The Problem
The customer’s original roof covering of natural slate had started to delaminate and was suffering from nail sickness, which was causing slates to fall and allowing water into the property. We had previously replaced a flat roof for her, and she called us back to replace this roof as well.
The roof had no underlay at all, as is typical of properties of this age, because underlay did not exist when they were built. This means that as soon as a single slate slips, water goes straight into the roof, because there is no waterproof membrane underneath.
Work Carried Out
- High-quality vapour-permeable membrane
- New treated timber battens
- High-quality natural Spanish Cupa slate
- A dry-ridge system
- Fascia over-vents for eaves-level ventilation
- A seamless bonding gutter, because the neighbour’s slates did not match, to ensure a seamless watertight finish
The Result
A durable natural slate roof with a proper waterproof membrane, ventilation and a neat, watertight junction with the neighbouring property. Much of our slate work is in conservation areas, where materials must match to preserve the look of the street.
What Is Nail Sickness?
The original iron nails holding slates corrode and snap over time, so slates slip out of position and fall. It can spread across the whole roof, and is a common reason to re-slate rather than patch.
Why a Seamless Bonding Gutter?
Where this roof met the neighbour’s, the slates did not match. A seamless bonding gutter bridges the join and gives a watertight, tidy finish.
Questions About This Job
Why was the original roof leaking?
Slates were delaminating and falling, and with no underlay any slipped slate let water straight in.
See our slate roofing service.
If Your Slate Roof Is Losing Slates
Slipped or falling slates are usually the first visible sign of nail sickness or delamination, and on a roof with no underlay each missing slate is an open route for water. A survey will tell you whether a repair is sensible or whether re-slating is the better long-term spend. Read our slate roofing page, our guide to slate versus clay tile, or request a free quote.
