe90 said:

+1, my builder used hooks and a far better method in my opinion (and you can get broken slates out and replace them!).

Cement fibre slates are nailed then have a copper rivet fitter to stop them lifting. Hooks would be pointless.

[Mr Punter]

22 minutes ago, makie said:

Cement fibre slates are nailed then have a copper rivet fitter to stop them lifting. Hooks would be pointless.

 

Not all.  Some can be hook fixed.