Slate Roofs Leicestershire

Natural Welsh Slate

Welsh slate is widely regarded as the finest roofing slate in the world. Sourced from quarries in North Wales - including the famous Penrhyn and Cwt-y-Bugail quarries - Welsh slate is renowned for its exceptional durability, density, and distinctive blue-grey colour. A Welsh slate roof can last well over 100 years, with many historic buildings across Leicestershire still sporting their original Welsh slate roofs.

Welsh slate is non-porous, meaning it will not absorb water and is immune to frost damage. It is also colourfast - the distinctive blue-grey colour will not fade, even after a century of weather exposure. Each slate is hand-selected for quality and consistency, ensuring a beautiful, uniform finish. While Welsh slate is the most expensive option, its longevity means it offers outstanding value over the lifetime of the roof.

Spanish & Artificial Slate

Premium Spanish slate offers an excellent alternative to Welsh slate at a more accessible price point. Sourced from the Galicia region of northern Spain, quality Spanish slate provides a similar appearance and performance to Welsh slate at roughly half the cost. We source only the highest grades of Spanish slate, ensuring consistent quality, thickness, and durability.

If you love the look of natural slate but are working within a tighter budget, artificial slate offers an excellent alternative. Products such as Marley Edgemere and Sandtoft Calderdale replicate the appearance of natural slate while providing consistent quality, lighter weight, and a more affordable price point. Artificial slate is manufactured from recycled materials, making it an environmentally friendly choice. Both options deliver a beautiful, timeless finish that enhances the value and appearance of any property.

The Installation Process

Slate roofing requires specialist skills that are quite different from tiled roofing. Each slate is individually holed and fixed using copper or stainless steel nails, creating a double-lapped covering that sheds water efficiently. The headlap - the amount by which each slate overlaps the one two courses below - is critical for weathertightness and must be calculated correctly based on the slate size, roof pitch, and exposure.

Our installation process begins with a free roof survey and detailed quotation. We then strip the old roof, inspect and repair the timbers, install breathable membrane and battens, and begin fixing the slates from the eaves upward. We pay meticulous attention to holing, laps, and edge details. On completion, we conduct a thorough quality inspection and provide your written 10+ year workmanship guarantee.

Slate Roof Maintenance & Repairs

While natural slate is incredibly durable, the nails that hold each slate in place can eventually corrode - a condition known as nail sickness. When this occurs, slates begin to slip, and the roof will need attention. We can replace individual slipped or broken slates quickly and cost-effectively, extending the life of your roof.

If nail sickness is widespread, a full re-roof may be more economical. We will assess the condition of your slate roof during a free survey and provide honest advice on whether repair or replacement is the best option. In many cases, the original slates can be salvaged and re-used with new nails, significantly reducing the cost of a re-roof.

Why Choose Sykes for Your Slate Roof

Slate roofing is a specialist trade, and not every roofer has the skills to do it properly. Our slaters are trained in traditional techniques and have years of experience working with Welsh, Spanish, and artificial slate across Leicestershire. Every installation is backed by our 10+ year workmanship guarantee and insurance-backed guarantees for complete peace of mind.

As a local Leicestershire team based in Leicester, we know the area and the common roofing issues faced by properties across the county. We source all our slate directly from reputable UK suppliers, ensuring genuine quality. We offer free roof surveys and free, no-obligation quotations - and we never charge a call-out fee. We also operate a 24/7 emergency call-out service with no call-out fees - you only pay for the repair work that needs doing.

What Our Slate Roof Service Includes

• Complete strip and removal of old roofing
• Structural timber inspection and repair
• High-performance breathable membrane
• Preservative-treated timber battens
• Natural Welsh, Spanish, or artificial slate
• Copper or stainless steel slate nails
• Lead flashings, valleys, and soakers
• Ridge and hip detailing
• Fascias, soffits, and guttering
• Salvage and reuse of original slate where possible
• 10+ year written workmanship guarantee
• Insurance-backed guarantee available