Slate & Tiled Roofing
Natural slate, clay tile and modern tiled roofs, set out and laid with care and finished with neat detailing at the hips, ridges and verges.
- Free site assessments
- No-obligation quotes
- South West & Central England
When does a slate or tiled roof need work?
Slate and clay can last for generations, but fixings, battens and individual slates or tiles wear out. Look out for:
Slipped slates
Slates sliding out of line, often because the nails have corroded.
Cracked or broken tiles
Damaged slates or tiles letting rain through.
Delaminating slate
Slate flaking or splitting into layers as it ages.
Porous clay tiles
Tiles soaking up water, flaking or crumbling after frost.
Loose ridges and hips
Ridge or hip tiles with failed mortar or fixings.
Damp in the loft
Staining, damp timbers or daylight through the roof.
Uneven roof line
Dips or waves that point to tired battens or timbers.
Repair or re-roof?
A few slipped slates or broken tiles can be repaired. When failures spread across the roof, re-slating or re-tiling is usually better value.
How long do slate and tile roofs last?
These are typical figures, not guarantees. The life of a roof depends on the quality of the slate or tile, the fixings, the exposure and how well it’s maintained.
Getting the detail right
Headlap, batten gauge and fixings are set to suit the slate or tile, the roof pitch and its exposure. The detailing at hips, ridges, verges and valleys is where the quality of the work really shows.
How we install a slate or tiled roof
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Stage 1
Inspection and assessment
We assess the covering, timbers, pitch, ventilation and overall condition to decide the right specification.
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Stage 2
Stripping the old roof
Existing slates or tiles, battens and underlay are removed, with sound heritage materials salvaged where appropriate.
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Stage 3
Timber repairs
Rafters and ridge timbers are checked, and any damaged or decayed timber is repaired or replaced.
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Stage 4
Underlay and battens
A suitable underlay goes on, then graded battens set to the gauge the slate or tile, pitch and headlap require.
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Stage 5
Slating or tiling
Slates or tiles are laid in neat, aligned courses with fixings chosen for the roof’s exposure.
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Stage 6
Ridges, valleys and leadwork
Ridges, hips, valleys, chimney flashings and abutments are completed, then the finished roof is inspected.
Slate or tile: which is right for you?
We install and repair all the main roof coverings and will advise on the best fit for your property.
| Covering | Good to know |
|---|---|
| Natural slate | Exceptionally long-lasting, ideal for period and listed homes, and can be laid in decorative patterns |
| Clay plain tiles | A rich, traditional look that weathers beautifully, ideal for cottages and Arts and Crafts homes |
| Interlocking clay tiles | Larger tiles with a traditional colour, quicker to lay |
| Concrete tiles | Durable and cost-effective for many modern properties |
Listed buildings and conservation areas may need approval to change roof materials. We’ll advise before work starts.
The benefits of a slate or tiled roof
Traditional coverings that protect a building for generations.
- Exceptional longevity Quality slate can last 75–150 years, and clay tiles 60–100 years or more.
- Traditional appearance Keeps the architectural character of period and heritage buildings.
- Weather resistance Excellent protection against rain, wind and frost.
- Natural materials Slate and clay are durable, natural and fully recyclable.
- Adds value A well-laid slate or tile roof adds real kerb appeal and value.
Slate & Tiled Roofing questions
Is slate better than clay tiles?
Neither is better in every case. Slate usually lasts longer and suits Victorian and Edwardian homes, while clay tiles suit cottages, farmhouses and Arts and Crafts houses. We’ll advise based on your property.
Can you match my existing slates or tiles?
Yes. We match size, colour and texture, using reclaimed slates and tiles where new ones wouldn’t blend in.
Can slipped slates be fixed without a new roof?
Usually, yes. Individual slipped or broken slates can be refixed or replaced. If slipping is widespread, the fixings may have failed across the roof.
Do you lay decorative slate patterns?
Yes. We lay fishscale, diamond and other decorative slate patterns, and match existing patterns on period roofs.
Need slate or tile work?
Free site assessments and no-obligation quotes for slate and tile 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
Request a free quote
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If you need to speak to us urgently, call 0800 122 3622.
