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Example of Slate Roof Refurbishment

Replacement Slate Roof

The roof structure was replaced and the slates refurbished on these renovated cottages.

• Renovation of a slate roof system in a commercial property development in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire.

Existing Roof Damage

• The roofs of these previously derelict cottages contained numerous leaks and damaged slates.
• Water had permeated the roof and structural timbers had rotted causing the roof to become structurally unsound.

Roof Replacement

• All roof slates and ridge tiles were carefully stripped from the roof and lowered to the ground.
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• Slates were stacked in relevant stacks according to their size.
• Existing roof timbers were then stripped away from the building and disposed of.
• Prefabricated roof trusses were lifted into place using a crane.
• Trusses were placed in alignment, fixed and then braced to create a new roof structure to take the roof system.

Re-Roofing

• Breathable waterproof membrane was cut to relevant sizes and placed in position over the new timbers.
• Wooden battons were securely fixed at the correct gauges horizontally along the roof based on the slate height - largest slates at the bottom and smaller slates to the top to give a diminishing random effect.
• Alumiumium seamless gutters with matching aluminium down-pipes were supplied and installed.
• All chimney stacks were 'ground-out' and then repointed with 3:1 sand/cement ratio.
• All chimney pots were rebedded: lifted, cleaned, repositioned and bedded in cement atop the stacks.

Re-Slating

• The existing roof slates were loaded back onto scaffold and from the eve-line were fixed securely with 2 aluminium clout nails per slate.
• Reclaimed Welsh blue slate was added to the slates to make up the area of slate required.
• All slate tails are kept in alignment by correct positioning of slates to give maximum cover.
• Lead aprons, soakers and flashings were fitted to all chimney stacks when the slating reached them.
• The existing ridge tiles were reloaded onto the roof and fully bedded in cement and sides and collars skimmed with cement to ensure a watertight fix.
• Strap verges were fixed in cement to provide full weatherproofing to the verges (edges).

Chimney Stacks

• A key requirement of the refurbishment was to maintain the character of the stone cottages, of which the chimney stacks are an attractive feature with an aesthetic quality of their own.
• Each of the 5 chimney stacks received individual attention with the lead flashings being tailored to match each chimney.
• Lead aprons are the close fitting apron that wraps around the base of the exposed chimney stack. The apron extends down the roof, secured underneath the roofing slates on either side of the chimney.
• Stepped lead flashings overlay the lead soakers to create a fully waterproof seal.
• The end chimney had its original stone flashings 'Killer stones' - built into existing chimney as a cill - this was retained and flashed using code 4 lead was applied to give full weather seal.