Does its roof have a slate loose? (8)

I believe the answer is:

madhouse

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'slate loose?' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe you can see a link between them that I don't see?

I don't understand the rest of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for madhouse that I've seen before include "asylum" , "state of chaos" , "pandemonium?" , "9d 21d [BEDLAM]" , "badly run establishment?" .)

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