Description
Install, repair, and restore natural or synthetic slate roofing on steep-slope buildings. Cut and fasten slate, fabricate metal flashing, and install underlayments and ventilation to deliver durable, watertight roofs while protecting the structure.
- • Inspect slate roofs to diagnose leaks, damage, and structural issues.
- • Set up scaffolding, roof brackets, and fall protection for safe access.
- • Remove existing roofing and salvage reusable slate when possible.
- • Prepare roof decks by repairing sheathing and installing drip edge and eave protection.
- • Install felt or synthetic underlayment and ice-and-water shields on eaves, valleys, and penetrations.
- • Lay out courses and exposures with chalk lines to maintain proper headlap.
- • Cut, trim, and bevel slate to fit hips, valleys, ridges, dormers, and vents.
- • Punch nail holes in slate and round corners as needed to prevent breakage.
- • Fasten slates with copper or stainless steel nails or hooks, ensuring concealed, watertight attachment.
- • Install starter, field, hip, and ridge slates, including capped or mitered ridges.
- • Fabricate and install copper or lead flashings at valleys, chimneys, skylights, and walls; solder where required.
- • Install counterflashing and step flashing to make intersections watertight.
- • Replace broken or slipped slates using slate rippers, hooks, and bib flashing.
- • Seal and waterproof transitions to adjoining masonry, siding, and gutters.
- • Remove snow, water, or debris from roofs before and during installation or repair.
- • Install snow guards, gutter aprons, and other slate-compatible accessories.
- • Integrate skylights, vents, and pipe boots with proper flashing and underlayment.
- • Install or improve attic ventilation with ridge, gable, or powered exhaust systems.
- • Coordinate and attach solar mounting hardware to slate roofs without damaging tiles or structure.
- • Perform historic restoration by matching slate type, color, thickness, and pattern.
- • Inspect and maintain copper valleys, ridges, and flashings; repair or replace as needed.
- • Apply temporary coverings or underlayment to protect roof during phased repairs.
- • Keep work areas clean; handle and stage slate to prevent cracking and breakage.
- • Estimate materials, slate counts, metalwork, labor, and time required for projects.
- • Document work performed and provide maintenance recommendations to clients.
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This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
