Slate Roof Replacement and Re-slating in Hobart

Because slate is such a durable material, most of the slates stripped from a roof are likely to be reusable. However, it is common for at least 10% of the slates to require replacement. To maintain the appearance of the roof, the salvaged slates should be used on external roof slopes visible from the ground, with new slates confined to unseen slopes if possible. Each roof slope should have either all old slates or all new, as a mixture of old and new on one slope rarely looks good. New slates should be exactly the same size as the old slates, especially in length and thickness. The sheet is dated March 1998, online edition 2004.

Fixing, and the council's approach

The sheet says slates should be centre nailed rather than head nailed. Usually this means a careful approach to making changes and 'doing as much as necessary but as little as possible'. While a planning permit is usually required, some work is also exempt.

Ask the provider whether the quote reuses the existing slates and how many new ones it assumes, and who deals with the City if the house is heritage listed.

Can my existing slates go back on?

Because slate is such a durable material, most of the slates stripped from a roof are likely to be reusable. However, it is common for at least 10% of the slates to require replacement. The sheet is dated March 1998, online edition 2004.

Can old and new slates be mixed on one slope?

Each roof slope should have either all old slates or all new, as a mixture of old and new on one slope rarely looks good.

Does re-slating a heritage listed house need approval?

You will usually need to obtain planning approval for any use or development of the site, if your property is Heritage listed or contained within a Heritage Precinct under the Tasmanian Planning Scheme - Hobart.