Isla Bennett
Removing nails from a slate roof is a tricky task, requiring careful consideration of the tools and methods used. Nails are typically removed using a slate ripper, which is inserted below the slate and hooked onto the nail. Pulling down on the ripper extracts the nail, but if this is unsuccessful, the alternative is to cut the nail shank with a heavy hammer. This process is repeated for each nail, and the slate is then removed. It is important to note that slate is fragile and slippery, so walking on it should be avoided. Additionally, the type of slate and nail must be considered, as older nails may be more prone to cutting.
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What You'll Learn
Use a slate ripper to remove nails
A slate ripper is a useful tool designed for replacing slate roof tiles. It can also be used to remove nails from slate roofs. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use a slate ripper to remove nails:
First, set up a hook ladder or "chicken ladder" that hooks onto the roof, enabling safe and easy movement on the roof. Slate is slippery and fragile, so it is important not to walk on it directly.
Next, start removing the slate tiles from the top of the roof, working your way down. Using a slate ripper, apply gentle downward pressure on the handle while gently striking the upright of the ripper with a hammer. You may need multiple light strikes to cut or pull the nail, but this is preferable to heavy blows, which could damage the slates. Roofing nails tend to be fairly soft, so they should not be too difficult to cut. Once the nail is cut, repeat the process on the other side.
If you cannot catch a nail with one of the hooks on the slate ripper, try using the front edge of the blade. Gently hammer the ripper upwards and then apply gentle pressure on the slate, sandwiching it between your hand and the blade of the slate ripper. With a little wiggling, the slate should come free without much difficulty.
After removing the nails, the slate tile can be slipped out of place and placed in a bucket or tub for removal. Continue this process until all the desired slate tiles have been removed. Remember to inspect the removed slate tiles for cracks or other damage, even in areas that were previously covered by other slates. Wind can blow rain sideways, so any cracks will allow water to seep through.
Additionally, keep an eye out for moss or shoddy repairs with silicone sealant, which can trap water under the slates and cause overflow into the roof space. When placing new slates, ensure that the top edge rests halfway onto the top batten, and the nail holes are positioned so that the nails will enter the middle batten just above the top edge of the row of slates below. The bottom edge should line up with the rest of the row. When nailing in the slates, avoid hammering the nails down too tight, as this allows for expansion and contraction with the seasons.
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Cut nail heads with a grinder
When removing nails from a slate roof, it is important to consider the safety hazards and the risk of damage to the slate tiles. Cutting the nail heads with a grinder is often easier and less risky than trying to pry them out. This method can also be quicker and less likely to cause further damage to the roof.
To cut nail heads with a grinder, you will need to take the following steps:
- Put on safety gear: Wear eye protection and a dust mask to protect yourself from metal shards and slate dust.
- Prepare the work area: Have a helper manage the extension cord and hold a piece of cardboard or metal behind the area being cut to catch sparks and protect the surrounding slate.
- Mark the nails: Identify the nails that need to be cut and determine the cutting depth.
- Choose the right grinder: Select a small angle grinder with a thin metal cutoff wheel that is suitable for the size and type of nails you are cutting.
- Cut the nails: Carefully lower the grinder onto the nail head and use an up-and-down or sawing motion to cut through the nail. Cut the nails flush with the slate surface or slightly below it.
- Clean the area: After cutting, wipe each spot clean with a rag or compressed air to remove dust and debris from the hole.
- Seal the holes: Fill the holes left by the nail shafts with a flexible, UV-stable roof sealant. Press the sealant deep into the hole using a caulking gun and a plastic putty knife or a gloved finger.
By following these steps, you can effectively cut and remove nail heads from a slate roof while minimising the risk of damage to the slate tiles and ensuring a safe work environment.
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Slide slates out after removing nails
Removing slate roofing is a tricky task, and it is important to proceed with caution to avoid damaging the slates, which can then be reused. Once the nails have been removed, the slate tile can be slipped out of place. This is done by sliding the slate out from the bottom edge, which will pull the nail through the slate. If the nails are old, cutting through them may be an option.
A slate ripper can be used to pull out the nails holding the slate in place. The ripper is inserted below the slate and hooked onto the nail. Pull down on the slate ripper and then strike the shoulder of the ripper with a heavy hammer to pull out the nail. This process is repeated for all the nails holding the slate in place. If the slate does not slide out easily, the ripper or the pointed end of a slate hammer can be used to ease it out of position.
If the slate is particularly stubborn, you may need to cut the nail shanks or heads off using a grinder or heavy-duty snips. This will allow you to lift the slate and pull the nail head through. However, this method will not remove the nail whole and may result in broken slates.
For large galv nails, a sawn-off hacksaw blade can be used to slide up between the slates and cut the nails. This method will not remove the nails whole but will minimise the number of broken slates, especially when compared to a slate ripper.
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Reuse slate tiles for roofing
When removing nails from a slate roof, it is important to consider the size of the nail and the size of the hole in the slate tile. If the nail is too small for the hole, the slate will move around and not be secure. This can be remedied by re-holing with a hammer, or using a tool that presses the hole.
To remove the nails from slate tiles, you can use a hammer and a flat bar to beat the nail out of its hole. Slide the flat bar under the tile until you find the nail, then use the hammer to hit it backward until the nail comes out. Alternatively, you can use a slate ripper or a hack saw blade to cut the nail at the level of the tile. If the tile is already broken, you can remove the nail by breaking the tile further with a hammer.
Once the nails have been removed, the slate tiles can be reused. It is important to inspect the tiles for damage and sort out any broken or damaged tiles that cannot be reused. The remaining slate tiles can be set aside and stored in a safe place until they are ready to be reinstalled.
When reinstalling the slate tiles, it is recommended to use copper nails. The size of the nail shank in relation to the size of the hole in the slate tile is crucial. If the nail shank is too small for the hole, the slate will move around and may cause the tiles to look uneven. It is important to use the proper size of nail to secure the slate tiles in place and ensure they are level and tight to prevent rattling in the wind and eventual breakage.
If you are reusing slate tiles for roofing, it is important to consider the condition of the existing holes in the tiles. Tap each slate tile with a hammer, and if it sounds tinny, set it aside to be used as an under-slate or top finisher. For the remaining slate tiles, you can use slate tacks, which are sharper and thicker than clout nails, or copper nails, which are easier to use and can be sourced from roofing merchants.
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Prepare for roof removal with a hook ladder
Slate is slippery and fragile, and therefore should not be walked on. To prepare for slate roof removal, you will need a hook ladder, also known as a "chicken ladder", which will hook onto the roof and allow for easy movement.
To secure your hook ladder to the ridge of your roof, you will need a pair of roof ladder hooks. These are crucial for ladder stabilisation. The hooks should be padded or made of a material that won't damage the roofing shingles. Experts recommend that when choosing a ladder to work on a steep pitch roof, you should install a roof ladder hook kit that's made by the same manufacturer as the ladder itself for material consistency and a tight fit.
You'll also need wheels for your on-roof ladder, to allow it to be slid to the ridge of the roof without damaging shingles or other roofing materials. These wheels are often included alongside your roof hooks if you purchase a universal roof hook kit. There are several other roof ladder stabiliser accessories available, such as rubber anti-slip safety mats on which to rest the feet of the ladder.
To avoid damaging your roof, do not rest your ladder on the eavestrough or gutter of a roof as a sole means of support – this will not be able to hold the weight of workers and/or materials. Instead, you can use a ladder leash or anchor to prevent the ladder from sliding horizontally. You can also use a scaffold tower for added safety.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a hook ladder or "chicken ladder" to allow for easy movement on the roof. Buckets or tubs will also be used to collect the nails and roof tiles that have been removed. You will also need a ripping bar or slate ripper to remove the nails.
Insert the ripper below the broken slate and hook it onto one of the nails holding the broken slate in place. Pull out the nail or cut its shank by pulling down on the slate ripper and then striking the shoulder of the ripper with a heavy hammer. Repeat this process for all the nails.
Most roofers prefer smooth shank nails as they make for easier repairs. The most common nail lengths are 1 ½” and 1 ¾” with a 3/8” diameter head. Nails are sold by the pound.
Nails may need to be removed from a slate roof to replace broken slates or to repair and replace flashing and/or underlayment.
