The Challenge: Structural Stress & Material Failure This porch roof was originally installed using heavy concrete tiles, which were far too weighted for the supporting structure. Over time, this excess load caused the roof timbers to bow significantly. Compounding the issue, poor initial workmanship had led to tiles slipping and the mortar pointing in the verges crumbling away—creating both a leak risk and a safety hazard.
The Solution: Weight Reduction & Material Matching The priority was to reduce the dead load on the porch structure. We stripped the existing tiles and replaced them with Premium Welsh Slate. Not only is Welsh Slate world-renowned for its longevity, but its lighter profile immediately relieved the stress on the roof timbers. As a design bonus, the slate provides a perfect aesthetic match to the main property, creating a seamless, “win-win” look for the homeowner.
Technical Upgrades: Membrane & Dry Verge Before laying the slate, we installed a high-performance breathable membrane and treated timber lath battens to ensure a watertight foundation. To finish the project, we moved away from high-maintenance mortar pointing and installed a Modern Dry Verge System. This provides a clean, mechanical fix that is weatherproof, maintenance-free, and won’t crack or fall out like the previous pointing.