Slate is a bit more difficult to work with and less forgiving than asphalt shingles because they break easily. However, a slate roof can create a colorful, handcrafted look that adds to the overall appearance of a house. Cutting slate to size requires using a special pressure cutter or a pick-like hammer that splits the slate. Walking on it easily damages slate, so you may want to contact a pro for repairs on areas that you can't reach from a ladder. Repair Replace a broken or missing slate shingle by working a nail ripper underneath the upper slate or cut the nail heads with a hacksaw blade.
Test fit the new shingle and marks two nail holes on it at the gap created by the upper shingles.
Remove the new shingle, and from the back, punch new nail holes. Fit and nail the shingle in place. Slide a small piece of builder's felt under the upper shingles to cover the exposed nail heads. World Wide Web. World Wide Web.