New Roof Installation
Complete re-roofs and new build roofing for Wimbledon homes and businesses. Slate, tile and modern systems with full warranties.
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Roofing Service
Slate Roofing
Natural and synthetic slate specialists. Heritage work for Wimbledon Village and conservation areas.
Slate is the premium roofing material — exceptional lifespan, beautiful appearance, and ideal for period properties in conservation areas like Wimbledon Village.
Types of slate we work with
Natural slate
Quarried slate, available in various grades and origins. Each has different characteristics.
- Welsh slate (Penrhyn or Cwt-y-Bugail) — the gold standard. 100+ year lifespan. Distinctive blue-grey colour with excellent weathering. Used on Wimbledon Village period properties.
- Spanish slate — good quality at lower cost than Welsh. 50-80 year lifespan. Dark blue-grey.
- Brazilian slate — mid-range. 40-60 years. Dark grey with smooth finish.
- Chinese slate — budget option. 20-40 years. Variable quality — we only use the better grades.
Synthetic slate
Composite slate from manufacturers like Tapco, Envirotile, Britmet. Made from recycled materials or engineered polymers.
- Lifespan: 25-50 years (manufacturer warranty typically 30-50 years)
- Best for: Conservation areas where natural slate would be too heavy, or budget-conscious installations
- Pros: Lightweight, consistent quality, can look very similar to natural slate
When slate is the right choice
- Property in a conservation area (Wimbledon Village, parts of Putney, Southfields, Carshalton Ponds)
- Listed building or locally-listed property
- You want a once-in-a-lifetime roof
- Existing roof is slate and you want to match
- Property is for long-term ownership (10+ years)
What's involved in a slate re-roof
- Strip existing slates, battens and felt
- Inspect rafters and structure
- Install new breathable membrane (high-performance)
- Fix new treated battens to BS 5534
- Lay slates with copper or stainless steel nails (NOT galvanised — they corrode)
- Use matching ridge and hip systems
- Renew all leadwork
- Final inspection and warranty registration
Common slate problems we repair
- Slipped slates — usually failed fixings (galvanised nails corroding)
- Delaminating slate (spalling) — slate layers flaking off, indicates end of life
- Failed ridge mortar — repointing or dry-fix upgrade
- Valley splitting — common on Victorian terraces
- Rust staining — from corroded nails, can stain slates permanently
Cost guide
- Natural slate (Welsh): £90-£130 per m² installed
- Natural slate (Spanish): £70-£100 per m² installed
- Synthetic slate: £55-£80 per m² installed
- Slate repairs: £150-£600 typical per repair depending on scope
Conservation area work
Many Wimbledon properties are in conservation areas where slate is the required material for sympathetic restoration. We work with Merton, Wandsworth and Sutton conservation officers regularly and can advise on:
- Whether planning permission is required
- Matching existing slate (or nearest equivalent if original is discontinued)
- Specification of fixings, battens and ridge systems
Benefits
Why choose this service
Premium aesthetic that lasts generations
100+ year lifespan for natural Welsh slate
Fire-resistant and low-maintenance
Ideal for conservation areas and period properties
Increases property value and kerb appeal
Our Process
How we work
Survey
Identify slate type, condition, fixings, conservation rules.
Source matching slate
Match existing slate where possible from UK merchants.
Strip & re-felt
Remove old, renew membrane and treated battens.
Fix & point
Re-fix with copper or stainless steel nails, re-bed ridges.
Warning Signs
When to call us
⚠ Slipped or missing slates after storms
⚠ Delaminating slate (spalling) — end-of-life indicator
⚠ Failed fixings causing rust stains
⚠ Roof under 25 years old failing prematurely
FAQs
Common questions
How quickly can you attend an emergency?
For storm damage and active leaks we aim to be on site within 2 hours of your call, 24/7 across Wimbledon and South London.
Do you provide written quotes?
Yes — every job receives a detailed, fixed-price written quote. No verbal estimates, no surprise extras. Quotes are valid for 30 days.
Are you insured?
Yes — we hold £2 million public liability insurance. Documentation is available on request before any work begins.
Do you handle insurance claims?
Yes — for storm damage and similar insurance work we handle the entire claims process including documentation, loss adjuster liaison and direct insurer billing where applicable.
How long does a slate roof last?
Natural Welsh slate typically lasts 100+ years. Spanish slate 50-80 years. Synthetic slate 25-50 years.
Can you match my existing slate?
Yes — we source from a wide range of quarries and suppliers to match existing slates as closely as possible.
Do I need planning permission for a slate roof?
In Wimbledon Village conservation area, yes — we can guide you through the application process.
Why are my slates slipping?
Usually failed fixings — old galvanised nails corrode after 30-40 years. Modern installations use copper or stainless steel which last the life of the slate.
Related
Other services you may need
Roof Repairs
Leaks, slipped tiles, damaged flashing, chimney issues. Diagnosed and fixed properly the first time.
Learn more →Emergency Roof Repairs
Storm damage, active leaks, fallen trees. We respond within 2 hours, 24/7.
Learn more →Flat Roofing
EPDM, GRP and felt flat roof systems. 20+ year manufacturer warranties.
Learn more →
Local & Trusted
Slate Roofing Across Wimbledon & South London
Fast response within our full 5-mile coverage area.