Slate retainer and method of replacing broken slates

Abstract

A method of replacing a slate, without affecting surrounding slates is disclosed. The method includes removing a broken slate. Once removed a respective fixing baton of two underlying slates is visible. The method includes securing a first portion of a slate retainer to the baton visible between the two underlying slates. Once the replacement slate is in position, the second portion can flex back in order to retain the replacement slate in position relative to the baton.

1 . A method of replacing a slate, the method comprising:
 removing the slate;   attaching a first portion of a slate retainer to a target area of a roof that is visible between two underlying slates;   arranging a replacement slate into position;   retaining the replacement slate in position relative to the target area using a second portion of the slate retainer; and   causing the second portion of the slate retainer to resiliently flex between the two underlying slates when the replacement slate is arranged in position.   
     
     
         2 . The method as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the method comprises the step of causing the second portion to resiliently move away from the first portion in order to retain the replacement slate. 
     
     
         3 . The method as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein the step of causing the second portion to resiliently move away from the first portion comprises using a tool to catch the second portion, and using the tool to extend the second portion away from the first portion. 
     
     
         4 . The method as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the method includes the step of locating a locating portion between the two underlying slates. 
     
     
         5 . A single-piece slate retainer comprising:
 a first portion that is attachable to a target area of a roof;   a second portion for holding a slate in position on a roof relative to the first portion; and   a middle portion, arranged between the first portion and the second portion, the middle portion being resilient so that the second portion is resiliently flexible relative to the first portion so that, in use, the second portion is flexible between two underlying slates.   
     
     
         6 . The single-piece slate retainer of  claim 5 , wherein a portion of the slate retainer comprises an anchor. 
     
     
         7 . The single-piece slate retainer of  claim 6 , wherein the anchor portion comprises the middle portion. 
     
     
         8 . The single-piece slate retainer of  claim 5 , wherein the middle portion is resiliently extendable to move the second portion away from the first portion. 
     
     
         9 . The single-piece slate retainer of  claim 8 , wherein the second portion comprises a hook. 
     
     
         10 . The single-piece slate retainer of  claim 8 , wherein the second portion is arranged to be spaced from the first portion a distance less than the desired distance between the first portion and that of the replacement slate, so that, in use, the slate retainer retains the replacement slate in a tensioned state that biases the foot of the slate to move toward the first portion. 
     
     
         11 . The single-piece slate retainer of  claim 5 , wherein the first portion includes at least a first fixing location for receiving a fixing. 
     
     
         12 . The single-piece slate retainer of  claim 11 , wherein the first portion includes a second fixing location. 
     
     
         13 . The single-piece slate retainer of  claim 5  wherein the slate retainer includes a locating portion. 
     
     
         14 . The single-piece slate retainer of  claim 5  wherein the single-piece slate retainer is fabricated from a continuous length of sprung wire. 
     
     
         15 . A method of manufacturing a single-piece slate retainer that is as claimed in  claim 5 , wherein the method of manufacture comprises forming the single-piece slate retainer by bending a continuous length of sprung wire.