The Problem
The existing roof on this detached house in Callington had gradually deteriorated over time. The red concrete roof tiles had lost much of their original colour and showed signs of surface erosion. Moss and algae had established across areas of the roof, while the mortar detailing had also deteriorated. Although the roof still protected the property, its appearance had become tired, and the condition of the existing covering meant a more comprehensive solution made sense. The homeowners also wanted to change the property's appearance. Instead of replacing the old concrete tiles with another concrete tile system, they chose natural slate to create a more traditional finish that would complement the character of a home in Cornwall.
Our Diagnosis
After inspecting the roof, we recommended a full strip and replacement rather than continuing isolated repairs to an ageing roof covering. A full roof replacement also allowed us to inspect the roof structure once we removed the existing tiles, battens, and underfelt, before installing a completely new roofing system. We selected natural Brazilian slate for the new roof, grading and sorting the slates before installation. We specified a stainless-steel hook-fixing system to provide secure mechanical fixing, with the slate gauge and coursing set to suit the roof and selected slate. The new roof specification also incorporated a breathable roofing membrane, new treated battens, eaves support trays and over-fascia ventilation. These details are an important part of a modern roof system, not simply a new decorative covering.
The Result
The completed roof has completely changed the appearance of this Callington property. The new natural slate covering provides a clean, natural finish, while the contrasting terracotta ridge tiles add colour and definition to the roofline. The combination is a familiar South West style and gives the house a distinctive finish. Beneath the slate, the new breathable membrane and treated battens provide a fresh roofing system, while the new eaves support trays and over-fascia ventilation improve the detailing at the roof edge and provide continuous airflow into the roof space. The slate has been installed using stainless-steel hook fixings for secure mechanical fixing, with careful attention paid to alignment, gauge and consistent coursing. The ridge has also been upgraded with a dry ridge system and mechanically fixed ridge tiles, installed in accordance with the relevant requirements. The result is a completely renewed roof that combines the appearance of natural slate with modern roofing materials and detailing.
The Full Story
When the owners of this detached property in Callington, Cornwall, decided it was time to address their ageing roof, they wanted more than a simple tile replacement.
The existing red concrete roof tiles had been exposed to the weather for many years and were showing several visible signs of deterioration. The colour had faded considerably, sections of the tile surface had eroded, and moss and algae growth had become established across the roof.
The mortar detailing had also deteriorated with age, leaving the roof looking tired and in need of a more comprehensive overhaul.
The owners decided it was time to replace the entire roof covering and, importantly, use the project as an opportunity to give the property a completely different appearance.
Rather than installing another concrete tiled roof, they chose natural slate.
The Challenge
A complete roof replacement involves much more than removing the old tiles and putting new ones in their place.
Once the existing roof covering was removed, they had to properly prepare the underlying roofing system for the new slate. This meant stripping away the old tiles, battens, and underfelt, inspecting the roof structure, and preparing the roof for the new materials.
The choice of fixing method was also important.
Natural slate varies in thickness, size and appearance, so the slates needed to be graded and sorted before installation. This helped us achieve consistent coursing and a neat finished appearance across the roof.
For this project, we installed the slates using a stainless-steel hook-fixing system, providing secure mechanical fixing while allowing the roof covering to be installed accurately to the required gauge.
Preparing the New Roof
With the old covering stripped, we installed a high-performance breathable roofing membrane across the roof area.
The membrane provides a secondary layer of weather protection beneath the slate and forms part of the modern roof build-up.
We then installed new treated roofing battens, with the batten gauge set to suit the selected slate size and required head lap.
At the eaves, we installed new support trays to support the membrane and help ensure water is directed correctly into the guttering.
We also installed an over-fascia ventilation system, allowing continuous airflow into the roof void. Ventilation is an important consideration when replacing an older roof and should be incorporated into the roof design rather than treated as an afterthought.
Installing the Natural Slate
The finished appearance of a slate roof depends heavily on installation quality.
We graded and sorted the natural Brazilian slates before fixing them, allowing us to maintain consistent alignment, gauge, and coursing across the roof.
We installed each slate using stainless-steel hook fixings, creating a secure mechanical fixing system and giving the completed roof a clean, consistent appearance.
Natural slate also gives homeowners a very different finish from concrete roof tiles. Instead of a manufactured, uniform surface, the slate provides the natural variation and texture associated with traditional slate roofing.
For properties across Cornwall and the wider South West, this can significantly affect a home's character and appearance.
Creating a Standout Ridge
One of the most distinctive features of this roof is its contrasting terracotta ridge tiles.
The combination of natural slate with terracotta ridge tiles creates strong visual contrast and reflects a style common to many traditional roofs across Devon and Cornwall.
Rather than relying solely on traditional mortar bedding, the ridge was installed using a dry ridge system with mechanically fixed ridge tiles, providing a modern way to secure the ridge while giving the finished roof a crisp, defined roofline.
Leadwork and Final Details
Roof replacement is also an opportunity to deal with vulnerable junctions and detailing while the roof is accessible.
Where required, we replaced or dressed lead flashings around chimneys, abutments, and roof junctions to provide appropriate weather protection.
Once the slate installation and associated works were complete, we carefully inspected the roof, removed all waste materials from site, and left the surrounding area clean and tidy.
A Completely New Roof for This Callington Home
The completed project has given this detached house in Callington a completely new roof and a very different appearance.
The tired red concrete tiles have been replaced with natural Brazilian slate, installed over a new breathable membrane and treated timber battens, with upgraded eaves detailing and over-fascia ventilation.
The stainless-steel hook-fixing system provides secure mechanical fixing, while the contrasting terracotta ridge tiles give the finished roof a distinctive South West character.
This project demonstrates what can be achieved when a roof replacement is approached as a complete roofing system rather than simply a change of covering.
Looking for a Slate Roof Replacement in Callington?
If your roof shows signs of ageing, colour fading, surface erosion, moss growth, or deteriorating mortar, a professional roof inspection can help determine whether repairs are appropriate or whether a full roof replacement is more suitable.
Tamar Roofing & Building Services provides roof replacement and natural slate roofing across Callington, East Cornwall, Plymouth and the wider Devon and Cornwall area.
We can advise on suitable slate options, roof construction, ventilation, fixings and the detailing required to create a durable, attractive new roof.
Contact Tamar Roofing & Building Services on 01752 922752 to arrange a free roof survey and no-obligation quotation.
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"They replaced our entire roof, and the process was perfect. The workers were friendly, the timelines were clear, and the result was exactly what we hoped for."
— AJ