Slate Roofs
Slate Roofs in Cheshire
A well-laid natural slate roof can outlast every other covering, but it needs the right fixings, flashings and hands. We repair, re-slate and renew slate roofs and match the existing slate wherever possible.
- Free surveys, no obligation
- Fixed-price written quotes
- Written guarantee on the work
- Free roof and solar surveys
- Fixed-price written quotes
- Written guarantee on the work
- Local team across Cheshire
Slate Roofs across Cheshire
Many of Cheshire’s older houses, terraces and public buildings have Welsh or imported slate roofs. The slate itself often lasts a very long time, but the fixings do not: iron nails corrode and slates slip, a problem often called nail sickness. Left alone, slipped slates let water in and take more with them.
We repair individual slates, refix whole slopes, replace failed felt or battens, renew lead flashings and valleys and re-slate entire roofs in natural slate or fibre-cement slate. On older buildings we reuse sound slate where we can, and fit new slate to match when we cannot.
Want to talk it through?
Send us a photo or describe the problem and we will tell you honestly what we would do and what it involves. A free survey and a written quote follow.
Signs your slate roof needs attention
- Slipped, cracked or missing slates, often at the lower edges
- Slates that have turned flaky or delaminated, or that sound dull when tapped
- Rust-stained slates, or nails visible below the slate edge
- Leaks around chimneys, valleys and dormers where lead has failed
- Daylight or damp in the loft below a slate slope
How we work on slate roofs
We use copper or stainless fixings that will not rust, and lead or lead-substitute flashings to the right standard. Slates are laid with the correct headlap and gauge for the pitch and exposure, because a slate roof is only as good as its detail.
On a re-slate we strip, sort the sound slate for reuse, renew the battens and underlay, and relay with the reclaimed slate topped up with new matching slate. We explain what is reusable and what is not, and put the options and prices in writing.
How it works
Free survey
We look at the roof, take measurements and photos, and tell you plainly what it needs.
Fixed-price quote
A written, itemised price and a start date. If anything changes we ask you first.
The work
Scaffold and protection where needed, careful workmanship and a tidy site every day.
Sign-off
We show you the finished work, send photos and give you your written guarantee.
Natural slate or fibre-cement?
Natural slate is the traditional choice and has a long life and a quality appearance that suits period buildings and conservation areas. Fibre-cement slate gives a similar look at a lower price but lasts less long and weathers differently. For listed buildings and conservation areas, natural slate is often required, and we advise on the rules.
What affects the cost?
Slate work is skilled and the cost reflects the material, the area, the pitch, the amount of lead and the access needed. A few replacement slates is a small job. A full re-slate is a major one. We survey, advise and quote a fixed price in writing.
Slate Roofs in your town
We carry out slate roofs across Cheshire. Choose your town to see how we work locally, or send us your postcode if yours is not listed.
Related services
Roof Repairs
Leaks, slipped or cracked tiles, flashings and storm damage, found and fixed quickly.
Leadwork and Flashings
Leadwork, flashings and valleys that keep water out where roofs meet walls, chimneys and dormers.
Chimney Repairs
Repointing, flaunching, pots, flashings and lead trays, plus leaks and rebuilds.
New Roofs and Re-roofing
A full strip and re-roof in concrete or clay tile, natural or fibre-cement slate, with new felt and battens.
Slate Roofs: your questions answered
How long does a slate roof last?
Good natural slate can last well over a century. Fixings, felt and lead often need attention sooner, which is why a regular check pays off.
Can you reuse my existing slates?
Often, yes. Sound slates are sorted and relaid, and new matching slates fill the gaps. We tell you how much can be reused at the survey.
Do you work on listed buildings?
We can, and we follow the rules for materials and methods. For listed buildings you will need consent from the council for most changes, and we explain what is likely to apply.
Is slate heavy for solar panels?
Slate roofs can carry panels, but fixings need care so slates are not cracked or the roof is not damaged. We survey the roof and design the mounting for it. See solar panels.
Free surveys and quotes
Need slate roofs in Cheshire?
Call us or send your details for a free survey and a fixed-price written quote.
Get your free roof survey.
Tell us what you need and we will come back to you within one working day. No pressure, no hard sell.