Reclaimed Slate - Leasowe, Wirral
Our team recently completed a skilful slate roof restoration on an older property, navigating the typical challenges of working with historic buildings—such as uneven surfaces, misaligned structures, and nothing being square—while delivering a durable and aesthetically pleasing result. The project commenced with the erection of scaffolding, ensuring safe access despite the irregularities of the aged framework. The old roof covering was carefully stripped, with salvageable slates preserved for reuse, honouring the building’s heritage while promoting sustainability. The loft space was then thoroughly cleaned, preparing it for modern upgrades.
We removed old, defective fascia boards and guttering, which had deteriorated over time, and replaced them with new white UPVC fascia boards and black ogee-style guttering, complemented by black round downpipes, providing a crisp, contemporary contrast to the traditional slate work. To improve energy efficiency, we installed high-quality insulation, adapting to the quirks of the structure. Eave vents and felt support trays were fitted to enhance ventilation and support, meticulously adjusted to account for the building’s lack of uniformity. We applied Vent 3 PRO breathable membrane, paired with treated battens, creating a resilient base. Two Keylite windows were installed, each equipped with slate flashing kits, seamlessly integrated into the aged roofline with precision.
For the covering, we used Welsh reclaimed 22 x 11-inch slates, secured with a slate hook system—a method popular in mainland Europe and the southwest of England—offering both durability and a nod to traditional craftsmanship suited to the property’s character. At the customer’s request, a UPVC slate trim verge was installed, providing a maintenance-free finish tailored to their preferences. Code 5 lead soakers and flashings were expertly fitted along the abutment and back walls, sealed with flexible lead sealant to ensure watertight protection against the irregular joins. A new mono ridge was added for the small ridgeline extending past the wall abutment, carefully aligned to maintain a cohesive appearance.
Upon completion, the scaffolding was dismantled, and the job site was kept clean and tidy throughout—a reflection of our professionalism, even amidst the complexities of an old building. This restoration not only overcomes the inherent challenges of heritage structures but also delivers a robust, low-maintenance roof with modern enhancements, seamlessly blending the old with the new. Follow our blog for more insights into our work with older properties and roofing expertise.
