Expert Slate Roofing Services

Traditional and modern slate roofing repairs and installations, offering timeless elegance and durability. We bring our roofing services to properties across Dublin, Kildare, Meath, and Wicklow.

Detailed Service Guide

Natural slate is widely regarded as the established roofing material, offering an unmatched combination of timeless elegance and formidable longevity. A well-constructed slate roof can comfortably outlast the building it protects, often surviving for over a century. We specialise in the highly skilled craft of slate roofing, blending traditional techniques with modern underlay technologies to deliver roofs that are both historically authentic and incredibly resilient.

Working with slate requires specific expertise and an exacting eye for detail. Unlike uniform manufactured tiles, natural slates must be carefully sorted, graded, and holed on-site to ensure they sit flat and shed water efficiently. Our craftsmen understand the subtle nuances of double-lapping, ensuring the correct headlap is maintained across varying pitches. We expertly handle complex roof geometries, creating neat, weather-tight valleys and meticulous ridge details that complement the natural beauty of the stone.

Beyond new installations, we are highly experienced in slate roof restoration and conservation. We regularly undertake delicate repair work on period properties, addressing widespread 'nail sickness' where the original iron fixings have rusted. By carefully salvaging sound slates and integrating perfectly matched reclaimed or new natural slates using discreet copper tingles, we restore the roof's integrity while meticulously preserving its original architectural character.

Warning Signs & When to Act

• Slipping Slates: Individual slates sliding down the roof pitch, usually caused by the failure of the underlying fixing nails.
• Delamination: The surface of older, lower-quality slates flaking or peeling away in thin layers due to frost action.
• White Efflorescence: White, powdery stains on the slates indicating mineral leaching or prolonged moisture retention.
• Visible Daylight in Attic: Gaps appearing between the slates where they have shifted out of their required overlapping alignment.

Scope of Work

We offer full slate roof replacements, individual slate replacement using copper tingles, ridge tile re-bedding, and lead valley restoration.

Our Process

1. Careful sizing and grading of slates.
2. Installation of breathable underlay and treated battens.
3. Double-nailing each slate in overlapping courses.
4. Finishing with secure lead flashing and ridge tiles.

Inspection & Quality Checks

• Strict grading of slates by thickness before installation to ensure a flat, uniform external finish.
• Verification of the correct headlap measurement to guarantee watertightness at the specific roof pitch.
• Implementation of high-quality copper or stainless-steel nails to completely eliminate future rusting.
• Detailed inspection of the lead soakers and flashings integrating with the slate work.

Project Preparation

Slate work can be delicate and involves handling heavy, sharp materials. Please ensure the perimeter of the property is clear of vehicles and fragile items. If we are matching existing slates for a repair, we may need to remove a sample slate prior to commencing the main body of work.

Aftercare & Maintenance

A natural slate roof requires very little maintenance. However, under no circumstances should unqualified personnel walk directly on the slates, as incorrect foot placement will easily crack them. Always hire professional roofers using proper crawling boards for any high-level access.

Quotation Checklist

• Verify the exact origin and grade of the slate being proposed (e.g., Welsh, Spanish, or Fibre-cement).
• Ensure the use of non-corrosive fixings (copper or stainless steel) is explicitly stated.
• Check that the installation includes high-performance, fully breathable roofing underlay.
• Confirm that all associated leadwork (valleys, ridges, flashings) is factored into the total cost.

FAQs

Is natural slate better than artificial slate?

Natural slate has a longer lifespan and better colour retention, while artificial slate is lighter and more uniform. We install both based on your requirements.

Why are my slates slipping?

Usually, this is due to 'nail sickness', where the original iron nails rust and break, allowing the slate to slide out.

Can you match my existing slates for a repair?

Yes, we source reclaimed and specific regional slates to ensure repairs blend in perfectly.

Is a slate roof heavy?

Natural slate is heavy. If converting from tiles to slate, we must check that your roof timbers can support the weight.

How do you secure a replacement slate?

We use copper wire tingles or specialist hidden fixings to secure a new slate without having to strip the surrounding area.