The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings

SPAB
37 Spital Square
LONDON
E1 6DY

T: 020 7377 1644
F: 020 7247 5296
E: info@spab.org.uk

Charity No. 111 3753

Scottish Charity No. SC 039244

Company No.  5743962

VAT No. 577 4276 02

 

 

A. True slates are derived from hard, impervious metamorphic rock that can be split into thin layers. Distinct from limestone and sandstone slates, they are associated particularly with Scotland, Wales, Cornwall and Cumbria.

Slates and slating techniques vary. Most true slates are uneven, irregularly sized and laid in courses that diminish towards the ridge. The main exception is Welsh slates from the 19^th century onwards, which are smooth and used in regular sizes that give uniform courses. Their usage spread widely with the advent of railways.

 

A. Fixings and their supporting timbers usually deteriorate before slates. Over time, the corrosion of nails (‘nail sickness’) may cause slates to slip or split, and battens or pegs may decay due to insect or fungal attack.

Other causes of deterioration include: the delamination of poor quality slates, whereby they split into layers; mechanical damage (such as wind uplift); bad practice (for instance, the use of thin nails that cut through slates); and the decay of mortar ‘torching’ underneath slates.

 

A. This depends on the extent of deterioration. Consideration should normally be given to re-slating when repairs are no longer cost effective. This is typically after one-fifth of the slates have been renewed. The condition of gutters and ancillary items such as flashings will also influence the course of action.

Repair or re-slating should be entrusted to a reputable roofer, and the SPAB may be able to advise on suitable contractors in your area.

 

A. Isolated slipped, broken or missing slates require re-securing or replacing using copper wire (‘tingles’) or equivalent proprietary fixings. Where a patch of slates is re-fixed, as above a partially-renewed batten, most can be secured with nails instead of tingles. Old slates should not be reversed. Any broken slates can be stored for re-dressing and re-use elsewhere on the roof in the future.

Foam or bituminous-type remedial treatments are inadvisable. They prevent proper inspection, hinder the re-use of slates and, by reducing ventilation, increase the risk of timber decay.

 

A. New slates should usually match the type, colour, texture, size and thickness of the existing ones. Although many quarries have closed, natural slate is still available, and substitute artificial materials are considered inappropriate. When completely re-covering a roof, the maximum number of old slates should be re-used. Care should, therefore, be taken to avoid breakage whilst removing nails. Depending on the circumstances, new slates can be mixed with old ones across the roof or reserved for the less prominent slopes.

 

A. Where the appearance of the roof underside is important, riven laths rather than sawn battens will normally be appropriate and wooden pegs and torching should be used if already existing. In other situations, the incorporation of a 'breather' underlay may be justified, but battens should be sawn and additional ventilation must be allowed for. Slates should generally be fixed with broad-shanked copper nails. Ringed stainless steel nails are suitable for fixing battens or laths.

 

A. The emphasis should be on matching details appropriate for the locality and building’s age. The detailing of hips, valleys, ridges, dormers, eaves and abutments should therefore be recorded.

Occasionally it may be acceptable to introduce modifications. When renewing mortar fillets or mitred hips, for example, it is often prudent to include concealed lead soakers as additional protection against moisture ingress. Remember, though, that changing the details of a roof may require Listed Building Consent.

 

Q. How do I improve roof ventilation?

A. The ventilation of most roofs can be increased sensitively, where required, but can require innovation. Most old roofs do not lend themselves to the use of proprietary eaves ventilators, although such devices may be suitable above parapet gutters.