Slate roofing remains a classic and highly durable choice for residential homes and heritage buildings across London. Known for its natural beauty and impressive longevity, slate offers a perfect blend of elegance and performance, standing up to the UK’s often harsh and changeable weather.
Unlike synthetic alternatives, natural slate provides excellent thermal and acoustic insulation, contributing to a more energy-efficient and comfortable indoor environment. Its exceptional resistance to rain, wind, and frost makes it one of the lowest-maintenance roofing options available.
Available in a variety of textures, colours, and grades, slate roofing enhances both traditional and modern architectural styles. It's also a highly sustainable option—slate is a natural material with a lifespan that can exceed 100 years, and it is often fully recyclable.
Whether you're renovating a period property or replacing an existing slate roof, working with skilled slate roofers is essential. Qualified professionals ensure correct installation, structural integrity, and full compliance with UK building regulations—safeguarding both the character and long-term value of your property.
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Over time, even the most durable slate roofs may experience issues such as cracked, slipped, or delaminated slates, corroded fixings, or failing underlayment. These problems can result in water ingress, reduced insulation efficiency, and a decline in the roof’s overall appearance. Whether your roof requires the replacement of a few slates or a complete re-roofing, working with experienced slate roofers is crucial to ensure lasting protection, proper ventilation, and structural integrity.
High-quality craftsmanship and the use of durable natural slate are essential for maintaining both the aesthetic appeal and long-term value of your home or heritage property.
Book an installationNot every slate roof problem requires complete replacement. In many cases, professional slate roof repair can restore your roof's integrity at a fraction of the cost of full re-roofing. Our slate roof repair specialists assess each situation carefully, providing honest recommendations based on your roof's condition and your long-term needs.
Slate roofs can develop issues over time, even with proper maintenance. Common situations where slate roof repair is the right solution include:
Isolated damage affecting less than 30% of the roof - If most of your slates are in good condition, targeted repairs are typically more cost-effective than complete replacement.
Recent storm or impact damage - Falling branches, severe weather, or accidental damage from roof access can crack or dislodge individual slates without affecting the entire roof structure.
Slipped or missing slates - Over time, fixings can corrode or fail, causing slates to slip out of position. This exposes the underlayment to weather and should be addressed promptly.
Ridge and hip tile deterioration - The mortar securing ridge or hip slates often deteriorates faster than the slates themselves. Re-bedding and pointing these junctions prevents water ingress at critical roof intersections.
Localized leaks - If you're experiencing leaks in specific areas but the majority of your slate roof remains sound, targeted slate roof repair is usually the most practical solution.
Our slate roof repair services address all typical issues affecting London properties:
Cracked Slates - Individual cracked slates can be carefully removed and replaced without disturbing surrounding tiles. We source matching slates to maintain your roof's appearance, whether Welsh slate, Spanish slate, or reclaimed materials.
Slipped Slates - When slates slip out of position due to failed fixings, we re-secure them using copper or stainless steel nails appropriate for your slate type and roof pitch. This prevents progressive failure of surrounding slates.
Valley Repairs - Slate roof valleys experience concentrated water flow and often develop issues before other roof areas. We repair or replace valley linings and re-slate valley junctions to ensure proper drainage.
Flashing Repairs - Where slate roofs meet chimneys, skylights, or walls, properly installed lead flashing is essential. We repair or replace deteriorated flashing to prevent water penetration at these vulnerable junctions.
Ridge and Hip Repairs - We re-bed and point ridge and hip slates using traditional lime mortar or modern breathable alternatives, ensuring secure fixing while allowing the roof structure to breathe naturally.
Delamination Issues - Some slate types, particularly lower-grade imports, can delaminate over time. We identify problematic slates and replace them with more durable alternatives before failure spreads.
1. Thorough Inspection - We conduct a comprehensive assessment from ground level and roof access where safe, identifying all issues and photographing problem areas for your records.
2. Detailed Report - You receive a written report outlining all defects found, recommended repairs, and honest advice on whether repair or replacement makes more sense for your situation.
3. Matching Materials - We source slates that match your existing roof as closely as possible in color, texture, and thickness, maintaining visual consistency.
4. Expert Installation - Our slate specialists use traditional techniques and appropriate fixings, ensuring repairs blend seamlessly with your existing roof and will last for decades.
5. Quality Assurance - All slate roof repair work is inspected upon completion and comes with our comprehensive guarantee covering materials and workmanship.
Repair costs vary depending on the extent of damage and accessibility:
Individual slate replacement: £25-£45 per slate including materials and labour
5-10 slate replacement: £300-£550
10-20 slate replacement: £500-£900
Ridge slate re-bedding: £50-£80 per linear metre
Valley repairs: £400-£1,200 depending on length and complexity
Flashing repairs: £300-£800 per junction
Emergency callout: £150-£250 (credited against repair cost)
Most slate roof repairs can be completed within 1-3 days, with emergency repairs often possible on the same or next day.
Deciding between slate roof repair and replacement depends on several factors:
Repair is usually appropriate when:
• Less than 30% of slates show signs of deterioration
• The roof structure and battens remain sound
• The roof is less than 80 years old (for quality Welsh slate)
• Matching slates are available
• The underlayment is still serviceable
• You plan to remain in the property medium-term
Replacement makes more sense when:
• More than 40% of slates are cracked, delaminating, or failing
• The underlying structure or battens have deteriorated
• The original underlayment has failed completely
• You're undertaking major property renovations
• Matching slates are unavailable or prohibitively expensive
We never recommend replacement when targeted repairs will effectively solve your problems. Our reputation is built on honest assessments and quality workmanship, not unnecessary upselling.
Discovered a leak during heavy rain? Lost slates in a storm? We offer rapid-response emergency slate roof repair services across London.
• Same-day or next-day attendance where possible
• Temporary weatherproofing to prevent further damage
• Permanent repairs scheduled at your convenience
• Emergency callout available 7 days a week
Don't let a small slate roof problem become major internal damage. Contact us immediately for emergency assistance.
At Knights Roofing, we pride ourselves on working closely with every client from the initial consultation to project completion. Our mission is to exceed expectations by delivering slate roofing solutions that are not only visually striking but also built to endure the elements year after year.
We specialize in high-quality slate roofing, using carefully selected natural slate known for its exceptional durability, weather resistance, and timeless character. Whether you're repairing an existing slate roof or installing a completely new one, our experienced team ensures every aspect is handled with care, precision, and attention to detail.
All our work is fully guaranteed, and we’re committed to providing a smooth, professional, and stress-free experience from start to finish. With a trusted reputation across South West London, Knights Roofing is the name you can rely on for expert, long-lasting slate roofing.
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While slate is highly durable, it can crack due to physical impact (e.g. falling branches, hail, or foot traffic). Damaged slates compromise water resistance and should be replaced promptly to prevent moisture penetration.
Over time, slates may slip out of position due to corroded fixings, poor installation, or natural weathering. This exposes the underlayment and can lead to water ingress and further damage if not addressed.
Some types of slate—particularly lower-grade or imported varieties—can suffer from delamination, where the slate layers separate over time. This reduces the tile’s integrity and lifespan.
The mortar securing ridge or hip slates may crack or erode with age and exposure to the elements. This can loosen tiles at critical junctions, increasing the risk of leaks.
Although not usually damaging on its own, moss or lichen can retain moisture and accelerate the deterioration of slates, particularly on older or porous tiles. It may also obscure damage or defects.
Even when slates are intact, the roofing system beneath—including underlayment and flashing—can degrade over time. If these components fail, water may infiltrate the roof structure, causing internal damage.
Slate roofs have graced London’s homes and heritage buildings for centuries—offering natural elegance, superior longevity, and excellent thermal insulation.
We’re a trusted local roofing company based in Battersea, proudly serving homeowners and businesses throughout London with high-quality slate roofing solutions.
Renowned for our craftsmanship and consistent 5-star reviews, we deliver slate roofing work that stands the test of time—both in performance and appearance.
Our experienced team ensures each slate is expertly cut, aligned, and fixed using proven methods—providing lasting protection against rain, wind, and frost.
We use only top-grade natural slate and premium breathable membranes, fixings, and leadwork to achieve outstanding durability and a refined finish.
Properly installed slate roofs can last 75–100 years or more, offering exceptional long-term value with minimal maintenance requirements.
We offer warranties of up to 25 years on workmanship and materials, giving you total confidence in the quality and longevity of your roof.
Our slate is responsibly sourced from quarries with ethical environmental practices. Natural slate is also fully recyclable—making it a sustainable, low-impact roofing choice.
Also offering: flat roof services and pitched roof repairs across Southwest London.
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Natural slate is one of the most durable roofing materials available. A well-installed slate roof can last 75 to over 100 years, with some even reaching 150 years depending on the type and maintenance.
Typical problems include cracked or broken slates, slipped or missing slates, corroded nails or fixings, and deteriorating underlayment. While slate itself is long-lasting, the components holding it in place may need attention over time.
Slate roofing is an investment in longevity and aesthetics. In London, a full slate roof replacement typically ranges from £120 to £200+ per square metre, depending on the slate type, roof complexity, and required repairs. We provide detailed, no-obligation quotes tailored to your property.
Leaks usually occur from slipped slates, flashing issues, or worn underlayment. Regular inspections, especially after storms or cold winters, can catch problems early. Prompt repairs are key to maintaining a watertight slate roof.
No, installing new slate over an existing roof isn’t advised. Proper slate roofing requires a strong supporting structure, correct battening, and breathable underlayment. We’ll assess your roof thoroughly before making any recommendations.
Slate roofs are low-maintenance, but not maintenance-free. Occasional upkeep—such as replacing slipped or broken slates, inspecting fixings, and keeping gutters clear—will help preserve its integrity for generations.
Absolutely. We offer free roof inspections and detailed quotes across London. Whether you need a small repair or full re-roofing, our advice is honest, expert, and pressure-free.
