Hook Vs Nail

When considering your choice of slate, you should also consider the most suitable method of fixing.
Slate hooks offer a viable, perhaps even preferable choice over traditional nails in many situations.

Both fixing methods have their advantages and disadvantanges, as shown in the table below. Slatescape recommend the use of Hook fixing for our Lovat Slates (Brazilian Grey-Green) and our Cinero Slates (Brazilian Graphite-Grey).

Hook Fixing

Nail Fixing

Hook		Nail
Yes	Reduces stress on thin or brittle slate varieties	No
High	Level of resistance to wind lift	Moderate
Yes*	Suitable for low pitch roofs	No
Yes	Long-lasting	Yes
No	Slates require holing on-site	Yes = labour costs
Yes	Retains slates that break along width	No
Yes	Broken slates are easy to replace	No
Yes	Works with narrow slates	No
Partially	Visible on finished roof	No

*Crimped hooks (which reduce the capillary rise of water at the perpendicular joints between slates) can be used to a minimum pitch of 25 degrees, straight hooks can be used to a minimum pitch of 30 degrees. Always ensure you install to BS 5534 standards and guidance, and seek professional advice upon the suitability for your specific installation requirements