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.
Related specializations
Interview options
Interview options
Interviewee gender
Interviewee accent
Available on paid plans only
Interview time
Related Pathways
Construction
View
Source
Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
Learn more
Sources & Standards:
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
