TRADITIONAL ROOFING - SINCE 1990
Stone Slate Roofing
West Country Tiling specialises in stone slate roofing for historic, listed and traditional properties across the South West. Our team has worked with stone slate and traditional roofing techniques since 1990, carrying out repairs, restoration and complete reroofing.
or call us on 01373 462 224
Working with stone slate since 1990
Repairs, restoration & reroofing
Traditional & heritage buildings
Stone slate roofs form an important part of the traditional architecture of many areas across the South West, particularly Dorset, Somerset and the Cotswolds. Working with this traditional roof covering requires an understanding of the existing stone, how it has been laid and which materials can be retained and reused before replacement stone is introduced.
THE MATERIALS
A Specialist Approach to Stone Slate Roofing
Unlike roofing materials manufactured to a uniform size and thickness, traditional stone slates can vary considerably. Stone slating involves selecting and positioning individual pieces to create a weather-resistant roof while maintaining the appearance and character of the original covering.
Traditional stone roofs are commonly laid using random-width stone slates in diminishing courses, with larger pieces towards the eaves and progressively smaller slates higher up the roof.
This makes sorting and selecting the stone an important part of the process. The roofer needs to consider the size, thickness and condition of individual slates as the roof is set out and laid.
REPAIR & REUSE
Repairing and Reusing Existing Stone Slates
A stone slate roof does not necessarily need to be completely replaced when problems develop. Where existing stone remains suitable, it can be removed, assessed and prepared for reuse.
Depending on the stone and its condition, this can involve dressing and drilling individual slates before they are re-laid. Replacement stone can then be introduced where existing material is damaged or unsuitable for reuse.
At the National Trust-owned Town House at Corfe Castle, our team restored an 18th-century stone slate roof by stripping the existing slates before dressing, drilling and relaying them using traditional methods alongside modern battens and pegs. Where additional material was needed, new stone was sourced for the south elevation.
SOURCING MATERIALS
Sourcing Stone for Traditional Roofs
Finding suitable replacement stone can be one of the challenges of restoring an older stone slate roof. The type of stone originally used, its availability and the amount that can be salvaged all influence what is required.
This was particularly important during West Country Tiling’s complete reroof of a Grade II* listed 17th-century manor house in Dorset. Traditional Purbeck stone slate was no longer available in the form originally used on the property, so replacement material had to be sourced from three separate quarries to make up the shortfall. New stone was then used alongside salvaged original slates, allowing the new material to weather gradually into the existing roof.
The project involved stripping the roof and dressing, drilling and preparing the existing stone for reuse, alongside extensive associated work to the roof and building.
ADDITIONAL SERVICES
Stone Slate Roofs and Associated Roofing Work
Restoring a traditional stone roof often involves more than the roof covering itself. The condition of timberwork, insulation, leadwork, gutters, chimneys, masonry and roof drainage may also need to be considered as part of the project.
West Country Tiling’s stone slate roofing work can include associated leadwork, stone masonry and timberwork, as well as sourcing new or reclaimed roofing materials.
Considering these elements together is particularly important on older properties, where changes or deterioration in one part of the roof can affect the wider structure and how the roof performs.
TRADITIONAL ROOFING
Experience in Traditional Stone Roofing
Our stone slate roofing experience includes private homes, manor houses, churches, hotels and National Trust properties, from localised repairs to complex heritage stone roofing and complete reroofing.
Different stone roofing traditions can require different materials and approaches. Our wider stone slate experience includes Purbeck stone in Dorset as well as extensive work with Cotswold stone slate, which has its own characteristics, selection and laying requirements.
This practical experience allows us to consider the individual roof rather than applying the same solution to every stone slate project.
EXPERIENCE THAT MATTERS
Why Choose West Country Tiling?
West Country Tiling has worked with traditional roofing materials since 1990, with specialist teams experienced in stone slate roofing.
Our work includes assessing and salvaging existing stone, dressing and preparing slates for reuse, sourcing suitable replacement materials and laying stone in traditional diminishing courses. We can also undertake associated roofing, leadwork, masonry and timberwork where required as part of the wider project.
Based in Somerset, we work on stone slate roofs throughout the South West and further afield.
Are you planning repairs, restoration or complete reroofing of a stone slate roof?
Does your stone slate roof need repair or restoration? Speak to our team about the condition of the existing stone and whether suitable material can be retained and reused. We can discuss the condition of the existing roof, the stone involved and the scope of work before arranging a survey to look at the property in more detail.
Or call 01373 462 224
YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Stone Slate FAQs
What is stone slate roofing?
Stone slate roofing uses pieces of natural stone to create a traditional roof covering. Unlike manufactured roof tiles, individual stone slates can vary in size, thickness and shape.
Traditional stone roofing requires the slates to be carefully selected and positioned as the roof is laid.
Does my stone slate roof need repairing or replacing?
Not every damaged or deteriorating stone slate roof needs to be completely replaced. Where the existing stone remains suitable, individual slates or sections of the roof may be repaired, with original material retained and reused wherever possible.
More extensive restoration or reroofing may be needed where there is widespread deterioration, persistent water ingress or insufficient suitable stone to make localised repairs practical. The condition of the roof and individual slates needs to be assessed before deciding whether repair, restoration or replacement is the most appropriate approach.
Can stone roof tiles be reused?
Yes, where their condition allows. Existing stone roof tiles can be removed and assessed to identify material suitable for reuse.
Some stone may need to be dressed and drilled before it is re-laid. Where there is not enough suitable existing material, replacement stone can be sourced to make up the shortfall.
Can new and reclaimed stone be used on the same roof?
Yes. A stone slate restoration can involve a combination of suitable salvaged material and new stone where required.
The appropriate approach depends on the existing roof, the condition and availability of its stone and the requirements of the individual building.
What is the difference between stone slate and natural slate?
Stone slate and natural slate are different roofing materials. Stone slate is formed from types of stone that can be prepared and laid as a traditional roof covering, while natural roofing slate is a metamorphic rock that splits naturally into relatively thin sheets.
The materials have different characteristics and require different selection, preparation and laying techniques.
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Find Out About Our Other Services
Here at West Country Tiling our full list of services includes: