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Full Slate Roof Repair, Didsbury

Didsbury slate roof repair

Full slate roof repair on an south Manchester apartment block.

1. Reclamation of existing roof slates
2. Full structual timber survey
3. Rotten and defective structural roof timbers
4. Structural timber replacement
5. Waterproof beathable membrane
6. Full lead renewal
7. Replace with new Villa Del Rey slates
8. Blue collared ridge tiles and rainwater goods

We supplied the entire scaffolding for the project to ensure a safe working environment and access to all roof areas.

The full extent of the repairs needed to the slate roof on this Didsbury apartment block was apparent only once the original slate tiles had been removed. These were then sent for salvage.

Structural timbers

Years of leaks and poor maintenance had allowed water and damp to penetrate the slate covering and cause rot within the structural timbers, weakening them, thus much of the existing structural timber was unsuitable and needed replacing.

We installed C16 graded and treated timbers, cut and planed down to exactly replicate the original dimensions.

Over this new structure we installed new, replacement slates. Had we reused the existing slates the visual impact of the roof would have been less attractive, important for rented and leased apartments, and the lifespan of the roof covering would have not matched that of the structure.

Dormers and skylights

The entire roof area was covered in a waterproof breathable membrane, secured with 50x25mm treated softwood battens.

The existing dormers and skylights were in a poor state of repair.

Timbers were rotten and glazing was not up to modern insulation standards. These were repaired or replaced to ensure to ensure a consistently high quality roof structure that would meet building regulations approval.

Breathable membrane

This provides a secondary protective covering for the structural timbers and roof space, protecting against dirt and dust, splash back, leaks and drafts.

Lead renewal

We carried out a full programme of lead renewal in accordance with L.D.A. regulations. This included abutments and flashings, valleys and skirts, flat roof sections, window frames and corners.

New Villa Del Rey slates

Spanish Villa Del Rey slate is the best grade slate tile available and was specified by the managing agent.

500x250mm tiles form the main roof covering, and 500x375mm slate tiles are installed where needed to eliminate small breaks in sequence and thus maintain the structural integrity of the covering.

Ridge tiles

Along the roof ridge we installed blue collared ridge tiles. These were mechanically fixed to the rafters and fully bedded in mortar. The original decorative ridge tiles were retained and reinstalled, fully bedded and skimmed in mortar.