How to Shingle a Tower

Determine how many shingles are needed. For a cone-shaped roof, use the measuring tape to determine the rafter length and the diameter of the roof. Multiply the rafter length by the diameter and divide by the size of the slate tiles. Fox example, if you have a rafter length of 25 feet, a diameter of 40 feet and tiles that are 1 foot by 1 foot (allowing for overlap), you would need a minimum of 1,000 tiles. To get a more specific total, measure the diameter of the roof at every 1-foot mark.

Cut tiles to the proper width and length. Mark the sheets of slate with the dimensions to be cut, and cut tiles on a jigsaw. Remember to cut each tile slightly longer than the determined length to allow for overlapping (generally 1 inch). For extremely narrow conical roofs, consider trimming the widths at various intervals to make installation easier (narrow tile pieces do not have to bend as much). Set pieces in piles according to sizes so they do not get mixed up.

Begin shingling the roof. Climb the ladder and nail the bottom row of shingles in place, just above the eaves. Work your way all the way around until the row is complete. Each shingle should butt against the one next to it, but not too tightly. Use four to six nails per shingle (depending on the roof's pitch).

Layer the next row slightly over the first row. Complete the second row of tiles, then continue in the manner as you work to the top of the roof. If you are using different width tiles, switch to narrower tiles as you work, saving the narrowest pieces for the top. If there is a metal peak or cap to the roof, trim the last row of tiles to fit exactly.