If you have a slate roof and need to replace one or several of the tiles, then you may want to speak with a professional about this. If you are confident about completing the job on your own, then you should know that there are a few essentials that you will need. Keep reading to learn about what they are.
Copper Nails
The vast majority of roofing jobs can be completed with standard roofing nails constructed from stainless steel. However, when it comes to slate, you should be using copper nails instead. This is true for a few different reasons. The most significant is the fact the copper nails will last longer. This is ideal since slate is one of the longest-lasting roofing materials with a lifespan of 50 years or more in some cases.
Also, copper nails will resist corrosion unlike the ones made from steel. While stainless steel nails are galvanized, the coating is typically stripped away during the installation process. This occurs due to the way that the nails are forced into the tiles themselves, leaving the steel unprotected. Copper does not corrode, so this issue can be completed avoided with the use of the metal.
When choosing your nails, you want to buy the one-quarter inch varieties that are either 10 or 11 gauge. And, think about buying smooth shank nails. A smooth shank allows each nail to be driven in easier, and the nails can also be removed quickly if the tile needs to be replaced.
Copper Strips
Oftentimes, a copper strip is secured to each slate tile during the installation process. So, you want to add one to the shingle you are replacing, and it should sit just underneath the nails that you use to secure the shingle in place. The strip should be a few inches wide and four or five inches long. This allows the strip to protect the seam where the shingle is exposed under the two tiles that sit just above it.
The protection allows water to be wicked away from the shingle so it does not pool underneath it. This prevents leaks from developing and it also reduces moisture that allows for the formation of mold. The copper metal itself is able to minimize and destroy mold and moss to keep your shingles in great shape.
If you want to know more about slate tile roofing and the types of tools and products that you will need to replace a tile, speak with a slate roofing repair professional.
