Heritage & Traditional Roofing
The roof of a period property is part of its character. We restore and replace Victorian, Edwardian, Georgian and older roofs in natural slate, clay tile and stone slate, keeping them weatherproof and true to the building.
- Free site assessments
- No-obligation quotes
- South West & Central England
When does a period roof need restoring or replacing?
Period roofs can last for generations, but weather, age and failing fixings eventually take their toll. Warning signs include:
Ageing slates and tiles
Coverings becoming brittle, porous, cracked or flaking.
Slipped or missing slates
Broken, slipped or missing slates and tiles letting rain in.
Failing fixings
Corroded nails letting sound slates slip, often across the whole roof.
Damp inside
Damp patches on ceilings or upper walls, or staining around chimney breasts.
Leaks at junctions
Water getting in around valleys, lead flashings and chimneys.
Rotten battens or timbers
Decaying battens, rafters or roof timbers beneath the covering.
Sagging roof line
Dips or waves in the roof that can point to timber problems.
Repair or replace?
Occasional slipped slates can be repaired. Widespread failure usually means the fixings or battens are at the end of their life, and re-roofing is better value than repeated repairs.
How long do traditional roofs last?
These are typical figures, not guarantees. It’s often the nails and battens that fail first, letting slates slip even when the slate itself is still sound.
Reusing original materials
Where slates or tiles are still sound we strip them by hand, sort them and reuse them, topping up with matching reclaimed or new materials so the roof keeps its original look.
How we restore a period roof
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Stage 1
Survey
We inspect the covering, fixings, battens, timbers, leadwork and chimneys, then advise whether repair, restoration or re-roofing is right.
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Stage 2
Protection
Scaffolding and weather protection go up, and the property is protected throughout the work.
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Stage 3
Careful stripping
Slates or tiles are stripped by hand, and sound ones are sorted and set aside for reuse.
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Stage 4
Battens and timbers
Battens are renewed and any decayed timbers repaired, with a breathable membrane laid beneath the new covering.
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Stage 5
Re-covering
Slates or tiles are laid by hand, topped up with matching reclaimed or new materials, with leadwork and flashings renewed.
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Stage 6
Ridges and finishing
Ridges, hips and verges are bedded in a suitable mortar and the site is left clean and tidy.
Traditional roofing materials
We work with the materials your building was built with, matched in type, size, colour and finish.
| Material | Typically found on |
|---|---|
| Natural Welsh slate | Victorian and Edwardian houses, terraces and villas |
| Clay plain tiles | Cottages, farmhouses and Arts and Crafts houses |
| Stone slates | Cotswold and other regional stone buildings |
| Decorative ridge tiles | Victorian roofs with crested or patterned ridges |
Listed buildings and conservation areas may need consent for changes to roof materials. We can advise before work starts.
The benefits of restoring a period roof
A traditional roof done properly protects the building and keeps its character.
- Keeps the character Traditional materials and detailing that suit the age of the building.
- Weatherproof again A sound roof protects timbers, ceilings and the rest of the house.
- Original materials reused Sound slates and tiles are kept wherever possible.
- Protects value A well-restored roof adds to the appeal and value of a period home.
- Built to last Done properly, a traditional roof can protect the building for generations.
Heritage & Traditional Roofing questions
How long does a slate roof last?
Natural slate typically lasts 75–150 years, sometimes longer, depending on the slate and how exposed the roof is. Often the nails and battens fail before the slates do.
Can you reuse my existing slates or tiles?
Yes, where they’re sound. We strip by hand, sort the good ones and top up with matching reclaimed or new materials.
Do I need permission to re-roof a listed building?
Listed building consent is often needed, especially if materials change, and conservation areas can have extra rules. We can advise before work starts.
Should I repair or replace my roof?
A few slipped or broken slates can usually be repaired. If failures are widespread, re-roofing is often better value than repeated repairs. We’ll give you an honest view after inspecting it.
Need your period roof restored?
Free site assessments and no-obligation quotes for heritage roofing work across Bristol, Somerset, Gloucestershire, Berkshire, Hampshire, Wiltshire, Oxfordshire and Worcestershire. We are happy to talk through projects of any size, from a single repair to a complete new roof.
Free site assessments
No charge, no obligation
We visit, assess and talk you through your options
Where we work
South West and Central England
Eight areas covered, listed below
Areas we cover
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If you need to speak to us urgently, call 0800 122 3622.
