Natural slate re-roofing for period and character properties
Slate Roof Re-Roofing
Slate re-roofing is the process of stripping an existing pitched roof back to the rafters and covering it with new natural slate, new breathable membrane, battens and flashings, most often specified on period, listed or conservation area properties.
Definition
What Slate Re-Roofing covers
A full slate re-roof strips the existing covering back to the rafters and rebuilds it in layers: a breathable membrane, treated battens, and natural slate — Welsh, Spanish or Westmorland being common choices in our area — fixed course by course, with new flashings and ridge detail. Natural slate is a premium roofing material, often required by planning conditions on listed buildings and in conservation areas, and generally offers a longer lifespan than concrete or clay tile.
Suitable for
- Period and listed properties where slate is the traditional or required covering
- Roofs at end of life needing full replacement rather than patch repair
- Homeowners wanting the longer lifespan of natural slate over concrete or clay tile
- Conservation area properties where planning conditions specify natural slate
Not suitable for
- Small isolated repairs where a handful of slipped slates need re-fixing rather than a full strip — see our roof repairs service
- Budget-conscious re-roofs where concrete or clay tile better suits the property — see our tile roof service
Process
How the work is carried out
- 01
Survey and specification
Assessing the existing roof structure and batten condition, and confirming slate type and size to match planning requirements or existing character.
- 02
Access and strip
Scaffolding installed and the existing covering stripped back to rafters, identifying any rotten timber.
- 03
Re-covering
New breathable membrane, battens and natural slate fixed course by course, with new flashings and ridge.
- 04
Completion
Final inspection, clearing debris and the site, and guarantee documentation for materials and workmanship.
Typical timescale
A full slate re-roof on an average semi-detached house typically takes one to two weeks on site once scaffolding is up, weather permitting; larger or more complex roofs take longer.
Cost guidance
Slate roof re-roofing typically costs £150–£300 per m² in our area, with natural slate quality, roof pitch and complexity such as dormers, valleys and multiple chimneys pushing the price toward the top of that range. We provide an itemised quotation after a roof survey rather than a fixed headline price.
Limitations and exclusions
- Scaffolding is priced as a distinct cost from the re-roofing itself
- Underlying rafter or batten decay found once the roof is stripped is priced separately as it's identified
- Reclaimed or quarry-matched slate for listed buildings may carry a lead time and cost premium beyond standard new slate
Areas we cover
Slate Re-Roofing across Sussex, Surrey, Kent and South London
Local property styles, planning authorities and neighbourhood coverage for slate re-roofing in each town we work in.
Related services
You may also need
FAQs
Slate Re-Roofing FAQs
What's the difference between natural slate and tile for a re-roof?
Natural slate generally lasts longer — upwards of 80-100 years with proper maintenance — than concrete or clay tile, and is often required by planning conditions on listed or conservation area properties, but comes at a higher supply cost. We advise on which is right for your property and budget at survey stage.
Do I need planning permission to re-roof in slate?
Like-for-like re-roofing in the same material doesn't usually need planning permission, but conservation areas, listed buildings and any change of material can require consent. We confirm the position for your specific property before work starts.
Can you match the existing slate on an older roof?
We source natural slate to match as closely as possible, but exact colour and texture matching isn't always achievable for older or discontinued quarries — we agree the nearest suitable alternative with you before ordering.
Discuss your slate re-roofing project
Tell us about the property and what you have in mind, and we'll arrange a site visit.
Last reviewed 2026-07-28.