Professional Roof Slating Services

Expert Roof Slating Specialists

Slate roofing represents the pinnacle of roofing materials, offering unmatched beauty, exceptional durability, and timeless elegance. HouseProud Roofing provides comprehensive roof slating services throughout South East London and Kent, from traditional natural slate installations to modern synthetic slate solutions.

A properly installed slate roof can last 75-100 years or more, making it an excellent long-term investment for your property. Our experienced slaters combine traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques to deliver superior results. Whether you need a complete slate roof installation, repairs to an existing slate roof, or individual slate replacements, we deliver quality workmanship.

Our Roof Slating Services

Natural Slate Roofing

Natural slate is a metamorphic rock that has been used for roofing for centuries. Its natural beauty, exceptional durability, and low maintenance requirements make it the premium choice for discerning homeowners.

Benefits of natural slate:

• Exceptional longevity - 75 to 150+ years depending on type
• Beautiful, natural appearance that improves with age
• Low maintenance requirements
• Fire resistant and non-combustible
• Excellent weather resistance
• Increases property value
• Environmentally sustainable natural material
• Superior color retention
• Perfect for period and heritage properties
• Each slate is unique

Types of Natural Slate

We work with various types of natural slate, each with its own characteristics and benefits.

Welsh Slate:

• The premium choice for quality and longevity
• Can last 150+ years
• Beautiful dark grey to purple-blue colors
• Exceptionally dense and durable
• Low water absorption
• Traditional choice for British properties
• Perfect for heritage and conservation areas

Spanish Slate:

• Excellent quality at more accessible pricing
• 75-100 year lifespan
• Attractive grey-black coloring
• Consistent thickness and quality
• Good weather resistance
• Popular choice for modern properties

Canadian Slate:

• High-quality North American slate
• 100+ year lifespan
• Available in various colors including grey, green, and purple
• Dense and durable
• Suitable for all roof pitches

Reclaimed/Salvaged Slate:

• Environmentally friendly option
• Often from Victorian or Edwardian buildings
• Authentic period appearance
• More economical than new slate
• Perfect for renovation projects
• Already weathered appearance

Synthetic Slate Alternatives

Modern synthetic slate products offer the appearance of natural slate at a more affordable price point. These man-made alternatives have improved significantly in recent years.

Benefits of synthetic slate:

• Significantly lower cost than natural slate
• Lighter weight reduces structural requirements
• Consistent sizing and quality
• Good durability (40-60 year lifespan)
• Easy to cut and install
• Wide range of colors available
• Authentic slate appearance from ground level

Synthetic slate options include:

• Fiber-cement slates
• Composite polymer slates
• Reinforced slate alternatives
• Various colors and profiles

Complete Slate Roof Installation

A new slate roof is a significant investment that will protect and enhance your property for generations. Our installation service ensures the highest standards of workmanship.

Our slate roofing service includes:

• Complete strip-off of existing roof covering
• Inspection and replacement of roof timbers if needed
• Installation of breathable roofing membrane
• New battening to correct gauge for slate size
• Counter battening where required
• Professional slate installation with proper overlaps
• Copper or stainless steel fixing nails
• Lead soakers between slate courses
• New ridge system (bonnet or half-round)
• Lead valleys professionally welded
• Lead flashings around chimneys and abutments
• Slate ventilation where required
• Complete waste removal

Slate Sizes and Gauges

Slates come in various sizes, and the gauge (distance between courses) must be calculated correctly for weatherproofing.

Common slate sizes include:

• 600mm x 300mm (24" x 12")
• 500mm x 250mm (20" x 10")
• 400mm x 200mm (16" x 8")
• Various other sizes for specific applications

We calculate the correct gauge based on:

• Slate size
• Roof pitch
• Exposure conditions
• Building regulations requirements
• Manufacturer recommendations

Slate Fixing Methods

Proper fixing is crucial for slate roof longevity. We use traditional methods combined with modern materials for the best results.

Fixing options include:

• Copper Nails - Traditional choice that won't corrode, ideal for premium installations
• Stainless Steel Nails - Modern alternative offering excellent durability
• Center Nailing - Standard method for most roof pitches
• Head Nailing - For shallow pitches or exposed locations
• Double Nailing - For maximum security in exposed conditions
• Hook Fixing - Traditional method for certain applications

Slate Repairs

Individual slate repairs are a cost-effective way to extend your roof's life and prevent water damage. We provide expert repairs for all types of slate damage.

Common slate repairs include:

• Replacing broken or cracked slates
• Re-fixing slipped slates
• Replacing missing slates after storms
• Sourcing matching slates for older roofs
• Repairing delaminating slates
• Emergency leak repairs
• Replacing slates damaged by foot traffic

For older roofs, we maintain contacts with slate suppliers who specialize in matching historical slates. Where exact matches aren't available, we can position near-matches on less visible areas.

Heritage and Period Property Slating

We have extensive experience working on period and listed properties, understanding the importance of using appropriate materials and traditional techniques.

Our heritage slating services include:

• Use of reclaimed slates where appropriate
• Sourcing period-appropriate slate types
• Traditional laying patterns and techniques
• Decorative slate work (swept valleys, shaped edges)
• Conservation area compliance
• Listed building consent support
• Matching existing slates exactly
• Period-appropriate ridge systems

Ridge Systems for Slate Roofs

The ridge finish is important for both weatherproofing and aesthetics on a slate roof.

Ridge options include:

• Bonnet Hip Tiles - Traditional angular finish, authentic for period properties
• Half-Round Ridge - Modern clean-line finish
• Clay or Concrete Ridge - To complement the slate
• Lead Ridge - Premium weatherproof finish
• Dry Ridge Systems - Modern mechanical fixing with ventilation
• Mortar Bedding - Traditional method for period properties

Valley Systems for Slate Roofs

Valleys on slate roofs require particular attention due to the volume of water they channel.

Valley options include:

• Lead Valleys - Traditional and highly durable, 60-100 year lifespan
• Swept Valleys - Traditional decorative method where slates are cut and shaped
• Laced Valleys - Traditional interwoven slate pattern
• Close Cut Valleys - Slates cut to form valley without metal lining
• GRP Valleys - Modern alternative for cost-conscious projects

Slate Roof Ventilation

Proper ventilation is essential for maintaining a healthy roof space beneath slate roofs.

Ventilation solutions include:

• Slate vents that match existing slates
• Ridge ventilation systems
• Eaves ventilation
• In-line extraction fans
• Balanced ventilation for condensation prevention

Underlayment for Slate Roofs

Modern roofing membranes provide essential secondary protection beneath slate roofs.

We use:

• Breathable Membranes - Allow moisture to escape while preventing water ingress
• High-Performance Membranes - Superior tear resistance
• Traditional Felt - For specific heritage requirements

Breathable membranes are recommended as they:

• Prevent condensation buildup
• Allow insulation to roof level
• Provide better secondary protection
• Meet current building regulations

Re-Slating Services

When your slate roof reaches the end of its serviceable life, we provide complete re-slating services that can extend your roof's life for another century.

Re-slating includes:

• Careful removal of existing slates
• Salvaging reusable slates where possible
• Complete batten replacement
• New roofing membrane
• Installation of new slates
• New lead work throughout
• Modern fixing methods for longevity

Slate Roof Repairs vs Replacement

We provide honest advice on whether repair or replacement is the better option for your slate roof.

Consider replacement when:

• More than 20% of slates are damaged
• Battens are deteriorating extensively
• Multiple leaks across the roof
• Slates are delaminating throughout
• Poor-quality slates are failing prematurely
• The roof is over 100 years old (for natural slate)

Repairs are suitable when:

• Damage is localized
• Most slates are in good condition
• Battens are sound
• The roof is less than 60 years old
• Storm damage to specific areas

Storm Damage Repairs

Slate roofs can suffer storm damage, particularly if fixing has deteriorated. We provide prompt storm damage services including:

• Emergency temporary weatherproofing
• Replacement of wind-lifted slates
• Re-fixing slipped slates
• Full roof inspection for hidden damage
• Insurance documentation with photographs
• Complete permanent repairs

Slate Roof Maintenance

While slate roofs are low maintenance, regular inspections help maximize their lifespan.

We recommend:

• Annual visual inspections
• Checking fixing security
• Gutter and valley cleaning
• Prompt replacement of damaged slates
• Checking lead work condition
• Professional inspection every 5 years

Slate Roof Advantages

Investing in a slate roof provides numerous long-term benefits:

• Longevity - Can last 75-150+ years
• Low Maintenance - Minimal upkeep required
• Property Value - Significantly increases home value
• Aesthetics - Timeless, elegant appearance
• Weather Resistance - Excellent in all conditions
• Fire Resistance - Non-combustible A1 fire rating
• Environmentally Friendly - Natural, sustainable material
• Energy Efficiency - Good thermal properties
• Sound Insulation - Reduces external noise

Planning and Building Regulations

Most slate roof replacements don't require planning permission, though building regulations may apply. In conservation areas or for listed buildings, additional consents may be needed. We can advise on requirements for your specific project.

Why Choose HouseProud Roofing?

• Expert slate roofing specialists
• Traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques
• Quality natural and synthetic slates from trusted suppliers
• Comprehensive 10-year workmanship guarantee
• Fully insured for your protection
• Experience with heritage and period properties
• Competitive pricing with detailed quotes
• Professional installation to highest standards
• Free surveys and expert advice
• Slate sourcing and matching service

Serving South East London & Kent

We provide professional roof slating services throughout South East London and Kent, including Erith, Bexley, Dartford, Sidcup, Bromley, Orpington, and all surrounding areas. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation survey and quote for your slate roofing needs.