Whether you are a novice or a professional, we’ve put together some useful tools to help you with your project.
Welcome to Support
How can we help you?
Search Results
FAQs
Articles
Do you provide colour samples?
Yes. We provide all of our samples FREE OF CHARGE, please use our Request a Free Sample form to let us know what you require.
Do you have fixing guides for your products?
Yes, comprehensive, downloadable, PDF fixing guides for all our products are available on our Document Centre. Alternatively, we have some easy-to-digest, animated fixing videos available for TapcoSlate on our YouTube Channel.
How is TapcoSlate fixed?
Standard galvanised roofing "clout" nails or outdoor (yellow passivated) Phillips Bugle-type screws fixed directly through the moulded-in fixing guides. 30mm in length for the slates, 50mm in length for the Ridge & Hip Caps (or 75/80mm when fixing over RidgeMaster/HipMaster). Note that Stainless Steel fixings should be used on roofs within 2 miles of a coastal area and are compulsary for use throughout Scotland (Local Building Control stipulation).
Can a nail gun be used?
Yes. You can utilise any gun that will take at least a 7mm head nail. However, we recommend the use of 32mm Bostitch CR3DGAL Galvanised Roofing Coil Nails for use in nail guns used with our slates, as these have a larger 10mm head.
How many TapcoSlates are needed. What's the coverage?
Just like a natural slate, this depends on the pitch of the roof. The lower the pitch, the less "exposure" of each slate course, so measure the pitch first and fitment to a square metre is: between 12 to 25-degrees equals 22 slates per square metre (6" Exposure); 25 to 27.5-degrees equals 20 slates per square metre (6.5" Exposure); 27.5 to 30-degrees equals 19 slates per square metre (7" Exposure); and over 30-degrees equals 18 slates per square metre (7.5" Exposure).
What is the minimum TapcoSlate roof pitch?
The minimum pitch TapcoSlate can be fitted to is 12-degrees.
What is the maximum TapcoSlate roof pitch?
The maximum pitch TapcoSlate can be fitted to is 70-degrees. Over 70-degrees is classed as a "cladding" product; TapcoSlate is classed as a "roofing" product and so cannot be fitted over 70 degrees unless advice is obtained from your Local Building Authority Office with regards to possibly fitting a firewall behind the slates.
Why is TapcoSlate "curved"?
This is intentional. The built-in induced curve (or camber) flattens and creates a tight clamp to the roof when nailed in situ, which stops wind-driven rain from lifting and penetrating the slates.
Is an eaves (starter course) needed for TapcoSlate?
Yes. Standard slating principles apply. An extra 3.5 slates per linear metre of eaves should be ordered to create the eaves/starter course slates - a starter tile is created by cutting a standard TapcoSlate down to 305mm (see our Fixing Guide for further information).
Does TapcoSlate have third-party accreditation?
Yes. BBA, UKTA (giving UKCA marking) and ETA (giving CE marking) certified. Copies readily available for download from our Documents Centre.
How are TapcoSlate ridges/hips fixed?
Nailed/screwed in situ and overlapped as a dry-fix system which is much more secure than a mortar-bedded ridge. Nails/screws should be 50mm in length for the Ridge & Hip Caps (or 75/80mm when fixing over RidgeMaster/HipMaster). DO NOT over expose the caps, these should be set at a 6" exposure, and calculated at 6 Caps per linear metre of ridge and/or hip.
Does TapcoSlate fade or go white?
No. TapcoSlate is UV stable, through-coloured and has a 40-year Warranty. It will weather, as does ANY roof covering, depending on location and exposure, but this should be even, across the entire roofscape.
How is TapcoSlate cut and/or shaped?
With a fine-toothed plastics saw or rotary-disc cutter. Alternatively, and more easily, it can be scored with a standard utility knife and snapped down the length.
Will moss/algae grow on TapcoSlate?
Algae grows on a laminar material, TapcoSlate is not laminar, so any growth will not stick to the slates and can easily be removed. To perminently deter growth, install a 5cm wide copper strip just below the ridgeline, this will create a copper sulphate solution which will discourage any growth. We also have a Care & Maintenance guide available from our Documents Centre.
Is TapcoSlate a "green" recycled product? What's it made from?
It’s not made from recycled materials… but it’s RECYCLABLE at the end of its long lifespan. TapcoSlate is made from limestone and virgin polypropylene. Consequently, there is greater control over the mix and the manufacturing process. The main problems experienced with using reclaimed, inconsistent raw materials are due to the lack of control in the manufacturing process which can have unpredictable results. There are no such problems with TapcoSlate.
How is TapcoSlate packaged/delivered?
Slates are strap-banded and sold in bundles of 25 slates. 1600 slates per full pallet (or less). There is a shipping charge which depends on delivery location. Ridge & hip caps can be purchased individually.
Can it be used for vertical cladding?
Not without consulting your local building control office. TapcoSlate and DaVinci Select Shake is fire rated for roofing structures up to 70-degrees, above this is classed as "Cladding" which involves a different product fire rating. Building control may approve the product for use as vertical cladding if an approved firewall is put in place, but please speak to your local office first!
Can I use glue to fix TapcoSlate?
No. TapcoSlate slate and ridge/hip caps need to be mechanically fixed to the roof with either nails or screws. A glue formulated for polypropylene can be used in the assembly of accessories such as ridge-to-hip junctions and ridge/hip end cap pieces. We recommend the use of PERMABOND® TA4610 or TA4620 for accessory creation unless you have polypropylene welding equipment.
Can I use standard silicone sealant with TapcoSlate?
No. Silicone sealant will not adhere to TapcoSlate and will eventually fail. A Butyl or Bitumen sealant should be used instead which will create a much better and long-lasting bond.
Can TapcoSlate be fixed to battens?
Yes. In fact TapcoSlate has achieved an EXT.S.AC fire rating on a felt & batten roof structure, meaning that there is no restriction to boundary placement. Use standard 50mm x 25mm treated roofing battens (minimum).
Can TapcoSlate be fitted to OSB/Ply?
Yes. In fact TapcoSlate has achieved an EXT.S.AA fire rating on a fully-boarded roof structure meaning that there is no restriction to boundary placement. Use 18mm thick boards to avoid fixings penetrating the underside of the board. Note that a smaller length (25mm) nail or screw should be used for the eaves/starter course to avoid penetration under the board on this particular course of slates.
What is the weight of TapcoSlate per square metre?
TapcoSlate is very light weight. Depending on the pitch of the roof (and hence how many slates fitted per square metre) this ranges between 12kg to 14.5kg per square metre.
Can I walk on TapcoSlate during and after installation?
Yes. TapcoSlate can be walked on with soft-soled footware without damaging the slate. Please keep health & safety in mind while working at height and especially during adverse weather conditions, the slates can be slippery when wet.
Can Solar Panels be fitted with/to TapcoSlate?
Yes. Solar panels can be fitted to TapcoSlate without problems, the slate does not break and so solar frames can be fitted, or the slate can work around a solar framework, depending on the type of solar installation. The only thing we stipulate is that the solar panels are fitted to the manufacturers specifications and that the panels are secured to the wooden roof structure and not just to the slate itself to hold them in place. Note that Westlake Tapco Europe Limited does not warrant third-party installations such as solar panels and warranty should be sought from the panel manufacturer.
Is there a warranty for TapcoSlate?
Yes. 40-years.
What underlay should I use with TapcoSlate and why?
We recommend the use of an impermeable (non-breathable) roofing membrane such as Protect Wunderlay. Impermeable membrane prevents water vapour from passing through the membrane and therefore the slates can be fixed directly to board or batten and a mechanical ventilation channel should be installed underneath the membrane (or OSB/ply on a fully-boarded system). When using a permeable (breathable) membrane, the membrane needs to be ventilated over the top, as water vapour penetrates through it, this means the use of a more expensive counter batten system being fitted directly underneath the slates, on top of the permeable membrane, and this channel to be mechanically ventilated to allow the membrane to function correctly. Fitting an impermeable membrane is the most cost-effective and efficient way to fix TapcoSlate as they are classed as an "insuficiently air-open" roof covering with regards BS 5250, so be sure to mention this to any membrane supplier when seeking advice.
What do I do with the last cap when I come to the end of the TapcoSlate ridge?
Because the ridge caps are directional, when the last ridge cap is laid, this cap's fixing points will be exposed and will need to be covered. To do this, merely measure and cut the patterned side of a spare ridge cap to size, place over the exposed cap, and fix this into place with either black panel pins, standard 50mm nails with a blob of paint or bitumen, or colour-capped 50mm screws. This will make the fixings unobtrusive. DO NOT glue in place as the cap will detach if not mechanically fixed!
How do I finish the TapcoSlate ridge at a gable end?
This all depends on if our Dry Verge is fitted or not. If our Dry Verge product is fitted, the simplest way to finish the ridge at the gable is to slide the end cap into the Dry Verge itself, similar to the slates below it. The Dry Verge would need to be mitred at the apex appropriately, or one of our Dry Verge Apex Units should be fitted to suit. If our Dry Verge product is not being utilised, then a natural "drip edge" should be formed with the slates overhanging by 38mm to 50mm over the verge. The ridge, in this case, can be left as part of the drip edge, or can alternatively be finished with either one of our Ridge End Caps, or one of these can be manufactured onsite by using a cut piece of TapcoSlate and glueing this in place (full details of this process is available in our Fixing Guide).
How do I finish the TapcoSlate ridge when it meets the hips?
We manufacture a Ridge-to-Hip Junction to help with the joint where two hips meet a ridge line. This product can also be utilised for a 3-way or Edwardian Conservatory. Alternatively, this can be manufactured onsite by using a cut ridge cap and a piece of TapcoSlate (full details of this process is available in our Fixing Guide). If more than two hips meet the ridge, the joint will need to be manually created - we have a video showing this process for a 5-way or Victorian Conservatory installation, and again, full details of this process is available in our Fixing Guide.
Do you provide a valley piece for TapcoSlate?
No, we do not currently supply a valley. GRP & aluminium/steel valleys are readily available from roofing outlets and will fit well with TapcoSlate. Alternatively, a valley can be formed using lead (or lead substitute). On a fully-boarded structure, part of the board will need to be removed to apply a pre-formed valley piece or a box valley created. On very low pitch, fully-boarded roofs where it is difficult to remove material, we recomend using lead (or lead substitute) at the valley joint with a large soaker extending at least 600mm up each side of the valley underneath the slates.
How do I complete a mono-ridge with TapcoSlate Ridge and Hip Caps?
Simply fix a row of our TapcoSlate Ridge and Hip Caps as if you were completing a standard ridge, one side of the cap overlays the soldier course of slates and the other should fix down the vertical side of the mono structure.
Do I need to ventilate my TapcoSlate roof?
In a word, yes. Roof ventilation is very important to extract water vapour from the roof and keep your roof timbers from rotting, this will significantly add to the longevity of your roof. We recommend installing ventilation in line with BS 5250 into all roofs at low-level (eaves or soffit ventilators) and high-level (ridge or abutment ventilators).
I have a Listed property or live in a Conservation Area, can I use TapcoSlate?
TapcoSlate has been approved for use on Grade 2 Listed properties and Conservation Areas in the UK. Not all applications will be approved, the key to this is to speak to your local planning officer and get them "on-board", make a comprehensive statement and a proper discussion on your preferred building materials. We can help you with this process by supplying product samples, including our larger display boards which shows more accurately how our slates will look in situ. Please Contact Us or Request Colour Samples stating that you would like a full display board to discuss with planning.
Can I use lead flashing with TapcoSlate?
Yes. Lead or lead substitute flashing can be used in conjunction with TapcoSlate. However, patination oil MUST be used to stop any run-off from the lead staining the slates. Note that Westlake Tapco Europe Limited does not warrant the use of metal components and accessories.
Can I use concrete or clay ridge/hip caps with TapcoSlate?
It is not avisable to fix a concreate or clay cap directly onto our slates. These caps are too heavy, may warp/damage the slates and if mortar-fixed, mortar will not adhere to TapcoSlate. If a concrete or clay cap plus mortar is necessary at the ridge, a way around this is to fix a natural slate at the soldier (top) course, in this way mortar will affix to the natural slate.
Can I use other ridge & hip caps with TapcoSlate?
As long as the caps are fairly light weight (such as plastic caps) and are dry fixed (not mortared in place) then yes, they can be used with TapcoSlate
Can I use RidgeMaster/HipMaster with other ridge & hip caps?
RidgeMaster and HipMaster have both been specially formulated to work with our own ridge and hip caps, but could work with other units, it's all dependant on the size of the alternate caps. Please check out the size of the RidgeMaster/HipMaster units on our site here, or contact us to discuss.
Can I use mortar?
No. Mortar will not adhere to TapcoSlate. The British Standard for Slating and Tiling (BS 5534) stipulates that all tiles, ridge and hips on a roof should be dry-fixed, and mortar should not now be utilised on roofing structures as it is liable to fail and tiles/caps easily dislodged which can become dangerous falling objects.
Do I need to use your dry verge?
No. Our dry verge system is not compulsary to use with TapcoSlate classic. Simply make sure the slates overhang the verge by 38mm to 50mm to create a drip edge, this stops any water returning underneath the slate into your roof.
Where can I purchase TapcoSlate?
TapcoSlate is available at most plastics merchants and DIY outlets, please contact us and we will advise the best place to purchase in your area.
How much does TapcoSlate cost?
Prices vary and are dependent on your chosen outlet. TapcoSlate is available at most plastics merchants and DIY outlets, please contact us and we will advise the best place to purchase in your area.
Do you have a trade counter? Can I purchase direcly from you?
We do not operate a trade counter at our facility, orders can be picked up from our warehouse but on advanced appointment only and at our discretion. To purchase directly from us you will need to speak to your local area sales manager, you can contact them here. Alternatively, your local area sales manager can also advise you of any outlet offering a better price in your area.
How is Select Shake fixed?
Standard galvanised roofing "clout" nails fixed directly through the tiles. 40mm in length for the slates, 60mm in length for the Ridge & Hip Caps (or 100mm when fixing over RidgeMaster/HipMaster). Note that Stainless Steel fixings should be used on roofs within 2 miles of a coastal area and are compulsary for use throughout Scotland (Local Building Control stipulation).
Can a nail gun be used to install Select Shake?
Yes. You can utilise any gun that will take at least a 7mm head nail. However, we recommend the use of 32mm Bostitch CR3DGAL Galvanised Roofing Coil Nails for use in nail guns used with our slates, as these have a larger 10mm head.
How many Select Shake tiles are needed. What's the coverage?
One bundle (22 tiles) will fit 1 square metre of roof, this includes 10% "waste" coverage.
What is the minimum Select Shake roof pitch?
The minimum pitch Select Shake can be fitted to is 15-degrees.
What is the maximum Select Shake roof pitch?
The maximum pitch Select Shake can be fitted to is 70-degrees. Over 70-degrees is classed as a "cladding" product; Select Shake is classed as a "roofing" product and so cannot be fitted over 70 degrees unless advice is obtained from your Local Building Authority Office with regards to possibly fitting a firewall behind the tiles.
Why are Select Shake "ribbed" at the back?
This is intentional. The ribbing adds strength to the tile whilst simultaneously making the product lighter in weight.
Is an eaves (starter course) needed for Select Shake?
Yes. Standard tiling principles apply. Select Shake requires a dedicated Starter Tile available to order. 3.3 starter tiles are needed per linear metre of eaves.
Does Select Shake have third-party accreditation?
Yes. BBA certified, a copy is readily available to download here from our Documents Centre.
How are Select Shake ridges/hips fixed?
Nailed in situ and overlapped as a dry-fix system which is much more secure than a mortar-bedded ridge. Nails should be 60mm in length for the Ridge & Hip Caps (or 100mm when fixing over RidgeMaster/HipMaster). DO NOT over expose the caps, these should be set at a maximum 12" exposure, and calculated at 3.3 Caps per linear metre of ridge and/or hip.
Does Select Shake fade or go white?
No. Select Shake is UV stable, through-coloured and has a 40-year Warranty. It will weather, as does ANY roof covering, depending on location and exposure, but this should be even, across the entire roofscape.
How is Select Shake cut?
With a fine-toothed plastics saw or rotary-disc cutter.
Will moss/algae grow on Select Shake?
Algae grows on a laminar material, Select Shake is not laminar, so any growth will not stick to the tiles and can easily be removed. To perminently deter growth, install a 5cm copper strip just below the ridgeline, this will create a copper sulphate solution which will discourage any growth. The tiles can be cleaned with water and a soft brush if needed.
Is Select Shake a "green" recycled product? What's it made from?
It’s not made from recycled materials… but it’s RECYCLABLE at the end of its long lifespan. Select Shake is manufactured from a composite blend of virgin polyethylene, UV and thermal stabilisers as well as a highly specialised fire retardant. Consequently, there is greater control over the mix and the manufacturing process. The main problems experienced with using reclaimed, inconsistent raw materials are due to the lack of control in the manufacturing process which can have unpredictable results. There are no such problems with Select Shake.
How is Select Shake packaged/delivered?
Select Shake tiles are strap-banded and sold in bundles of 22 tiles. 1056 tiles per full pallet (or less). There is a shipping charge which depends on delivery location. Ridge & hip caps can be purchased individually.
Are Select Shake tiles different sizes?
Yes, Select Shake tiles come in assorted widths to give the full cedar tile effect. The packs are evenly split providing 11 x 8" and 11 x 10" tiles, but note that a selection of the 10" tiles have a false keyline (which can also be cut down) so that the finished look creates the appearance of 4", 6", 8", and 10" wide wood shakes overall.
Can Select Shake be used for vertical cladding?
Not without consulting your local building control office. TapcoSlate and DaVinci Select Shake is fire rated for roofing structures up to 70-degrees, above this is classed as "Cladding" which involves a different product fire rating. Building control may approve the product for use as vertical cladding if an approved firewall is put in place, but please speak to them first!
Can I use glue to fix Select Shake?
No. Select Shake and ridge/hip caps need to be mechanically fixed to the roof with roofing nails. A glue formulated for Polyethylene compounds can be used in the assembly of accessories such as ridge-to-hip junctions and ridge/hip end cap pieces. We recommend the use of PERMABOND® TA4605 or TA4610 (TA4605 is an instant bond whereas TA4610 allows a bit more time for bonding larger surfaces). Infinity Bond MMA 500 is an alternative compound to use unless you have access to polyethylene plastic welding equipment.
Can I use standard silicone sealant with Select Shake?
No. Silicone sealant will not adhere to Select Shake and will eventually fail. A Butyl or Bitumen sealant should be used instead which will create a much better and long-lasting bond.
Can Select Shake be fixed on battens?
It is not recommended to fit Select Shake to roofing battens especially when fixing as Staggered Coursing, unless it is being fitted in Straight Coursing configuration to a counter-batten system over a fully-boarded structure.
Can Select Shake be fitted to OSB/Ply?
Yes. In fact Select Shake has achieved a BROOF(t4) fire rating on a fully-boarded roof structure meaning that there is no restriction to boundary placement. Use 18mm thick boards to avoid fixings penetrating the underside of the board. Note that a smaller length (30mm) nail should be used for the eaves/starter course to avoid penetration under the board on this particular course of slates.
What is the weight of Select Shake per square metre?
Select Shake is very light weight, weighing only 14kg per square metre.
Can I walk on Select Shake during and after installation?
Yes. Select Shake can be walked on with soft-soled footware, with care, without damaging the tile. Please keep health & safety in mind while working at height and especially during adverse weather conditions, the tiles can be slippery when wet.
Can Solar Panels be fitted with/to Select Shake?
Yes. Solar panels can be fitted to Select Shake, with some care because of the high profile of the tiles. Solar frames will need the tiles to be cut to provide a flat area for the frames to sit on, or the tiles can worked around a sunken solar framework, depending on the type of solar installation. The only thing we stipulate is that the solar panels are fitted to the manufacturers specifications and that the panels are secured to the wooden roof frame, not just to the tiles to hold them in place and appropreately sealed. Note that Westlake Tapco Europe Limited does not warrant third-party installations such as solar panels and warranty should be sought from the panel manufacturer.
Is there a warranty for Select Shake?
Yes. 40-years.
What underlay should I use with Select Shake and why?
We recommend the use of an impermeable (non-breathable) roofing membrane such as Protect Wunderlay. Impermeable membrane prevents water vapour from passing through the membrane and therefore the tiles can be fixed directly to board or batten and a mechanical ventilation channel should be installed under the membrane (or OSB/ply on a fully-boarded system). When using a permeable (breathable) membrane, the membrane needs to be ventilated over the top, as water vapour penetrates through it, this means the use of a more expensive counter batten system being fitted directly underneath the tiles, on top of the permeable membrane, to allow the membrane to function correctly. Fitting an impermeable membrane is the most cost-effective and efficient way to fix Select Shake as they are classed as an "insuficiently air-open" roof covering with regards BS 5250, so be sure to mention this to any membrane supplier when seeking advice.
What do I do with the cap when I come to the end of the Select Shake ridge?
When the last ridge cap is laid, this cap's fixing points will be exposed and needs to be covered. To do this, merely measure and cut the patterned side of a spare ridge cap to size, cover the exposed cap, and fix this into place with either black panel pins or standard 60mm nails with a blob of paint or bitumen. This will make the fixings unobtrusive. DO NOT glue in place!
How do I finish the Select Shake ridge when it meets the hips?
Merely mitre the hips to intersect with the ridge and cover with a standard Ridge & Hipe Cap at the ridge.
Do you provide a valley piece for Select Shake?
Because DaVinci Select Shake has a rib-structure on the underside, care must be used when installing Select Shake in valleys. Open or closed valley systems may be used with variants of each system. Whether installing an open or a closed valley system, valley metal can be made from 24" (610mm) stock of copper, minimum 0.5mm thick aluminum, or minimum 0.37mm width clad steel if you prefer to make your own. It is recommended to use self-adhered membrane in valleys if possible/available. Alternately, pre-formed ABS plastic or GRP valley accessories, available from most roofing retailers (both over-the-counter or online), can be used, as well as forming valleys out of lead (or lead substitute) in the traditional way. Note that for closed valleys it is best to use a Double "W" profile valley with Select Shake.
Do I need to ventilate my Select Shake roof?
In a word, yes. Roof ventilation is very important to extract water vapour from the roof and keep your roof timbers from rotting, this will significantly add to the longevity of your roof. We recommend installing ventilation in line with BS 5250 into all roofs at low-level (eaves or soffit ventilators) and high-level (ridge or abutment ventilators).
I have a Listed property or live in a Conservation Area, can I use Select Shake?
Select Shake is a fairly new addition to the UK marketplace, and therefore, as yet, has not been approved for use on Listed properties and Conservation Areas in the UK. However, this does not mean that the product will be dismissed outright. As not all applications will be approved, the key to this is to speak to your local planning officer and get them "on-board", make a comprehensive statement and a proper discussion on your preferred building materials. We can help you with this process by supplying product samples, including our larger display boards which shows more accurately how Select Shake will look in situ. Please Contact Us or Request Colour Samples stating that you would like a full display board to discuss with planning.
Can I use lead flashing with Select Shake?
Yes. Lead or lead substitute flashing can be used in conjunction with Select Shake. However, patination oil MUST be used to stop any run-off from the lead staining the tiles. Note that Westlake Tapco Europe Limited does not warrant the use of metal components and accessories.
Search for an Answer