Slate roofs are common on Victorian and Edwardian terraces, and on newer homes wanting a crisp finish. Slates themselves can last a long time, but the nails that hold them can fail, letting slates slide.
We replace individual slates with tingles or modern fixings, re-slate slopes, and install new slate roofs in natural or fibre cement slate.
What this service covers
- Refixing slipped slates
- Replacing cracked or delaminating slates
- Re-slating with new membrane and battens
- Slate ridge, hip and valley details
- Lead soakers and flashings on slate roofs
Signs you may need it
- Slates appearing in the garden or gutter
- Lines of slates hanging lower than others
- Rust staining from failing nails
- Slates flaking or splitting at the edges
How we approach it
- 01
Assess
We check whether problems are isolated or a sign of general nail fatigue across the roof.
- 02
Recommend
Repair, partial re-slate or full re-slate, with reclaimed or new slate options.
- 03
Work
Slates are holed and fixed to suit the gauge and exposure, with appropriate lead detailing.
- 04
Finish
Ridges, verges and flashings are completed and the site is cleared.
Options we commonly discuss
- Natural slate
- Fibre cement slate
- Reclaimed slate for matching repairs
What affects the quotation
Your free written quotation is priced for your property and covers:
- Natural versus man-made slate
- Matching size and colour
- Amount of nail fatigue
- Roof complexity and access
- Conservation requirements
Any guarantee depends on the job and materials and is stated in your written quotation.
Slate roofing: common questions
Can you reuse my existing slates?
Sound slates can sometimes be stripped, sorted and reused, topped up with matching reclaimed slates. Not all slates survive removal, so we'll advise after inspection.
What is nail fatigue?
Old nails corrode over time. When many fail, slates slip in numbers, and re-slating is often more economical than repeated repairs.
Are man-made slates a good alternative?
They are lighter and economical, but appearance and lifespan differ from natural slate. We'll explain the pros and cons for your property.