Fixing to slate tile roofs

[SolarCity]

I know this subject has been discussed many times on this forum but I thought I'd bring it up again seeing as I've got four jobs to do next week, all with slate tiles.

I was just wondering how other installers are going about it.

I'll let you know how I'm doing it and feel free to comment or criticise. Currently, I remove the slates where the bracket is to be fitted and lay down some lead. I then screw down a standard plain tile bracket. I then refit the slates apart from the one directly above or below the bracket. Another layer of lead is dressed in over the newly installed bracket. This doesn't actually look that bad. However, it uses a lot of lead and I'm wondering if there are any other methods that anyone has used.

I don't like the idea of drilling a slates although I concede that this may be an entirely watertight and professional way of doing things. The flat slate bracket baffles me. Being flat, I would assume that the bracket is fitted on the slate itself. Surely, if this is the case, the slate would be likely to break in years to come?

I'm interested to hear your thoughts.

 

[BruceB]

I am trying the flat slate anchors later this week for the first time combined with some lead. I'll let you know how it goes or whether a nightmare!

 

[SolarCity]

Are you planning on fixing the brackets on top of the slates or just sucking it and see?

 

[Von Vardo]

We lift the slates and flash around the brackets as you do but then cut the slate to fit around the bracket

 

[BruceB]

I am planning on removing the top slate then screwing the slate anchor all the way through the lower slate(s) into rafter but making sure the load bearing end sits on the slate above a batten in order that there is little or no bending moment imposed on the slate. Then some lead over the top of the anchor and then the top slate replaced with a notch cut out of it. There were some photos of that technique on here a month or so ago I think. Only 18 anchors to do on a small roof so hopefully a good one to learn on!
Regards
Bruce

 

[Worcester]

@BruceB You could also use a lead alternative, we have successfully used "IKO Flash lead free flashing" Product Page - IKO High Performance Roofing Systems on a couple if recent jobs, it took the roofers a couple of anchors to get used to working with the new material, however the job was well done and looked good. From the ground even on a bungalow roof you couldn't tell the difference. (p.s. it's 1/2 the price of lead)

 

[SolarCity]

That's interesting, Bruce. Does this not leave a very small area of the bracket actually screwed tight to anything? Just the part above the batten?

 

[BruceB]

@Worcester, yes, I noticed you mentioned that stuff a couple of weeks ago or so. I have got a roll of 8" wide thick sticky flashing (no name on it anymore) which I believe is similar and I was also going to try.

@Biggs, The screw holes in the slate anchors are at the up-roof end. The weight bearing end is the down-roof end. Hopefully both ends will be above or near battens. It should work if I am lucky with headlap, slate length, anchor length, batten pitch, but I acknowledge there are a few variables! I'll try to remember to take a few photos.

Regards
Bruce

 

[SolarCity]

Thanks Bruce, I'll be interested to see the pictures.

It would appear that there is no 'good' solution to the slate tile problem.

 

[power7171]

Hi

I am going to be doing my first slate job next week and i am very intrested in how you lot get on with your jobs.

My only concere is when you remove the tiles and have fixed in the brackets how do you refix the last slate around the area you have removed.

 

[Worcester]

Ok, The boys at work, Anyone at the Segen conference in Sept, can by me a beer http://------/SlateRoofInstall

 

[BruceB]

I said I would try to take some pictures of the slate roof I did yesterday and today. A small installation: 6 vertical rails, 18 anchors and 12 190W landscape panels. In the end it was straightforward enough apart from having to work in the rain much of the time. I have attached a file with some pictures (1MB).
Regards
Bruce

 

[SolarCity]

Thanks for sharing that with us, Bruce, its most appreciated.

I suppose the big issue with slate tiles is that many of us are electricians and haven't had much experience of them. I'm very windy about fixing brackets onto slates because I worry about where stresses will be exerted on the tile.

 

[Pwee]

good pictures and information. cheers for that mate.

 

[MikeXl426]

Thanks for that Bruce

How did the brackets feel? Were they wobbly? I was wondering that if the wind lifted the bracket, the lower screw would act as a fulcrum and break the slate near the top. Did it feel secure enough to handle lift? I may be wrong but wonder if the slate would break under a lift load.