Slate & Tiled Roofers

Slate is a durable and long-lasting roofing material that has been used for centuries. Today, there is a wide choice of natural and man-made slate available, including British and imported options. Slate is hard-wearing and suitable for roofing when it meets the relevant product standards. Common natural slate options include Welsh slate, Cornish Delabole, Scottish Ballachulish, Burlington, Westmorland and Easdale slate. Natural slate can be relatively expensive, so the material you choose will depend partly on your budget.

In addition to material costs, there is also a significant amount of labour involved in fitting a slate roof. When having a roof replaced, it may be possible to reuse some existing slates if they are still suitable, which can help reduce costs. Imported slate can also be a lower-cost alternative to some British slate. When choosing roofing slate, check that the product complies with the relevant standards, such as BS EN 12326-1.

Man-Made Slate Materials

Man-made slate roofing materials are generally cheaper than natural slate and are available in consistent sizes and colours. They can also be easier to lay because many products are supplied pre-drilled. Materials include fibre-cement slate, concrete-based products and other manufactured alternatives designed to replicate the appearance of natural slate. Fibre-cement slates are lightweight and can be suitable for a range of roof pitches, while other products may offer different finishes, weights and maintenance requirements.

Hiring a Roofer

When looking for a roofer, you can start by asking friends, family or neighbours whether they have used someone for similar work. You can also ask contractors for references and examples of previous projects. Avoid agreeing to work under pressure, particularly where a contractor turns up unexpectedly or tries to push you into making a quick decision.

Replacing slates is not always necessary, as some existing slates may be suitable for reuse depending on their condition. A roofer can inspect the roof and advise whether individual repairs, partial replacement or a full reroof is more appropriate.

You can also check whether the roofer belongs to a relevant trade organisation, such as the National Federation of Roofing Contractors or the Confederation of Roofing Contractors. Check that suitable insurance is in place and ask for a written quotation explaining the work, materials and costs involved. To get quotes from local roofers, simply click the "post your job" button on this page and enter details of the roofing work you require.

Slate Roof Replacement Cost

The cost of a new slate roof depends on factors such as the size and pitch of the roof, the type of slate chosen, access, scaffolding and whether additional work is required to features such as fascias, soffits or chimneys. As a rough guide, a complete slate roof installation on an average UK property may cost around £5,000-£10,000, although larger or more complex roofs can cost more.