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Slate Roof Repair

betterbuiltnyc | Posted in General Discussion on August 15, 2009 10:35am

Got a referal from my roofer today–he doesn’t do slate, and the project involves some framing which he doesn’t do, so he passed. I’m drawn to the tough stuff like a moth to the flame, so I bit.

The roof in question is a garage in the back garden. Several years ago the client had an eyebrow window installed to create a cottage look. The dumbazz contractor didn’t bother to frame an arch, instead he did a series of flats and created a bunch of hips that weren’t flashed properly. The whole thing leaks and has caused extensive rot in the wall, sheeting, and rafters. We discussed framing a proper eyebrow, or simple dormer, but at this point the client just wants a solid roof that doesn’t leak.

I’ve done some slate repair work years ago, but nothing in an age. I suggested stripping all the slates from this side and getting some used slates to weave in. So I’ve got three questions. First, does anyone have a source for used slates in the NYC area, or someone that can ship. Second, I can’t seem to find a thread that describes best practices for installing slate. Can someone make the search engine work better than I can and point me to one? Third question: is this a project I should pursue, or is it too much for someone who doesn’t do this every day? Things aren’t slow, but our niche is projects other don’t want to touch, and the job is in a neighborhood I would like to get more work in.

I’ve attached a few pix. Please don’t hesitate to be honest with me!

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  1. theslateman | Aug 15, 2009 10:44pm | #1

    Better ,

    I'm assuming you'll be taking the eyebrow off to do the repairs to rafters , walls and sheathing   -- is that correct ?

    You'll then have to slate in that pitch with no dormer ??

    There are several used slate sales co's in Vermont . I'll dig up the names for you .

    I've put up quite a few threads over the years here on slate installs , I'll try to locate a couple of those too .

    Walter

    1. betterbuiltnyc | Aug 15, 2009 11:36pm | #2

      Walter-I was hoping to hear from you! The client decided to remove the eyebrow, fix the sheeting/framing, and remove the whole pitch so we can mix in the replacement slates and end up with a roof that looks right and doesn't leak. I'm from Vermont and headed up soon to visit family, so a field trip to a slate yard would be awesome.I've been searching again for a good thread, but most seem focused on flashing details, valley details and gutters. Assuming there is decent sheeting, can I just grace the pitch and go about slating? What should I do at the ridge? Slide some flashing under the opposite pitch? Should I remove the cap slates from both sides?Thanks!

      1. theslateman | Aug 15, 2009 11:49pm | #3

        Better,

        Thats a fairly easy job once you've completed the framing and resheathing work .

        Theres no need to Grace the whole roof unless you want to . Felt or synthetics above the first 4' would be adequate.

        Here are some salvage places up there .

        http://www.camaraslate.com/

         

        http://www.vintageslate.com/

        I didn't look closely at the ridge in the pictures but I'll look again later at that and a thread on installing it .

        Walter

        1. theslateman | Aug 16, 2009 01:59pm | #7

          Betterbuilt ,

          Heres a link to slating my own garage roof that shows the install process .

          You won't have metal aprons , but still use a cant strip under the starter course at the eaves .

          Take some pictures and post here please of the demo-ing of that eyebrow . I bet thats going to be an eye opener for both framers and roofers .

          http://forums.taunton.com/n/find/findRedir.asp?webtag=tp-breaktime&mg=1FA61FE9-E7C1-439B-971D-5A3B5E3C94BB

          Walter

          1. theslateman | Aug 16, 2009 05:19pm | #8

            I just looked at the pictures again . The " contractor " who " built " the eyebrow didn't strip the whole side as evidenced by the new green slates along the valleys .

            You could just strip back that far and re-slate it if the woodwork could be accomplished with just that much roof exposed .

            Would be more cost effective and with salvaged you wouldn't notice it much .

            Walter

    2. User avater
      FatRoman | Aug 15, 2009 11:56pm | #4

      Walter,You're going to talk him into keeping that eyebrow and covering it in copper, right? ;)There's something about that blue that would be served well by such interplay with the metal.Best,
      Steve'Man who say it cannot be done should not interrupt man doing it' ~ Chinese proverb

      View Image

      1. theslateman | Aug 16, 2009 12:01am | #5

        Steve ,

        I'll let Grant handle that department !!

        Left a bid today for my six to be done with LCC . Hope Mr. Carr finds it satisfactory .

        Best ,   Walter

  2. User avater
    Jeff_Clarke | Aug 16, 2009 05:34am | #6

    Looks like semi-weathering green (sea green) with purple.   I wouldn't redo it in copper because it represents so much of the (small!) roof front.

    Jeff

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