How to Cut Roofing Slate

Slate is a naturally occurring stone material that is mined from the earth in large slabs. It is then cut into a variety of shapes and thicknesses and sold as tiles. These tiles, often used as roofing material, must be cut at the top, bottom and edges of the roof line to fit the installation area. Cutting slate can be tricky because it contains multiple layers that will flake. However, with the right tool the process requires little effort.

Pencil
Straight edge
Tape measure (optional)
Slate cutter
Trowel (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Hold the slate tile onto the roof and use a pencil and straight edge to mark the location where it requires cutting. If desired you can also measure the area with a tape measure and transfer the measurements to the slate tile once you are on the ground.
- 2
  Set a slate cutter on a sturdy, level surface and raise up the handle that contains the blade.
- 3
  Slide the slate tile under the blade and position the pencil line directly under the blade or on on top of the line that runs across the cutting base.
- 4
  Move your hands out of the way and lower the top blade until it cuts through the slate approximately 1 to 2 inches.
- 5
  Lift the handle up and slide the slate forward as far as possible. Lower the handle again to cut through an additional 1 to 2 inches of the tile.
- 6
  Continue the process until the entire piece of slate is cut.

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