The Project Scope: Preserving Character, Upgrading Protection
Stone slate roofs are a signature of West Yorkshire’s architectural heritage. However, even when the stone is still in good condition, the underlying felt and battens eventually perish. Our task was to perform a “strip and re-lay,” preserving the original aesthetic while installing a 21st-century waterproofing system.
The Restoration Process
Careful Salvage & Disposal: We carefully stripped the original stone slates to preserve as much of the natural material as possible. The old, perished bitumen felt and timber laths were removed and disposed of to clear the way for new components.
Modern Sub-Structure: We installed a high-performance breathable membrane, which provides a secondary line of defense against wind-driven rain while preventing moisture buildup in the attic. This was reinforced with heavy-duty 2×1 treated timber lath battens, providing a level and secure grid for the heavy stone load.
Master Slate Craftsmanship: The original slates were meticulously re-installed. To ensure a perfect finish, any slates that had succumbed to “delamination” or damage over the years were replaced with matching reclaimed stone slates.
Advanced Valley Engineering: At the roof abutment, we moved away from traditional high-maintenance materials and installed a new EPDM rubber valley. EPDM is incredibly durable, flexible, and has no joins, making it the ultimate solution for preventing leaks in high-pressure water channels.
The Result
A roof that looks exactly as it did 100 years ago but performs to modern building standards. By combining reclaimed stone with an EPDM rubber valley and breathable felt, we have ensured this property stays watertight and historically accurate for the next generation.