Should I replace my old slate roof?

RLH33

Oh please don't be tempted to replace your original slates with spanish just because your neighbour is thinking about doing the same.

If the slates were put on when the house was built then they are probably Welsh and have a different patina than Spanish so they will have to use all spanish or the original on one slope and Spanish on the rest because if they pepperpot the roof it will look very odd.

Do you realise how much proper welsh slate is? The reason Spanish is used so much because it is cheaper and easier to get than Welsh. The roofer will probably be selling it all on at the local reclamation yard and get more for it than he would have charged you for the spanish.

As previous posters have said - if it aint broke then don't fix it.

Suzy_M

Sounds as though your neighbour's interest in your roof might be because he will get his done cheaper if he can get you on board. This makes a lot of sense if both need doing but as everyone else has said - If it ain't broke don't fix it.

rustybucket

Cheers for the replies.

Our neighbour has been quoted the same, about 5K which will remain the same if we don't go ahead.

We'll give it a bit more thought before making our final decision.

Once again thanks so far.

nobie1

I would suggest getting the roof estimated and looked at proffesionally before making decision,

vaio

markleedsuk wrote: »

Roofer i do some work with says as a guide usually 50% of the origional slate can be reused and the rest would need to be new. Dont know if that helps any but im sure a roofer will be along shortly.

often 50% are reused and the others are replaced with second hand (which cost between 75p to £1.50 depending on size and where you get them from)

Barneysmom

Don't replace your roof please!
If you look at the thickness of your slates, they'll be twice as thick as the new ones they'll put on. The older ones are much much better.
Just replace your facias etc, that'll cost you enough anyway?

looby-loo_2

My house has a Welsh slate roof. It leaked in 5 places and when it snowed there was an 1" of snow in the loft. I had it re-done. They insulated the parts which were inaccessible, lined it and re-used 70% of the slates. The 30% were re-claimed so they looked the same and were put on the back. Loft is now dry and useable and the house is warmer

bigdoozer

Most folk (even roofers) think slate lasts forever, It doesn't, but compared with concrete or spanish/indian imports, they have lasted 100+ year, but DO become porous, the nails fail and the batterns will rot. If there are no leaks, the tiles have not started to slip out or you have major concerns about the batterns, do the job later. If you want to do it now, the combination of cheaper tiles, new batterns and breathable membrane, will probably outlast you, and increase the value of your property. Don't replace with concrete (lifespan 35-40 years) and isues with weight etc. as said above.