Abstract:
Systems for assembling and supporting roofing members on a roof structure are described. An exemplary system includes at least one batten extending along a portion of the roof structure. The batten includes receiving portions for removably securing hanger devices along the batten. Related methods for support and assembly are also described.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/224,537, filed Sep. 12, 2005, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/609,391 filed Sep. 13, 2004. U.S. application Ser. No. 11/224,537 and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/609,391 are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD  
       [0002]     Applicant&#39;s invention relates to roofing for buildings, and more specifically to a slate roofing system and method of installation.  
       BACKGROUND  
       [0003]     Slate roofs are appreciated for their aesthetic and durable qualities. Slate is one of the finest roofing materials available and has several advantages over asphalt shingle roofs. For example, state roofing is fireproof, resists hail damage, and often has a service life of 100 years or more. However, slate is a rigid natural stone product which unfortunately can be damaged by stress. Stress can be introduced into slate in several ways, but the most common cause of stress to slate is nails used to attach the slate to the roof deck. With nail installation, the nails need to be fastened so the slate hangs on the nail. If the nail is inserted too tightly, the nail will pinch the slate. On the other hand if the nail is not inserted deep enough, the overlapping piece of slate may crack from the hidden pressure point. Environmental effects on the wood decking and nails may also contribute to the stress. Environmental changes such as swings in temperature and humidity can cause the decking to expand and contract. If the nails are in a bind in this situation, the slate can crack or fall.  
         [0004]     Furthermore, slate roofs are quite expensive (typically two to three times more expensive than composition asphalt roofing), and the weight of the slate is quite high compared to composition shingles (which may require additional support for the roof, further adding cost). Slate materials are expensive themselves, so any reduction in the amount of slate necessary for effective roofing would lead to both a decrease in cost and weight of a roof.  
         [0005]     A good background for slate roofing and the method for installing the same may be found in the NRCA Roofing and Waterproofing Manual—4th Edition, pp. 1179-1227, that document being incorporated herein by reference. Typical slate roofs are constructed such that a wood roof is first covered with an underlayment layer, typically asphalt felt paper. Overlapping slate courses are then applied with slate covering the roof in two plies except where there is overlap, in which case there are three plies of slate. Through joints should not occur from the slate roof surface to the felt. So using the conventional slate roofing technique, slate tiles must be elongated sufficiently to allow for three-ply overlap (and two plies of slate on the exposed portions of the roof) in order to ensure that water cannot penetrate the roof between the seams between slate tiles. Accordingly, the conventional slate roofing technique requires the use of a great deal of slate material, due to the need for double ply coverage and three-ply overlap for water resistance, greatly increasing the cost and weight of a slate roof.  
         [0006]     Slate roofs may be improved by reducing the amount of slate used to create a waterproof roofing surface, and by eliminating the use of nails (or any other penetration or system requiring a hole in the slate) to secure the slate tiles in place on the roof. This may allow for a more durable, but less expensive and heavy, slate roof. Furthermore, the slate roof would be more durable if there was some means of resisting uplift forces generated by winds on the slate tiles. High winds may catch under the leading edge of the slate tiles, applying a lifting force to the slate. In this manner, wind may increase stresses on the slate tiles. In addition, the wind may actually lift the slate tiles, exposing the underlying roof to the elements. Thus, an improved slate roofing system would attach the slate tiles to the rook deck using some means that would resist wind uplift forces, providing a more durable and weather resistant roof.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0007]     The embodiments of the present disclosure include a roof having slate members attached by battens and hangers. The slate tiles are typically attached to the roof in overlapping rows. Underlayment may be attached to the roof, positioned below the battens. In some embodiments, battens are attached to the roof, stretching across the length of the roof and spaced vertically at regular intervals upon the roof. The hangers may then attach to the battens in order to support slate tiles, thereby affixing the slate tiles to the roof. Generally, the hangers could either be removably secured to the battens and/or secured to the battens in such a way as to be repositionable along the length of the battens. In some embodiments, the hangers are generally tension sprung to resist uplift. Accordingly, the hangers help the slate tile they support to resist uplift forces generated by wind. Additionally, the hangers may help the slate tiles of the lower row to resist uplift by pressing down across the top portion of the slate tiles (on the overlap section). In essence, the overlapping nature of the slate rows allows the hangers to maximize resistance to uplift.  
         [0008]     The roof may further include interlayment material (often referred to as “slate liner”) underlying the slate. Generally, slate liner associated with each row of slate underlies the slate tiles of a row. Typically, the slate liner for a row of tile would be positioned atop the hangers associated with that row, and the slate tiles would then be placed in the hangers atop the slate liner. In addition, the roof may include valley metal, gable/rake edge metal and drip edge metal positioned on the roof deck. Generally, the slate roof may be installed by positioning and attaching the battens to a roof deck. The hangers would then be secured to the battens, positioned on the battens in order to properly support slate tile across the roof. In one embodiment, the battens would have regularly spaced hanger holders or slots along their length, shaped and sized to accept the hangers. The hangers are operable to fit securely within the hanger holders, such that the hangers could be securely attached as necessary along the length of the battens to affix slate tiles to the roof. By providing hangers that are removably secured to the battens, the hangers may be appropriately positioned, regardless of an edge or a valley in the roof. An alternative embodiment might have hangers that are repositionable along the length of the battens, so that the hangers may be properly positioned, regardless of an edge or valley. Once the hangers have been appropriately placed on the battens, the state liner would be positioned atop the hangers before placing down the slate. In addition, underlayment may be placed below the battens, with a self-adhering membrane placed below the underlayment.  
         [0009]     By underlaying each course of slate with an interlayment material layer, the interlayment material acts as a base to the through joints, preventing water penetration to the underlying roof through seams in the slate tiles. This can reduce the amount of slate used to form a waterproof roof by approximately 40% to 50% (since the interlayment material blocks water seepage through seams between slate tiles, less slate overlap is required to provide a waterproof roof. Rather than two plies of exposed slate and three-plies of slate at ares of overlap, the present embodiments use only a single ply of exposed slate with two-plies of slate at areas of overlap). Generally, heavy-duty, weatherproof interlayment material layer would be used, typically plastic 20 to 60 mil in thickness. Moreover, where slate meets side to side (the through joint), the underlaying interlayment material provides sufficient waterproofing to protect the roof. The interlayment material is also less expensive and lighter weight than the slate it replaces. Thus, disclosed embodiments improve upon prior art slate roofs by providing for a markedly improved weather barrier, lighter weight, and more economical slate roof.  
         [0010]     Disclosed hanger embodiments do not require nails to mount the slate on the roof, improving the durability of the slate tiles by reducing stresses. The disclosed embodiments allow a plurality of hangers to be installed at one time. Since damage can also be caused during roof construction, the installation of a plurality of hangers at one time allows the slate to be installed from the top down. In addition, the nature of the hangers allows the roof to be easily repaired without tools. The metal used in some embodiments of the hangers can also be a more durable means of attachment of slate tiles to the roof, since the hanger shape provides for strong, durable attachment. The hangers are also generally spring tempered, which helps them spring against the roof deck. By being tension-sprung, the hangers may provide superior wind uplift protection.  
         [0011]     While examples in this application make specific reference to slate and slate installation, the invention and techniques provided herein apply to tile and tile installation regardless of material, and any sort of shingle, as well. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0012]      FIG. 1  is a top view of a roof deck.  
         [0013]      FIG. 2  is a top view of the roof deck illustrating valley preparation and drip edge installation.  
         [0014]      FIG. 3  is a top view of the roof deck illustrating placement of underlayment.  
         [0015]      FIG. 4  is a top view of the roof deck illustrating placement of valley metals and rake edge metals.  
         [0016]      FIG. 5  is a top view of the roof deck illustrating preparation of all valleys, hips, ridges, walls and roof penetrations.  
         [0017]      FIG. 6  is a top view of the roof deck illustrating the installation of slate.  
         [0018]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the roof deck illustrating installation of slate.  
         [0019]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the roof deck illustrating slate installation at the valley.  
         [0020]      FIG. 9A  is a top view of a batten with exemplary hangers used according to the present disclosure.  
         [0021]      FIG. 9B  is a top view of a batten with exemplary hangers used according to the present disclosure.  
         [0022]      FIG. 9C  is a top view of a batten with exemplary hangers used according to the present disclosure.  
         [0023]      FIG. 9D  is a perspective view of a batten with exemplary hanger used according to the present disclosure.  
         [0024]      FIG. 9E  is a perspective view of a batten with exemplary hanger used according to the present disclosure.  
         [0025]      FIG. 10  is a front view of the roof deck illustrating hip installation of slate.  
         [0026]      FIG. 11  is a top view of the roof deck illustrating the ridge.  
         [0027]      FIG. 12  is a side view of the roof deck illustrating ridge installation of slate.  
         [0028]      FIG. 13  is a detailed view of slate installation step  1 .  
         [0029]      FIG. 14  is a detailed view of state installation step  2 .  
         [0030]      FIG. 15  is a detailed view of state installation step  3 .  
         [0031]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view of the roof deck illustrating flashing at siding.  
         [0032]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view of the roof deck illustrating flashing at sidewall/chimney.  
         [0033]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view of the roof deck illustrating plumbing vent details with installation.  
         [0034]      FIG. 19A  is a side view of the hanger according to one aspect of the present disclosure.  
         [0035]      FIG. 19B  is a plan view of the hanger of  FIG. 19A . 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS  
       [0036]     In  FIG. 1 a  top view of a roof deck  102  is shown. In the present methodology, the initial step is to inspect and prepare the roof deck  102 . In one embodiment, the roof deck  102  has a valley  104 , eave  114 , gable/rake  116  and ridge  118 . In this exemplary roof deck  102  inspection step, the existing roof sheathing is inspected for structural integrity. The roof deck  102  should be preferably minimum 15/32 inch plywood or code approved oriented strand board (OSB). All roof deck  102  nails should be driven flush with the roof deck  102 . The roof deck  102  should be inspected for protrusions which may damage felt underlayment  110  (See  FIG. 3 ).  
         [0037]      FIG. 2  is a top view of the roof deck  102  illustrating valley  104  preparation and drip edge  108  installation. In this step of the present methodology, the user installs peel and stick membrane  106  in the valleys  104  while overlapping membrane  106  seams a preferred minimum of six inches. The membrane  106  used is preferably a self-adhering poly(styrene-butadiene-styrene) (SBS) type. For example, the membrane  106  used in the preferred embodiment is Tarco™ Leak Barrier Ice and Water Armor. However, it is to be appreciated that any equivalent membrane can be utilized. The membrane  106  is preferably 36 inches wide. All drip edge  108  metals are then installed. The drip edge  108  is preferably D style No. 26 gauge galvanized or 16 ounce copper metal. On new construction, if the exterior fascia board has not been painted, the drip edge  108  may be delayed and installed after the underlayment  110  (See  FIG. 3 ) is installed. The underlayment  110  (See  FIG. 3 ) should extend over the drip edge  108  metal.  
         [0038]     In  FIG. 3 a  top view of the roof deck  102  illustrating placement of underlayment  10  is shown. In this step of the present methodology, the user installs underlayment  110 , which is preferably a poly(styrene-butadiene-styrene) (SBS) multipurpose or Type 30 per ASTM D226. During this step, the user will roll the underlayment  110  over the gable/rake edge  112  a preferred minimum of one inch. There is a preferred minimum headlap of two inches for the underlayment  110 . This may be increased to a minimum of four inches in wet or snow areas. Headlap for purposes of this application is defined as the portion of slate  130  (See  FIG. 6 ) overlapped by two layers of slate  130  (See  FIG. 6 ) from the next two rows. Headlap facilitates making the roof watertight. Indeed, failure to adhere to the recommended headlap can lead to interior water damage. There is a preferred minimum six inch sidelap for the underlayment  110 . For purposes of this application, sidelap is defined as side edges of adjoining pieces of underlayment. Nails (not shown) may be used to secure the underlayment  110  and have a pattern of preferably 12 inches on center at the headlap and preferably 36 inches on center at the center of the underlayment roll.  
         [0039]      FIG. 4  is a top view of the roof deck  102  illustrating placement of valley metals  120  and rake edge metals  154 . In the present methodology, the user may install valley metal  120  over membrane  106  (See  FIG. 2 ). This valley metal  120  is preferably 26 gauge galvanized, 24 inch “W”, or 16 ounce copper metal. It is preferably installed with a one inch splash diverter (not shown) and preferably fastened with 1.25 inch roof nails or 1.25 inch copper slating nails one inch from the edge. The user may also install gable/rake edge metals  154  at gable/rake edge  112 . The gable/rake edge metal  154  is preferably 26 gauge galvanized or 16 ounce copper metal. Next the user may install vertical wall flashings (See  FIGS. 16 and 17 ) and plumbing stack and vent flashings (See  FIG. 18 ). The vertical wall flashings (See  FIGS. 16 and 17 ) are preferably 26 gauge galvanized or 16 ounce copper. At the next step, the user may install peel and stick membrane  106  over ridge  118 . The membrane  106  used is preferably a self-adhering poly(styrene-butadiene-styrene) (SBS) type. The membrane  106  is preferably 12 inches wide having three inch endlaps.  
         [0040]     In  FIG. 5 a  top view of the roof deck  102  illustrating preparation of all valleys  104 , hips  156 , ridges  118 , walls and roof penetrations is shown. Peel and stick membrane  106  is applied over valley metal  120  (See  FIG. 4 ) leaving preferably three inches from the center line of valley  104  uncovered. The membrane  106  should cover valley metal  120  a preferred minimum of 11 inches on each side of the center line and cover nails a preferred minimum of three inches. With a utility knife, the user may cut preferably ten inch wide strips from the roll of peel and stick membrane  106 . The user may install peel and stick membrane  106  over the gable/rake edge metal  154  being sure to cover all fasteners. The membrane  106  should extend a preferred minimum of six inches beyond the gable/rake edge metal  154  over the underlayment  110 . This gable/rake edge metal  154  membrane  106  may also extend over the valley  104  membrane  106 . The membrane  106  on the valley metal  120  and the gable/rake edge metal  154  may be self-adhered, instead of nailed. The membrane  106  should also be installed over all other flashings and roof penetrations a preferred minimum of six inches past all flashings. Next the user may install the hip spacer  126  and the ridge spacer  122  using preferably 1.5 inch roofing nails or coated decking screws. These fasteners are preferably placed at 24 inches on center on each side of the nailer. Spacer flashing  124  is cut from slate liner  140  (See  FIG. 6 ) and placed over the ridge spacer  122  and should preferably overlap 12 inches at sidelaps.  
         [0041]      FIG. 6  is a top view of the roof deck  102  illustrating the installation of slate  130 . In the slate installation step, the roof deck  102  is outlined with slate  130 . The hips  156 , ridges  118  and valleys  104  are outlined first. Next the user wilt locate and mark the bottom batten row  172  at the drip edge  108 . The bottom row  174  (See  FIG. 7 ) of hangers  134  (See  FIG. 7 ) should extend to the drip edge  108 . The user may then use a chalk line and measuring tape to locate the remaining rows for battens  132 . Battens  132  should be preferably installed at 10 inch intervals. The battens  132  are preferably galvanized or stainless steel. Stainless steel is generally used where coastal salt water corrosion is a concern. It is to be appreciated that batten  132  spacing may be increased or decreased to accommodate fraction spacing. The user may begin at the hips  156  and valleys  104  and work up the roof deck  102  installing a full batten  132 , slate liner  140 , and 2-3 slates  130  at each row, leaving the field clear to walk. Next, the user may locate and install top row battens  132 , slate liner  140 , and top row of slates  130  (ridge row  178 ), then install ridge slates  150 . The ridge slates  150  should overlap and lock in the ridge row  178  of slates  130 . The user may trim off any exposed slate liner  140  with a utility knife.  
         [0042]     In one embodiment, beginning four rows down from the ridge row  178  of slates  130 , the user may install batten  132 . Hangers  134  may or may not be preinstalled on battens  132 . The user may then lay slate liner  140  on hangers  134  (See  FIG. 7 ) and drop slate  130  onto hangers  134  (See  FIG. 7 ). The hangers  134  (See  FIG. 7 ) are preferably spring tempered stainless steel. The user is cautioned to confirm that the keyways or joints line up with the ridge row  178  of slate  130 . Next the user may install the next row of battens  132  locking in the row of slate  130  below and repeating the process. In one embodiment, the user offsets the keyways ½ slate  130  every other row. The last row may be “shoehorned” in by the user. The user may then come down the roof four rows and repeat the process. A perspective view of this slate installation process is shown in  FIG. 7  while  FIG. 8  illustrates a perspective view of the slate installation at the valley  104 . Greater detail on the slate  130  installation is show in  FIGS. 12-15 .  
         [0043]     In  FIG. 9A  a top view of batten  132  with hangers  134  used in the present methodology is shown. Hangers  134 , which are preferably formed of spring tempered stainless steel, can be easily installed and removed to facilitate proper support for the slate  130 . The hangers  134  provide a convenient way to quickly and easily install and remove individual slate  130 . In one embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 9A , the hangers  134  have a short member  158  and a long member  160 . The long member  160  has a curved distal end (upward facing hook  162  at one end) and the remaining end is adjacent to a first outward extending arm  166 . In some embodiments, the long member  160  may be modified to include a wider distal end or two distal ends. The first outward extending arm  166  is adjacent a central connecting member  168 . This central connecting member  168  is adjacent a second outward extending arm  170 . This second outward extending arm  170  is adjacent the short member  158 . While the majority of hanger  134  rests in one plane, long member  160  extends at an angle above the plane of first outward extending arm  166 , curves downward at an angle and ends at a point within the linear plane of the first outward extending arm  166 . This exemplary embodiment is illustrated in more detail in  FIGS. 19A and 19B . When installing the hanger  134 , the user will insert the second outward extending arm  170  of the hanger  134  into an opening formed by a first hanger holder  142 . The hanger holder  142  is generally defined by the batten  132  to be a pocket or slot-like receiving portion for receiving a portion of the hanger  134 . The hanger holder  142  may be formed as an integral portion of the batten  132 , or as a separable element attached to the batten. The first outward extending arm  166  of hanger  134  will then be inserted into an opening formed by an adjacent hanger holder  142 . When removing the hanger  134 , the user squeezes together the short member  158  and long member  160  to remove the hanger  134  from the first hanger holder  142  and the adjacent hanger holder  142 .  
         [0044]     It is to be appreciated that the hanger  134  may take a variety of shapes and configurations for interacting with the battens  132  and retaining the slate members on the roof. Indeed, the hanger holders may be correspondingly altered to take a shape and size corresponding to, or otherwise accommodating, the various hanger shapes and sizes. For example, with reference to  FIG. 9B , a head portion  200  of a hanger  234  may take on a circular or substantially circular configuration. A batten  232  may be provided such that a pair of hanger holders  242  are contoured to correspond to the shape of the head portion  200  of the hanger  234 . The hanger  234  may further include a short member  258  and long member  260  to facilitate insertion of the hanger  234  into the hanger holders  242  in a manner similar to that described with reference to  FIG. 9A .  
         [0045]     In another embodiment depicted in  FIG. 9C , a head portion  300  of a hanger  334  may be formed to have a hexagonal or substantially hexagonal shape. Corresponding hanger holders  342  may be provided to correspond to the shape of the head portion  300  of the hanger  334 . Indeed, in some embodiments, the hanger holders  342  may include gaps at the apices of the hanger holders to permit extension of the hexagonal head  300  through the hanger holder when removably secured thereto. The hanger  334  may further include a short member  358  and long member  360  to facilitate insertion of the hanger  334  into the hanger holders  342  in a manner similar to that described with reference to  FIG. 9A .  
         [0046]     It is to be appreciated that additional embodiments are contemplated in which the head portion of the hanger is sized and shaped to fit into corresponding receiving portions (such as the exemplary hanger holders described above) of the batten, thereby permitting the retention of slate on a roof structure. In such embodiments, the hangers may be removably secured to the battens, thereby permitting hangers to be movable or repositionable along the length of the battens. This provides flexibility in deciding where to establish hangers along the length of the battens. Indeed, larger slate tiles may require a larger number of hangers, whereas smaller slate tiles may require a lesser number of hangers. Accordingly, efficiency of resources can be maximized according to the teachings of the present disclosure. The removably securable relationship between the hangers and the battens also permits quick installation of the roofing system of the present disclosure.  
         [0047]     Additional exemplary embodiments are contemplated in which the head portion of the hanger is shaped and sized to fit into, snap into, or otherwise removably attach to, the corresponding receiving portions (e.g., hanger holders) defined in the batten. For example, with reference to  FIG. 9D , a head portion  400  of a hanger  434  may include projections  440  shaped and sized to snap-fit into a corresponding grid-like structure  450  (receiving portion) of a batten  432 . Of course, any number of projections  440  are contemplated, so long as they are able to snap-fit, or otherwise attach to, the batten  132 . Still further, in  FIG. 9E , a head portion  500  of a hanger  534  may include a pair of projections  540  designed to fit into corresponding receptacles  570  of a batten  532 . In such an embodiment, the projections  540  of the hanger  534  may be substantially L-shaped so as to minimize the distance the projections extend from the head portion  500 . Indeed, the projections  540  may be fixed or actuateable from a first position to a second position. Of course, the projections  540  may take any shape to permit operative engagement of the hanger  534  with the batten  532 .  
         [0048]      FIG. 10  is a front view of the roof deck  102  illustrating hip  156  installation of state  130 . The hips  156  of the roof deck  102  are one of the first areas outlined with state  130 . The user will install battens  132  on top of the underlayment  110 . Hangers  134  are inserted into hanger holders  142  of battens  132 . The user will lay slate liner  140  on hangers  134  and drop slate  130  onto hangers  134 . At the hips  156 , hip spacer  126  is applied followed by hip spacer cover  148 . Slate trim pieces  146  are applied and attached to hip  156  by decking screws  144 .  
         [0049]     In  FIG. 11 a  top view of the roof deck  102  illustrating the ridge  118  installation is shown. With the ridge  118  installation step, the user will install ridge spacers  122  by making sure the ridge spacer  122  is preferably evenly spaced over the ridge  118  and fastened at preferably 24 inches on center along each side of ridge  118  with preferably 1.5 inch roofing nails or screws. The user will place preferably 13 inch wide slate liner  140  over the ridge spacers  122  so that the center line of slate liner  140  is centered along the ridge  118 . It is preferred to work with 10-12 foot lengths being sure to preferably overlap end joints 12 inches minimum. Next, the user installs top batten  132  (See  FIG. 12 ) along a chalk line using a nail gun and preferably 1.25 inch 0.120 galvanized standard coil fed roofing nails. Hangers  134  (See  FIG. 12 ) are inserted into hanger holder  142  (See  FIG. 12 ) of battens  132  (See  FIG. 12 ). In some embodiments, the batten  132  (See  FIG. 12 ) is fastened at the center of the hanger  134  (See  FIG. 12 ) except at the gable/rake edges  112  (See  FIG. 4 ). The user lays the slate liner  140  along row of hangers  134  (See  FIG. 12 ) and tucks under the plastic ridge spacer cover  152 . The ridge spacer cover  152  should preferably overlap top row of slate liner  140  by a minimum of three inches. The user will next lay the first row of slate  130  by placing bottom edge of each slate  130  into top row of hangers  134  (See  FIG. 12 ). The hangers  134  (See  FIG. 12 ) are preferably preinstalled at six inches center. The slates  130  are preferably twelve inches wide by twelve inches long standard quarried slate. Of course, other spacing dimensions for the hangers  134  and other sized slates  130  are contemplated to fall within the scope of the present disclosure. Also, it is to be appreciated that other tiles other than slate may be used in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. Indeed, it is contemplated that any roofing or siding members may be used in accordance with the principles herein. The hangers  134  (See  FIG. 12 ) are preferably evenly spaced on the slate  130 . Each hanger  134  (See  FIG. 12 ) should be preferably three inches from the edge of each full piece of slate  130 . On smaller pieces, it is preferable to have at least two hangers  134  (See  FIG. 12 ) are supporting each piece of slate  130 . Hanger  134  (See  FIG. 12 ) can be easily removed and replaced to facilitate spacing up to preferably 1.5 inches. In some embodiments, if a measurement calls for a piece of slate  130  less than four inches wide, the adjacent piece should be cut back so that the small piece is preferably a minimum of four inches. The cut edges can be placed side by side so that the cut edge disappears and is not distinguishable. The user preferably ensures that the ridge spacer cover  152  overlaps the top row of slate  130  a preferred minimum of two inches. The top edge of the top row of slate  130  is preferably no more than one inch from the bottom of the ridge spacer  122 . The ridge trim pieces  150  are installed by nailing or screwing each piece of state  130  through two predrilled holes  186  directly through the ridge spacer  122  into the roof deck  102 . The trim pieces  150  are preferably 16 inch.times.7 inch standard quarried slate predrilled. The edge of each trim piece  150  must meet at the top of the ridge  118  and one piece should slightly overlap the other so that a clean, weather resistant joint is formed. If desired, the user may apply a weatherproof caulk of a matching color to the joint. The caulk is preferably a high quality exterior grade silicone. Next, the next ridge trim piece  150  is installed by overlapping the previously installed piece by preferably six inches. If desired, each nail hole can be covered with a weatherproof caulk. The ridge trim pieces  150  should overlap the top of the first row of state  130  by a preferred minimum of two inches. Care should be taken not to overdrive the fasteners on ridge trim pieces  150 . The slates  130  should be able to wiggle slightly. Any plastic ridge spacer cover  152  that is visible after the ridge trim pieces  150  are installed can be carefully trimmed with a utility knife.  FIG. 12  is a side view of the roof deck  102  illustrating ridge  118  installation of slate  130 .  
         [0050]     In  FIG. 13 a  detailed view of exemplary slate  130  installation step  1  is shown. In installation step  1 , the user installs battens  132  end to end on a fourth chalk line from the top or ridge  118 . The user fastens each batten  132  with roofing nails  138  at the center of each hanger  134  approximately every six inches. The slate liner  140  is next installed by placing it along the row of battens  132  using the hangers  134  to support the slate liner  140 . It is recommended that each piece of slate liner  140  be preferably a maximum of 25 feet long. The pieces of slate liner  140  should preferably overlap a minimum of twelve inches at side laps. Slate liner  140  should be installed with the dull finish side up or shiny side down. In some embodiments, no nails are driven through the slate liner  140 . Next the user installs slates  130  by placing slates  130  on the hangers  134  being careful to keep hangers  134  centered on the slates  130 . In some embodiments, each slate  130  should have two hangers  134  supporting it preferably evenly spaced from each side edge of the slate  130 . Full slates  130  should have a hanger  134  preferably three inches from each side edge. At the beginning or end of each row a one-half slate offset is recommended and can be achieved by placing additional hangers  134  at the hanger holders  142  provided in the battens  132 . The battens  132  can be cut with tin snips. The user should align the battens  132  end to end preferably maintaining a six inch space between the hangers  134  for slates  130  (or three empty hanger holders  142  in the battens  132 ). Battens  132  should be held back ½ inch from ridge spacers  122  or gable/rake edge metals  154  (See  FIG. 5 ).  
         [0051]      FIG. 14  is a detailed view of exemplary slate  130  installation step  2 . In this step of installation, the user will install the next row  180  of battens  132 . The battens  132  should lock into the slates  130  below. The user should ensure the hangers  134  are preferably evenly spaced on the states  130  below. The hangers  134  should be preferably three inches from each edge of each slate  130 . Tin snips are used to trim the battens  132  at the ends to facilitate hanger  134  spacing.  
         [0052]     In  FIG. 15 a  detailed view of exemplary slate  130  installation step  3  is shown. In this step of installation, at the top row of each working section an open row  182  is created. To complete the installation of the open row  182 , the user should install slate liner  140  by slipping it under the top row  184  of slate  130 . The bottom edge of the slate liner  140  is held in place by hangers  134 . Next the user installs the slates  130  by slipping the top edge of the slate  130  under the top row  184  until the bottom edge of the slate  130  clears the hangers  134  below, The user pulls or pushes the slate  130  downward slightly until the hangers  134  support the bottom edge of the slate  130 . Preferably an 18 inch wide piece of slate liner  140  can be used as a shoehorn by inserting it first, then the slate  130  slides easier into place. The shoehorn is removed and the process is repeated.  
         [0053]     While various embodiments in accordance with the principles disclosed herein have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Thus, the breadth and scope of the invention(s) should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with any claims and their equivalents issuing from this disclosure. Furthermore, the above advantages and features are provided in described embodiments, but shall not limit the application of such issued claims to processes and structures accomplishing any or all of the above advantages.  
         [0054]     Additionally, the section headings herein are provided for consistency with the suggestions under 37 CFR 1.77 or otherwise to provide organizational cues. These headings shall not limit or characterize the invention(s) set out in any claims that may issue from this disclosure. Specifically and by way of example, although the headings refer to a “Technical Field,” the claims should not be limited by the language chosen under this heading to describe the so-called field. Further, a description of a technology in the “Background” is not to be construed as an admission that certain technology is prior art to any invention(s) in this disclosure. Neither is the “Brief Summary” to be considered as a characterization of the invention(s) set forth in issued claims. Furthermore, any reference in this disclosure to “invention” in the singular should not be used to argue that there is only a single point of novelty in this disclosure. Multiple inventions may be set forth according to the limitations of the multiple claims issuing from this disclosure, and such claims accordingly define the invention(s), and their equivalents, that are protected thereby. In all instances, the scope of such claims shall be considered on their own merits in light of this disclosure, but should not be constrained by the headings set forth herein.