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21 Feb
There are two different methods of fixing roofing slates….
So which is the right option for your job?
When deciding which method to use you need to consider various factors;
The roofs exposure level to driving rain, the pitch of the roof and the size of the slate being used. You also need to consider the profile of the roof.
Nail fixing and hook fixing both have their advantages and disadvantages which can affect the appearance and the design of the roof.
Hook fixing is more popular in areas of the UK where there is severe exposure to driving wind and rain. These are areas such as Scotland, Cumbria, Wales, Devon and Cornwall. Hooks give much better resistance to wind lift as the hook secures the tail of the slate and locks them together more firmly.
Nails give you a clean finish to the roof as each slate covers up the nails on the slate underneath. Hooks are fixed in place showing the end the hook which is visible on each slate.
Hook fixing allows slates with a width of 100mm to be used, so if the design of the roof features narrow slates in valleys or domes for example then hooks would be perfect.
Nail fixing a slate needs a 25mm margin between the hole and the longitudinal edge and this restricts their width to a minimum of 150mm.
When maintaining the roof after installation you need to consider how to replace the odd slate that may need replacing. Slates that have been fixed with nails can only be replaced when fixing with hooks due to the way that the slates overlap each other. A hook fix will also keep the slate in place if the slate breaks across the width of the slate.
If you are still unsure about which method is best for you, then please give one of our friendly sales team a call on 0333 011 7900