Roofing services
Slate Roofing in Sidcup, Greenwich & Kent
Slate is one of the longest-lasting roof coverings there is, but only when it is fixed correctly. R&W Roofing Services install and repair slate roofs across Sidcup, Greenwich and Kent, working with both natural slate and Eternit fibre cement slate, twice-fixed on properly gauged battens.
Slate laid the right way
A slate roof depends on three things: the correct head-lap for the pitch, a batten gauge set out from that lap, and every slate fixed twice. Get any of those wrong and the roof will let water in long before the slate itself wears out.
Our Abbey Wood project is a case in point. The roof was less than five years old and already failing because of poor installation. We stripped it, fitted new breathable felt and 25 x 50 mm treated battens, and re-slated it in Eternit fibre cement slate with clean abutments around the chimney stacks.
Natural slate or fibre cement?
Natural slate is beautiful and can last a century, but it is heavier, more expensive and varies from batch to batch. Fibre cement slates such as Marley Eternit are lighter, consistent in size and colour, and give a crisp modern finish at a lower cost. We are happy to walk you through the difference and recommend the right option for your roof and budget.
From our recent work
Common problems
Problems our slate roofing service solves
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Slipped or broken slates
Usually a sign of nail sickness, where the original fixings have corroded and let go.
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Nail sickness across the roof
When slates are slipping everywhere, re-slating is usually the only lasting answer.
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Incorrect head-lap
Slates laid with too little overlap let wind-driven rain through, even when the roof looks fine.
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Delaminating slates
Poor-quality slate splits into layers and sheds pieces after a few winters.
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Failed abutments and flashings
Where slate meets chimneys and walls, lead work and soakers need to be right.
Our approach
How we handle slate
- 01
Assessment
We check the slate, fixings, battens and felt, and inspect from the loft where possible.
- 02
Specification
We agree the slate type, fixings and any timber work, and give you a written quote.
- 03
Strip and prepare
The roof is stripped, timbers checked, and new felt and battens fitted to the correct gauge.
- 04
Slate, lead and finish
Slates are twice-fixed course by course, lead work and ridges finished, and the site cleared.
Recent projects
Recent slate roofing projects
Genuine photographs from our own jobs.
Sidcup
Conservatory roof in Eternit slate, Sidcup
Old polycarbonate sheets removed and replaced with a battened, felted Marley Eternit slate roof — turning a dated conservatory into a proper garden room.
View projectCustomer reviews
What homeowners say
Every customer is invited to leave a review on our Facebook page. Here is what they have said.
“Excellent advice and service. Good quality work and care and attention to completing the work. Very pleased with the end result. Would definitely recommend.”
“Brilliant service from start to finish. The team were professional, polite and the quality of work is outstanding. Highly recommend!”
FAQs
Slate Roofing FAQs
How long does a slate roof last?
Can slipped slates be repaired individually?
Is fibre cement slate a good choice?
Can my roof take natural slate?
Let’s talk about your roof
Need a reliable local roofer?
Get in touch today to discuss your roofing project and request a free quotation.
Or call 07498 310928 · rwroofingservices95@yahoo.com