Technical

FOR THE EDGE IN NATURAL SLATE

Fixing & Grading

FIXING

Slates are normally laid double-lap. Provided they are laid to BS 5534 and other relevant standards such as BS8000-6 and purchased from a reliable source they should be fairly watertight and durable. They should be fixed using either nails or hooks and in accordance with all the relevant British standards.

Nails are much more common in use than hooks in the UK and can be used at any pitch, whereas hooks are limited to pitches of 25 degrees and over. Slating nails should be smooth-shanked and made of aluminium, copper or stainless steel.

Jewson supply all ancillary products required for the safe installation of a slate roof, including nails and hooks, under felt, battens, lead, ridge caps and any other specialist products that may be required.

GRADING

Slates should be graded prior to fixing on the roof to ensure that the slates on any one course are reasonably uniform in thickness. This prevents any excessive ‘gaps’ or ‘kicking’ of the slates and avoids the chance of increased wind after fixing.

Gaps and kicking not only increase the chance of wind-blown water ingress but may also lead to ‘roof chatter’. Slates should be sorted into three grades, with the thickest grade used at the eaves and the thinnest at the ridge. In order to minimise the natural effect of any variation in shade slate should be drawn from at least 2 pallets at a time.

Slate is a natural material and whilst every care is taken at the factory in reducing thickness variations, any obviously thick or thin slates should be put to one side for use as cuts that might be required.

For further information on the Mont Azul range
please email: info@montazul.com

Rain Exposure Map - British Standard

UK Map of categories of exposure to driving rain

New simplified range of the finest slates.

The Mont Azul slates are a beautiful and consistent range of natural roofing slates ideally suited for any and all construction projects in the UK. The slate range has been sensitively designed in conjunction with the most experienced and technically qualified producers, mining some of the biggest deposits of slate in the world. CE marked, the slates meet all statutory UK building requirements, thus providing complete and beautiful looking solutions to all slate roofing requirements.

Bespoke products can be produced to meet developer requirements for the larger projects where continuity and repeatability is of the essence.

For further information on the Mont Azul range
please email: info@montazul.com

See the process below - From Rock to Roof...

Precision processed & carefully selected

Each grade of slate offers dependable performance, lasting strength, and refined natural beauty — ensuring confidence in every project, from traditional roofing to contemporary architectural design.