On a diamond slate roof the visible part of each slate is a diamond. The shape comes from cutting the lower edges of the slate at 45 degrees to the horizontal; what remains exposed is a square standing on its point.
It is not a different roof covering but a different method of laying: the same slate, cut and set differently. The result is crisp and regular, yet the diagonal lines make the roof plane read as livelier than rectangular slating.
Related methods
- Metal diamond cladding — the same pattern in zinc, copper or coated steel rather than natural stone
- Rectangular slating — the common method with rectangular or round-bottomed slates in horizontal courses
- Scallop slating — with rounded lower edges, giving a fish-scale appearance
Where it is used
- Steep roof planes, towers and spires, where the diamond pattern shows to best effect
- Slate wall cladding, for example on the weather sides of towers and gables
- Restoration of historic roofs returning to the original method
- Dormers and bays as an accent within a larger roof
Practical tips
- Diamond slating needs pitch — the shallower the roof, the greater the head lap required; keep to the minimum pitch given by the supplier or slater, because water follows the diagonal joints
- This is specialist work — cutting, hook fixing and the details at valleys, hips and ridge belong to an experienced slater
- Use non-corroding fixings — corroding hooks and nails are the main cause of slate roof failure
- Allow for waste — cutting the corners costs material compared with rectangular slating
- Inspect after storms — with a diamond pattern one missing slate is immediately visible, and that is exactly where the leak is
Related terms
- Slate roof
- Slate
- Slate hook
- Roof covering
- Roof pitch
- Valley rafter
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