Laying slate sheets is one of the most practical and affordable methods of creating a roof. Since the installation technology is quite simple, many do it themselves. Consider how the correct laying of slate with your own hands can be carried out.
Despite the fact that a large number of different roofing materials have recently appeared, asbestos-cement slate is still popular.
This phenomenon is explained simply: with the help of this roofing material you can assemble a reliable and durable roof without spending impressive funds.
Indeed, the slate itself is inexpensive, and its installation can be done without the involvement of roofers, saving on paying for their services.
Preparatory work
Like any construction process, slate laying must begin with preliminary planning and calculations.
As a rule, slate is recommended for use on pitched roofs of a simple form.
The minimum angle of inclination of the slopes is determined by the calculated snow load in a particular region. As a rule, for the conditions of the middle lane, slate roofs must have a slope of at least 12 degrees.
It is also necessary to calculate the amount of slate. This indicator depends on the area of \u200b\u200bthe roof, as well as on the chosen brand of slate.
If you plan to purchase domestic material, then you should remember that the dimensions of the sheets are regulated in accordance with GOST 30340-95.
On sale you can find sheets of six-, seven- or eight-wave slate. You can navigate by the brand of the product, by which you can find out not only the number of waves, but also such indicators as the wave step and its height.
Example: If the brand of slate is 40/150-8, then the sheet of this material has 8 waves, while the wave height is 40 mm, and their spacing is 150 mm.
In addition, you should consider the installation method that will be used during installation. For example, if laying is planned in a run-up, then it is more profitable to purchase an eight-wave slate, since the consumption of this material will be less than that of a six-wave one.
Lathing device

To fix the sheets of slate on the roof, it is necessary to build a crate.As a rule, the technology of laying slate involves the installation of a trellised crate made of boards or timber, having a section of 60 by 60 mm.
Step roof battens is chosen so that each slate sheet rests on at least three bars, that is, usually the distance between adjacent bars is 400-450 mm.
If it is planned to install a gutter for a drain on the roof, then this must be done before the laying of the sheets has begun. In addition, it is desirable to lay waterproofing material on the rafters, this will improve the performance of the roof.
The order of installation of slate sheets

If slate is used to cover the roof, the sheets are always laid with an overlap. Horizontally, the width of the overlap can be one or two waves.
Naturally, the second method of installation will require more material consumption, therefore, it will cost more. However, it will allow you to create a more reliable and tight coating. Vertical overlap, as a rule, is not less than 200 mm.
Since it is undesirable to fix more than two layers of slate in one place of the crate, several methods have been devised on how to lay slate.
- Laying in a run. This is one of the more popular methods. . In this case, each new row is laid with a shift relative to the previous one, that is, the joints of the sheets of the first row do not coincide with the joints of the sheets located in the second row. This slate laying scheme ensures that no more than two sheets can be joined at each individual point of the roof. However, in the last vertical row, an uneven edge is obtained, which will have to be trimmed on purpose.
When using an eight-wave slate, there is a fairly practical variant of this method.
All the first sheets, which are supposed to be laid in odd rows, are cut in half (that is, only four waves remain).
When using this method, the offset lines from row to row will be clearly repeated, which looks quite aesthetically pleasing.
In addition, one sheet sawn in half is enough to start two rows at once (for example, the first and third).
The convenience of this option lies in the fact that after laying the first sheets (halves in the first row and a whole in the second), you no longer have to think about how to make an offset.
With simple laying horizontally, the necessary shift is formed by itself. Cutting sheets may be required only when leveling the end of the roof.
- Corner trim. This method is more economical in terms of material consumption, but requires a lot of labor, since preliminary work with the material is expected. It is necessary to cut the lower corners of the sheets of the upper rows by 120 mm in length and 100 mm in width. Well, we have prepared slate - how to lay according to this method?
The first row is mounted as usual. Starting from the second row, cut sheets are used, so that only two layers of slate remain at the junctions.
slate fasteners
After the laying is completed, the slate will need to be fixed on the crate. Roofing nails, self-tapping screws or screws can be used for this purpose.
Roof fasteners must have an enlarged hat and a rubber seal.
Advice! It is recommended to mark the sheets in advance, according to the step of the crate, and drill holes for the fasteners. If self-tapping screws or screws are used, then drilling holes is mandatory, but also when using slate nailspreferably use the same method.The fact is that if you hammer a nail without a pre-made hole, then you can split the sheet with one inaccurate movement.
The location of the mounting holes should be as follows:
- In the lower corner of the stacked sheet;
- In the second wave (overlapped);
- Diagonally - symmetrically to previously made.
Fastening is carried out at the top point of the ascending wave (to the crest). For junctions, joints, ridges, cornices and other difficult places on the roof, you should use ready-made curly elements made of asbestos cement.
The installation of such elements with their subsequent sealing with mastic will ensure the reliability of the roof.
Slate Handling Precautions

If wave slate is used, the installation must be carried out with certain precautions.
- Slate - the material is quite fragile, so if you need to move along the roof, you need to use wooden scaffolding.
- When sawing slate with a hacksaw or other tool, measures should be taken to protect the respiratory system from cement dust.
- When working at height, it is imperative to use mounting belts and safety cables.
conclusions
The slate installation technology is not complicated, so even novice craftsmen can handle this work. Beginners can be advised to visually see how the slate is laid - a video on this topic is easy to find on construction portals.
A properly laid slate roof can last without repair for at least five decades, of course, if during this time there is no emergency situation associated with external impact on the coating.
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