Maximum Pitch For Slate Roof

Roof tiles and slates are very versatile products and can be used on a variety of roof pitches.

Maximum pitch for slate roof.

Our suggestion is not to contemplate using slates on roofs with a pitch less than 20 degrees and then only for big format slates eg 500x300mm. A couple of likely slate suppliers are consulted and they confirm that they are happy to supply 600x300mm slates for a minimum roof pitch of 20 degrees assuming a minimum lap of 125mm. You consider some alternative solutions. The slope of a roof is often referred to as the roof s pitch.

Tiles or slates can be used at pitches up to 90 degrees vertical provided a clip is available to securely clip the tail of the tile available for most tiles. It is uncommon to find a roof below 15 but for those very low pitch applications there are interlocking clay pantiles available suitable for use down to 12 5. Generally a slate roof is not installed on a pitch less than 4 12. Conventional low pitch slate roofs are recommended down to a minimum of 20 in areas of sheltered or moderate exposure providing a 500x300mm slate is used and a headlap of 115mm.

Higher exposure or different sized slates necessitated a greater roof pitch of 22 5 or more. 11 august 2015 traditionally a minimum roof pitch of 20 was recommended in bs 5534 but modern tiles and slates have now been designed for applications as low as 15.