Copper nails for slate roof?

[rubble2]

I have just had a couple of quotes for replacing our slate roof. Both quotes state that they will use galvanised nails for fixing the slates, I am sure I read somewhere (probably here) that copper nails are the preferred method of fixing for durability. Should I be concerned?

Thanks

 

[Nige F]

Copper rivits in the middle if they are fibre/cement slates Copper nails for lead

 

[JohnD]

it may depend where you live. I am on the coast and my slate roof and hung wall are with copper (or I think they said Broze) nails, as galvanised rusts very quickly here.

Even inland, I understand you can look up the life of galvanised, and it is not as long as you would expect a roof to last.

Here's my brother-in-law's roof (was galvanised when fitted), might benefit from some servicing

 

[datarebal]

copper is better, but galv is ok too. If you want copper simple ask both people to amend there quotes.

 

[joe-90]

Here's my brother-in-law's roof (was galvanised when fitted), might benefit from some servicing

Does he live in a Sao Paulo shanty town?

 

[justlead1]

Hi The extra cost is small but benefits certainly out weigh the extra cost. Not only the longevity of copper but the ease when ripping out a broken slate. Good luck

 

[JohnD]

Does he live in a Sao Paulo shanty town?

No, he owns a historic building in a former colony.

then

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[rubble2]

Thanks for all the replies. I think on balance that if I am paying 10K for a new roof it is worth a slightly higher cost for the best fixings.

I will get the roofer to requote.

 

[HaydnExport]

Don't think you allowed to use galv nails by building regs mate , we use mostly copper, but aluminium clouts are a perfectly acceptable substitute. The size you'll be needing is 38mm (or 40 mm) x 3.35mm, ring up a couple of merchants to see the difference yourself.

 

[--tom]

Copper is reqd round here, so i'm told, and given that nail sickness is probably increasing with pollution definitely the way to go.

 

[datarebal]

of course you can use galv clouts!

 

[Nige F]

Does he live in a Sao Paulo shanty town?

No, he owns a historic building in a former colony.

then

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I did some work in a former colony ... A " colony for mental defectives" That was the title on some old plans/drawings of the place we found there

 

[HaydnExport]

of course you can use galv clouts!

We're not allowed by the building regs here.

 

[wsdconst]

you cant use galvanised nails with slate only copper or aluminium,this is because unlike concrete roof tiles,the nail is the only thing holding the slate to the roof and if the nail corodes the slate slips down the roof and chops your head off infact i dont think galvanised nails should be used at all externally as the only protection(galv) is normally knocked off the head when hammering the nail in. now i ll just sit back and wait for someone to tell me everything ive ever learned is wrong, : come on chaps give it your best shot

 

[arthurthesolo]

Use copper nails. They're more expensive which may be why your contractor suggested galvanised. Make sure you use the right ones or else they'll be back up there in a few years time fixing it.

Suggest they go to Screwfix or use these http://www.tradefixdirect.com/nails-pins-staples/copper-nails-rivets-pins