Finishing the roof

Versi Slates from Staceys Miniature Masonry are even easier to do than the bricks.  They are larger so they cover an area faster.  They need very little fiddling around with to keep them on line and in regular rows.  It is a simple case of starting from the bottom and overlapping by half a slate on each row as you go up.

If you have dormers to get round it is best to make a template with a scrap of paper for any awkward shapes so you don't waste a lot of slates getting it right.  Cut some paper the same size as a slate, put in place and make creases with your nail in all the places that you will need to cut out.  Cut out and check the fit, then lay the template on the tile and cut out the finished shape to glue in place.

template

tile fitted around the dormer roof

I did the roof area fairly quickly and then bashed on with the dormers.  It would be easier if they could be done before gluing them to the roof, but the ones on this kit were a fiddle to get right and needed to lay on the roof as part of that process, so the dormer roof tiling had to be done from every which way with them in situ.

Calculating the number of tiles is never and exact science and it can be frustrating to have to order a few more to finish but equally annoying to have a ton left over.  This time, incredibly, I had exactly the right amount of basic tiles.  As the last one went in place I couldn't believe my luck.

topped with ridge tiles

At the end of the whole job I was left with zero amount of ordinary slates, five ridge tiles (upper left in the photo) and three one-and-a-half width slates (upper right).  

finished

Then came the always fiddly job of attaching the roof to the house.  This is never a part of the construction I  enjoy but has to be done.  I am afraid I can't offer any handy tips to make it easier.  It is just a case of marking up the screw holes carefully and pleading with lady luck..... oh and the ability to work from all sorts of silly angles, whilst standing on a step stool.

Initially I only attach the roof flap with a single screw in each bracket.  The other half of the bracket which attaches to the ceiling is fully fixed.  I know I will need to remove the roof  flap when I come to work on that area as it will need decorating and blinds added.  The hinge screws are very short and they don't take kindly to be putting in and out, so best to leave out what you can until the final fix.

just one screw in place

So here she is - warts and all - god bless her and all who live in her...........

Dalton House

(25/04/16)