How Should Slate Roofing Be Cut

Synthetic slate roofing is a great alternative to the real slate shingles that are cut from stone.

How should slate roofing be cut.

2 mark and cut the top of the slate when using power tools. Remove small sections at a. Slate will often need to be cut to size in order to fit around protrusions or complex structures as well as to create complete rows of tiles on roofs but it can be a challenge to cut the slate correctly without it splitting. When cutting slate manually with a hammer and chisel or a handheld slate cutter flip it over and cut along the flat underside of the tiles.

Tip 2 cutting your tile use a bench saw or circular saw with a masonry blade to cut your tile. Draw a cutting line in chalk on the front of the slate this is the only time you ll hear us advising cutting the. Slate is an incredibly versatile and attractive material that is most commonly used on roofs and flooring. Imported slates offer a cheaper alternative for your slate roof although units sourced from overseas have been subject to some bad press over recent years.

Most new slate is either pre holed or can be requested to be pre holed when ordering and nearly all reclaimed slates have been holed already. Nail holes the nail holes in a slate are normally punched 20 to 25mm 3 4 to 1 in from the outside edges of the slate unless the slate is fixed via the head top with a nail or a wooden peg. Tip 1 marking the tile edge your slate tile edges will need to be straight if they are to fit use a straightedge and narrow piece of ou have your straightedge aligned correctly use a slight pressure to draw a line on the tile. Starting at the outer edge place the slate between the claws and apply gentle pressure.

Place the tile face down inside a slate cutter which look like s large paper slicer. Cut the tile slowly along the scored line. Natural slate can be cut into any shape for installation on your slate roof although rectangular units are the traditional option in the uk. This reduced weight makes it easier to work with and safer since the roof does not have to support as much weight.

Not only are synthetic slate tiles cheaper they also weigh much less than real slate. Expert hacks for cutting slate roof tiles 1.