Slating
It’s difficult for any other material to compete with natural slate. The durability of a rock-hard natural material means that a quality slate roof would last a life time or two, here are some examples of our recent slate roofs.
Natural slate is recognized throughout the world as one of the finest building materials available. The material has a capability to withstand the most extreme environmental and weather conditions. Its durability and unique natural beauty have led to the specification of slate in a broad range of roofing applications.
Slate is frequently grey in colour; however, slate occurs in a variety of colours even from a single locality and can be found in many shades of grey, from pale to dark. Ninety percent of Europe’s natural slate used for roofing originates from Spain with Brazil, China, Argentina and the UK being some of the most used slate in the UK.
Slate is particularly suitable as a roofing material as it has an extremely low water absorption index of less than 0.4%. Its low tendency to absorb water also makes it very resistant to frost damage and breakage due to freezing.
Slate roof tiles are usually fixed using either nail fixing or the hook fixing method as is common with Spanish slate.
Nails will traditionally be copper, although using S/S hook fixing means that areas of weakness on the slate are fewer since no holes have to be drilled and is particularly suitable in regions subject to severe weather conditions since there is a greater resistance to wind uplift as the lower edge of the slate is secured.
The metal hooks are, however, visible and may be unsuitable for historic properties. Both these methods, if used properly, will provide a long-lasting weather tight roof with a typical lifespan of around 80–100 years.
Slate has lined our roofs since the Roman times. However, today’s choice of local, imported or man-made slate is dictated by a number of factors, including pri
Natural Slate
British Slate
Hard-wearing and watertight — locally sourced slate is an enduring sight on our roofs. The introduction of BS EN 123261 in 2004 also guarantees that newly quarried British slate is frost- and fire-proof.
Welsh slate
Grey-blue in colour, is universally recognised as the highest quality slate available. However, Britain boasts a number of prestigious slates — including Burlington blue-grey and green-coloured Westmorland slates from the Lake District, dark-grey Cornish Delabole slate, and Scottish Ballachulish and Easdale slates. Several other types of stone also offer a sturdy choice.
Imported Slate
Offering competitive prices and an array of different hues, imported slate is a popular choice and available in abundance. Spain is by far the largest exporter — providing nearly 75% of all slate worldwide. Chinese slate is among the cheapest natural slate available. Canadian slate is also a good alternative to Welsh slate
Artificial Slate Tiles
Man-made products lack the durability and charm of their natural counterparts, yet are an affordable alternative — and, therefore, widely used. Manufactured to consistent size, shape, texture and colour, they can create a uniform, smart finish. Consistency also means they can be laid single bond and still provide watertight protection (unlike natural slates, which are typically laid in a double-lapping bond) and, coupled with the convenience of pre-drilled holes, makes installation far easier — saving time and money.
Concrete slates and slates manufactured from reconstituted slate dust are both viable options. Fibre-cement slates – made from cement, organic fibres and mineral additives – are ideal for complex designs, steep roof pitches, or for roofs where a lightweight solution is required (yet copper rivets are usually required to keep this lighter material in place). Unlike natural slate, however, weathering may expose the base colour of both concrete and fibre-cement slates over time.
Clay-based slates are another innovation introduced to meet the rising demand for slate, and offer good resilience to the elements.
Flat Roofs
If the time has come for a new flat roof, look no further. We offer a range of flat roofing services
If the time has come for a new flat roof, look no further. We offer a range of flat roofing services
If the time has come for a new flat roof, look no further. We offer a range of flat roofing services
When Your Roof May Need Replacing
If the time has come for a new flat roof, look no further. We offer a range of flat roofing services
If the time has come for a new flat roof, look no further. We offer a range of flat roofing services
You should contact us for an assessment if you notice any cracks, bubbles, damaged flashing or water damage in the attic. We can tell you if the problem can be patched up or if you need a full roof replacement.
This is important as the problem may not be cosmetic, and has likely affected much more than the eye can see.
Problems with a Flat Roof
Problems with a Flat Roof
Problems with a Flat Roof
The main culprits causing a flat roof replacement are poorly secured or damaged flashing, cracks or bubbles and ponding water. Bad flashing, cracks and bubbles are like having a hole in your umbrella. Ponding lasting more than 48 hours after rainfall can indicate a poorly installed flat roof, and has the added effect of increasing the effects of UV rays.
BUR flat roofing is prone to leakage, and the source can be difficult to find as water can travel many feet from one defect layer to a defect in another. Gravel can clog gutters, and exposed tar paper will weaken the structure, ensuring an imminent replacement.
Inspecting Your Flat Roof
Problems with a Flat Roof
Problems with a Flat Roof
Regular inspection can prevent replacing your roof early. Walk the entire surface of the roof, paying attention to how to feels underfoot. A soft or squishy area could indicate wet or damaged insulation. Look for cracks and blisters on your flat roof, as well as ponding water.
For a BUR flat roof, look for areas where gravel is missing and tar paper is exposed. If there are areas where gravel has piled up, use a stiff broom to brush the gravel away, and evaluate the tar paper below.
As with all roofs, take a peek in your attic to check for water damage.
Fibreglass GRP flat roof
EPDM rubber roof – Firestone or similar
Fibreglass GRP flat roof
These have been around in the UK for well over 20 years but in small numbers, I first came across GRP many years ago when I was asked to supply a no-flame solution for a very awkward roof. Fibreglass roofs have suffered from a bad reputation in the past due to ignorance and faulty installation. A common mistake was using standard boat resins that couldn’t expand or contract properly, or laying fibreglass onto chipboard or smooth plywood. These days’ modern resins and correct installation has helped fibreglass become a real contender for a top-flight flat roof. Normally laid in a one, or sometimes a two-layer jointless finish with factory made trims and coloured to literally any colour.
Torch on felt roofing
EPDM rubber roof – Firestone or similar
Fibreglass GRP flat roof
New bitumen felt roofs can unfortunately still carry a bad reputation from the older and now unused pour and roll systems of yesteryear. Large strides have been made, and continue to be made in flexibility and durability of a modern hot flame applied torch on roofing felts. Typically applied in a 3-layer system consisting of a vapour control layer, a layer 2mm reinforced felt and a 4mm layer of felt called a cap sheet which can be a plain black bitumen finish for a solar reflective paint finish, or a mineral fleck finish in a variety of colours, typically green, brown and a purple / blue.
EPDM rubber roof – Firestone or similar
EPDM rubber roof – Firestone or similar
EPDM rubber roof – Firestone or similar
These have stormed the market since being introduced a few years ago in the U.K. A rubber roof can be often installed in one complete layer without the need for joins depending on size, which is often an attractive prospect. It is also extremely light weight, elastic and tough, so it lends itself to many situations. Mostly rubber roofs are glued down to the decking ( wooden substrate ) so if you had a felt roof previously the timber deck may need replacing depending on the system or glue used. Other fixing methods are possible i.e. mechanically fixed, and ballasted ( weighted down with stones ). A well installed rubber roof can be a very good option.
Please check out The National Federation of Roofing Contractors guide to Flat Roofing for more information.
Tile Roofs
We offer several services for tile roofs, from repairs and maintenance to new installations to replace aging and damaged roofs.
A common issue with Tiled Roofs is missing or damaged tiles. In most cases a simply repair job can restore your roof to functionality ensuring it remains water tight and preventing more serious problems.
If, however, large areas of the roof are in disrepair with multiple incidents of broken or damaged tiles, a new installation may be the best way to restore your roof to a good working order.
We offer a free consolation service tailored to each customer’s circumstances to find which option is best suited to your situation.
Tile is the most popular type of roof in the world. This is due to its durability beyond compare, energy cost savings, and protection like no other roofing material.