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New Slate Roofing in Dorset - Costs & Free Quotes
Table of Contents
- Dorset Slate Roofing
- Overview
- What is Slate?
- Why is Slate Used?
- Reasons for Replacement
- Slate vs Tile
- Alternatives
- Benefits of Slate
- Disadvantages
- Why is it Expensive?
- Slate Repair & Maintenance
- Avoid DIY Work
- Finding Contractors
- Costs of Slate Roofing
- Average Prices
- Getting Quotes Online
- Your Questions
- Quote Process
- Photos
- Areas Near Me
- Requests Received
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Slate is one roofing material that has stood the test of time. Many buildings have roofing that has been in place for centuries yet still looks as fabulous as the day it was installed. All slate roofing Dorset has a unique sheen and classic appeal that makes it ideal for structures that need to be especially durable such as hospitals, churches and schools. Even so, it is still an ideal material for private residences.
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What is Slate?
Slate is a type of rock derived primarily from clay and it can also contain other types of rock including quartz, calcite, pyrite, and feldspar to name a few. It has very fine grains which are adhered tightly together, thereby making it extremely durable. This rock is typically grey in colour, but can sometimes be black as well. It tends to have a light sheen that is brilliant when light is reflected off of it, giving it an elegant yet classic appeal.
Why is Slate used in Roofing?
It is used in roofing mainly because of its durability and aesthetics. Slate roofing Dorset is a neutral-coloured material that goes well with the exterior of any building whether it is brick, concrete, wood or stone. It’s also very easy to care for and rarely requires repair or replacement.
Reasons why a Slate Roof may Require Replacement
As with other types of roofing, slate tiles will also deteriorate over time and this will result in leaks developing. Some causes of leaking on slate roofing can include:
- Missing or damaged flashing - the flashing at the bottom of your home’s chimneystack and around skylights prevents water from finding its way into your roof. Strong wind can damage flashing over time, so it’s crucial that this be inspected regularly.
- Poor roof pitch - if a roof’s angle is not steep enough, it can result in damage occurring during strong winds. Water also cannot run off a roof that has not been pitched correctly.
- Ice dams - When snow accumulates on your roof and melts during cold weather, it causes ice dams to form. These prevent run-off water from flowing into guttering as it should.
- Missing or damaged roof tiles - strong winds can cause roof tiles to shift or break, resulting in leaks developing over time.
Slate Roofing vs Tile Roofing
When choosing your roofing material you will inevitably come across the slate vs tile debate. Here are a couple of point that might help you to make up your mind:
- Weight: Slate tiles are significantly lighter than traditional roofing tiles. If you roof was originally home to slate tiles then the roof trusses might need to be reinforced to cope with the additional weight.
- Cost: There's no getting away from the fact that slates will cost more than tiles per unit, particularly if you opt for the most popular variety of Welsh Slate to cover your building.
- Installation: Installing slate tiles usually takes longer (and therefore costs more) than more traditional tiles. The tiles are fixed directly to the roof with small pegs or nails whereas tiles are fitted more easily on top of the structure.
Alternatives to Solid Slate
Slate can be rather expensive since a great deal of material must be mined in order to get enough rock to cover a structure. One alternative on the market is known as Truslate®. This building material consists of a thin layer of slate fused with a waterproofing material on the top of it. This material is tucked discreetly underneath the piece that’s directly above it so it is virtually unnoticeable. Since less slate is needed to manufacture roofing materials, this option is much more affordable than using solid tiles. Even so, it provides all the same benefits of solid slate, and passers-by are unable to tell the difference between the two.
Benefits of Dorset Slate Roofing
Homeowners who choose slate can realize a number of benefits including:
- Increased property value when compared to other nearby residences
- Resistant to weather damage
- Appearance naturally improves as the material ages
- No need to worry about replacing a roof, as this material generally lasts a lifetime
- Easy to clean and maintain-simply power wash stains and debris from the roof as needed
Disadvantages of Slate
Homeowners should also know there are a few disadvantages to using slate on a roof:
- Other roofing materials cannot be laid over top
- Dark colour of this material can increase sunlight absorption, thereby keeping a home hotter in the summer
- May not deflect noise as well as some other materials
- Patching or repairing requires special knowledge and expertise
Why Slate is More Expensive than Other Options
Slate is a naturally-occurring material that is mined directly from the Earth in large slabs. Once mined, it must be processed and cut by hand into the tiles that will eventually make their way onto your roof. Another important consideration is the shipping costs involved; because using slate for roofing is heavy, it requires far more fuel to ship than other forms of roofing materials. Finally, it is harder to install due to the sheer amount of labour required to move each tile into place. These factors combined make slate the costliest of all roof tiles.
Dorset Slate Roofing Repair and Maintenance
One of the most durable materials for roofing... but it’s also one of the most expensive. Often, homeowners are willing to invest more in the initial installation to save themselves money on repairs and maintenance over time. However, it’s worth noting that slate roofing repair and patching does require some special expertise. Not all Dorset roofing companies have the experience and knowledge to do these repairs, which can make them more expensive when they are necessary.
Very quick response to my enquiry - within minutes actually! I couldn't ask for better service than that. I would be glad to recommend to anyone. Mrs A. Dorset
Slate Roof Installation or Repair - Not a DIY Project
Installing a slate tile roof or performing any type of repair work on it is not something that is recommended as a DIY project. One of the main reasons for this is that while slate tiles and sheets are extremely durable, there is a specialised process involved when it comes to installing them. Installing them incorrectly will either result in them cracking or breaking, not performing as efficiently as they should or even blowing off after strong wind has occurred.
Before allowing Dorset contractors to repair or install a slate roof, it’s crucial to verify that they are experienced in working with this material. This will ensure that repairs or a new installation is carried out correctly.
Finding Dorset Contractors to Handle Slate Repairs
Not all roofing contractors are experienced enough to handle slate roofing repairs, so it’s important to keep this in mind. Because the number of contractors who can perform these repairs and installations is quite limited, you can expect to pay more for patches and repairs. Fortunately, slate requires far less repair than other types of roofing material, which means your investment should continue to pay for itself. It’s easy to fill out a quick form and get responses from Dorset contractors who do have experience with this particular type of material.
Dorset Slate Roofing Costs
Several things influence the cost of slate roofing, and a few of them are:
- Ease of accessibility - a roof that is double storey or that is difficult to access in any way will cost more to have slate roofing installed and/or repaired.
- Whether existing shingles need to be removed or not - in many cases, roofing companies place new slate tiles on top of existing ones and some homes can have as many as three layers of shingles covering the roof. However, a reputable roofing company will quote on removing all existing slate tiles or shingles and then installing the new ones.
- Pitch of the roof - steeper roofing will usually be more expensive to work on than that which is flatter.
- Quality of slate being used - while there may be cheaper varieties of slate tiles available, it’s recommended that you spend as much as you can comfortably afford on this essential item for your home. Higher quality tiles will outlast cheaper alternatives by many years in most cases.
- Overhang - roofing with more of an overhang will be costlier to have slate tiles installed on than one with less of an overhang.
- Repair work - if any repairs need to be done on the roof before installing the slate tiles, this will result in an additional labour charge being added to your quote.
- Additional extras - if your roof has skylights or a chimney, labour costs to install slate roof tiles will increase.
- Peaks and valleys - a roof that is relatively flat will be able to have slate tiling installed in a shorter period of time than one that has several peaks and valleys. These roofs may also require the use of specialised equipment to ensure that all sections of them are completely covered by the new slate tiling.
- Planning permission - in cases where a listed property is concerned or where a conservatory roof is being replaced with slate tiles, planning permission may sometimes be required and this will also add on to the cost of your quote.
- Amount of scaffolding needed to access your roof - this can run anywhere between £750 and £1,100 to hire.
- Skip to facilitate removal of old tiles etc. - between £150 and £250.
- Optional extras such as soffits, guttering and fascias - these costs will vary depending on the type of materials being used and the amount of each that is required.
- Size of tiles being used - more time is needed to install a larger quantity of small roof tiles than a smaller quantity of large tiles, so a roof consisting of smaller tiles will be costlier than one using large tiles.
Reasons why a Slate Roof may Require Replacement
Below are some examples of what you could expect to pay when having slate roof work done on your home:
- Renovating a roof on a two storey semi-detached home – between £4,500 and £8,000
- Renovating roofing on a detached four bedroom two storey home – between £6,000 and £12,500
- Renovating the roof of a two bedroom bungalow – between £3,800 and £6,000
- Replacing a single ridge tile on top of a roof – between £70 and £120
- Cleaning guttering while roofers are working – between £40 and £80
- Replacing up to six missing or damaged tiles – between £50 and £110
- Fitting roof vents – between £200 and £500 per vent
The above-mentioned examples will usually involve stripping old slate tiles from the roof and putting the new slate tiles down, and this includes the cost of labour and materials needed to complete the project. It’s also important to remember that the area in which your home it located will have an effect on the cost of quote you receive as well. For example, properties in Central London will attract higher prices than those in outlying areas.
Getting Slate Roofing Quotes Online
When requesting quotes from us, you’ll be able to rest assured that you will only deal with roofing contractors who have been pre-screened and who have the required experience to get the job done properly. Contractors in our network will also have the appropriate insurance in place to protect themselves and their clients in the event of anything going wrong while they are working on site.
Several homeowners make the mistake of basing their choice of roofing contractor on price alone. However, this is not recommended. Installing and repairing slate roofing is a highly specialised job, so it should only be completed by contractors who have the appropriate experience in working with this material.
Before accepting a quote from any roofing contractor, it is also crucial to enquire about the warranty they provide on their workmanship and the products being supplied. Any reputable roofing contractor or company will be more than willing to stand by their products and labour, and those who aren’t willing to provide any form of warranty should be avoided completely.
Your Dorset slate roofing questions answered
Roofs that are properly installed can be expected to last 100 years or more.
Along with their durability, slate roofs are also fireproof, energy efficient, and less prone to storm damage than other types of roofs are. Plus they also look great!
A roof made up of slate tiles is substantially heavier than some of the other roofing options. The tiles themselves are also much more fragile than asphalt shingles or fibreglass roofing.
Per slate tile, it is the most expensive, coming in at £1.05 - £2.49/tile. Installation for these tiles will usually cost from £300-£2,200 though there are savings to be made with our free quotes.
Yes, so long as the right underlay is placed underneath your slate tiles and you use good quality materials. A properly-installed Dorset slate tile roof can have a life expectancy of up to 90 years.
If you are replacing a tiled roof with slate then it's unlikely you will need to strengthen your trusses as tiles are generally far heavier than slate. It's worth checking your trusses in any case to ensure there is enough support for your choice of slate as there will still be variations in the weight per unit.
There’s no denying that slate roofs are far more fragile than their asphalt or fibreglass counterparts, but they tend to hold up well. Major hailstorms can potentially crack slate roofs, however.
While slate is incredibly durable, it’s more fragile than other material types. If a large limb falls onto your roof, you should not attempt to remove it yourself. Doing so can cause even more damage, which can be quite costly. Instead, get quotes from local roofing contractors who can check the scope of the damage and complete necessary repairs. You should also contact a professional for an inspection after a significant hailstorm since falling hailstones can also crack slate tiles.
Slate does have some colour variance, but unlike clay, fibreglass, and other materials, it cannot be dyed to suit your preferences. It is typically dark in nature, and no two tiles are exactly the same. Things like swirls in the natural pattern will make your roof unique. Depending on the company you choose, you may have some limited options available to you in terms of colour or texture.
Although slate tiles and sheets are quite durable, it can become badly damaged in the event of a harsh hailstorm or strong winds. If you have experienced bad weather, it is recommended that you have your roof inspected by professionals after severe weather has occurred.
These materials require highly complex processes to manufacture, which results in them being costlier than many other types of roofing material.
The Quote Process
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Sample Roofing Requests
Slate is a favourite of ours here at Trusted Roofing, and if you need a new installation or any repair work to your Dorset roof then we have it covered. Below are just a small sample of quote requests we receive every single day!
| Date | Summary | Request |
|---|---|---|
| 14 Nov | Felt Under Slate | The felt has disintegrated under the tiles roof causing leaking internally. Leak bad enough to require a bucket. Having works done in the affected room. |
| 14 Nov | Tiles Blown Off | There is a leak coming from the roof which is coming through our landing ceiling due to a few slates being blown off that need replacing. Those missing are quite high up on my terraced roof. |
| 14 Nov | Missing Tiles | 1 slate missing front 1 missing rear & corner has two slipped slates need secured. |
| 14 Nov | Repair Cottage Roof | Repair to slate tiled cottage roof - water staining in upstairs bedroom suggesting leak. |
| 14 Nov | New Tiles Needed | I've lost a few slate tile in the bad weather. The area to be replaced can be accessed nearby. I reckon we need about 7/8 new tiles. This is urgent as they are letting in water. |
| 13 Nov | Tiles & Guttering | 5 tiles and some plastic guttering replaced after a branch fell. |
| 13 Nov | Wind Damage | Due to the heavy wind and rain in the east coast recently I have sustained a leak with water accessing my kitchen wall and ceiling. I need a Slate Roofing contractor to come and check my tiles and fix any broken or loose tiles and re-point anywhere that has deteriorated. |
| 13 Nov | Loose and Missing Tiles | It's an end terrace and there is damp on the inner end wall in places and from visual inspection there are several slate tiles loose or missing which I presume is the cause. As this will be my new long term home and the upper rooms are in the roof space I think it is best to take all the tiles off so the roof can be insulated etc as doubt it is and then re-tiled |
| 13 Nov | Guttering & Tiles | A section of guttering repaired/replaced and a few slates replaced on the boathouse building. |
| 13 Nov | Artificial Slate | My roof is leaking into the second bedroom and there are patches in the second room ceiling after the heavy rain. There is a flat roof directly above the room and this could be the artificial slate damage or fibre glass. Not sure which one. |
| New Tiles Needed | New slates on back of roof and new gutter. | |
| Urgent Office Repairs | Immediate response to come check/fill a hole in our slanted tiled roof that is currently leaking water into the 2nd floor of our office through a crack in the plaster next to live electric lights. Need sorting ASAP as leaking onto computer equipment etc. Thank you! | |
| Broken & Slipping | We have one broken and three slipping slates. Please quote for repair. | |
| 2 Roof Installs | Could you give me a price to do both. 1 roof is slate. 1 roof is tile. | |
| Attic Leak | Slate on roof dislodged causing leak in attic. | |
| Damaged In Gales | Few roof tiles replacing that have come of and broken in wind. | |
| Cracked & Slipped | Rear roof has roof slates slipped causing a leak some are cracked please could we have a quote. | |
| Cost Enquiry | I am building my dream home and have been considering installing slate roofing near me. Can you provide me with a quote for roofing per metre? | |
| Replacement Roof | Our roof tiles need replacing so we are taking the opportunity to price up a slate roof replacement. Looking for a price for the complete supply and installation job plus advice on whether our existing framework will be suitable for slate. | |
| Info Needed | We heard that slate roofing is the most durable type of roofing ever. We would like to redo our roof. How much will this cost us? Thank you so much. |
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