Slate Roofing Services in Putney & Wimbledon
Natural slate is one of the most durable roof coverings available, and it defines the look of many period homes across Putney, Wimbledon, Wandsworth, Richmond, Kingston upon Thames, Twickenham, Balham and Tooting. But slate is only as good as the way it is fixed. The wrong slate for the pitch, poor nailing or no underlay will let a slate roof fail long before its time.
Putney & Wimbledon Roofers repairs, restores and replaces natural and artificial slate roofs, working carefully to preserve the character of the building. Complete slate roof replacements carry our 10-year insurance-backed guarantee.
Recent slate work has included the replacement of a delaminating natural slate roof in Putney using a vapour-permeable membrane, treated battens and natural Spanish Cupa slate. See the case studies.
Common Slate Roofing Problems & Solutions
Common problems on slate roofs include cracked, slipped and missing slates, nail sickness, delamination, water ingress, failed lead flashings and damaged valleys, ridges and junctions.
Many problems can be solved with targeted repairs, depending on the condition of the roof. We assess the slate, the fixings and the structure before recommending a repair or a re-slate, and we show you both options with prices.
- Slate Roof Repairs
- Missing Slate Replacement
- Damaged Slate Replacement
- Slate Roof Maintenance
- Slate Roof Replacement
- New Slate Roof Installation
Need Slate Roofing Services?
020 3633 9588
Slate roofing at a glance
- Services: slate repairs, restoration, full re-slating and new slate roofs
- Materials: natural slate such as Spanish Cupa slate, and quality artificial slate where appropriate
- Specification: breathable membrane, treated battens, dry ridge, eaves ventilation and lead work
- Standard: we follow BS 5534 slating and tiling guidance where it applies
- Guarantee: 10-year insurance-backed guarantee on complete replacements
- Specialist in: period properties and conservation areas
Common slate roof problems and how we solve them
Nail sickness
The original iron nails that hold the slates corrode over time and snap, so slates slip out of position and fall. It can start without warning and spread across the roof. Isolated cases can be repaired with copper or stainless-steel fixings; widespread nail sickness means the roof needs re-slating.
Delaminating slates
Poorer-quality or old slate can split into thin layers and absorb water. Delaminated slates cannot be reused and need to be replaced.
No underlay
Most Victorian and Edwardian roofs were built before underlay existed. As soon as a single slate slips, water goes straight into the roof space, because there is no waterproof membrane underneath. A re-slate lets us fit a high-quality vapour-permeable membrane beneath the new slates.
Wrong slate for the pitch
Slates laid at too shallow a pitch can leak through capillary action, even when they look fine. We check that the slate and lap suit the roof pitch before specifying.
Failed lead work and junctions
Flashings, valleys and abutments are where most slate roofs leak. We renew lead in the correct code, and fit seamless bonding gutters where slates meet a neighbour’s roof that does not match.
Slate repair or full re-slate?
Individual slipped or cracked slates can be repaired and this is often the right answer for a roof that is otherwise sound. If nail sickness is widespread or there is no underlay, patching only delays the inevitable, and a re-slate is the better long-term value. A well-laid natural slate roof can last well beyond a century.
A typical re-slate with us includes careful stripping with sound slates set aside for reuse where suitable, a vapour-permeable membrane, new treated timber battens, natural Spanish Cupa slate, a dry-ridge system, fascia over-vents for eaves-level ventilation, and new lead flashings.
What affects the cost of a slate roof?
| Factor | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Type of slate | Natural Spanish, Welsh and other imported slates vary widely in price; artificial slate costs less but has a shorter life. |
| Roof size and complexity | Hips, valleys, dormers and chimneys add skilled labour. |
| Reusable slate | Sound existing slates can be reused to reduce material cost. |
| Timber and underlay | New membrane, treated battens and any rotten timber repairs. |
| Lead work | Flashings, soakers and valleys in the correct code of lead. |
| Scaffolding and access | Itemised separately in your written quote. |
Guide prices
| Job | What it covers | Guide price |
|---|---|---|
| Slate repair | Replacing missing or damaged slates and re-fixing slipped slates | From £195 per repair |
| Re-slate in artificial slate | Strip, new membrane and battens, new slates and dry ridge | From £9,950 per house |
| Re-slate in natural slate | Spanish Cupa or similar, with breathable membrane and dry ridge | From £14,950 per house |
| Lead valley or flashing renewal | Code 4 lead valleys, soakers and flashings | From £650 per valley or flashing |
Prices are a guide for a typical South West London house and include labour and materials. Scaffolding and access are priced separately. Every roof is different, so after a free survey you receive a fixed, itemised written quote. Request a free quote.
Case study: natural slate roof replaced
A returning customer for whom we had previously replaced a flat roof called us when her original natural slates began to delaminate and suffer from nail sickness. The roof had no underlay at all. We fitted a high-quality breathable membrane and new treated battens, then laid Spanish Cupa natural slate with a dry-ridge system and fascia over-vents. Because the neighbouring slates did not match, we installed a seamless bonding gutter to give a watertight finish. Read more in our projects.
Three steps. No surprises.
- Free survey and inspection. We inspect the slates, fixings, lead work and loft, and explain what we find.
- Itemised written quote. Repair and re-slate options with named materials, scaffolding and all costs listed.
- The job, done properly. Our own roofers do the work following BS 5534 where it applies, and you receive photographs and your written guarantee.
The true cost of cheap work
- Cheap imported slate that delaminates or fades within a few years.
- Re-nailing into old battens and calling it a repair.
- No membrane under the new slates.
- Cement and sealant used where lead should be.
- Slates that do not suit the pitch, which then leak through capillary action.
Slate roofs in conservation areas
A lot of our slate work is in conservation areas, where materials must match the existing roofs on the street. Tell us your postcode and we will advise on suitable slate and whether permission is needed. See also roof repairs, chimney repairs and new roof installation, or request a free slate roof survey.
We cover Putney, Wimbledon, Wandsworth, Richmond, Kingston upon Thames, Twickenham, Balham, Tooting and more. See areas we cover.
Frequently Asked Questions: Slate Roofing
Clear, practical answers from our 3rd-generation roofing team in South West London.
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