The Problem
The roof covering on this detached farmhouse in Lewdown, West Devon, had become old and worn, making a complete roof replacement the best long-term solution. A recent solar panel installation also highlighted the roof's condition. With the panels already in place, the homeowners wanted to make sure the underlying roof covering was properly renewed rather than relying on an ageing system. The project involved more than replacing the tiles or slates. The underfelt and timber battens also needed replacing, along with improved roof ventilation and key weatherproofing details. We also planned the work around the existing solar PV system, ensuring the panels could be safely removed and reinstated once the new roof was in place.
Our Diagnosis
Following our assessment, we recommended a complete strip-off and re-roof using natural Spanish roofing slate, giving the farmhouse a fresh roof covering and an upgraded roofing system. We selected natural Spanish slate for its attractive appearance, durability and suitability for both traditional and modern pitched roofs. We specified a stainless-steel hook-fixing system, with the batten gauge carefully set to match the slate dimensions and required head lap. The replacement also included a high-performance breathable roofing membrane, new treated timber battens, eaves support trays and an over-fascia ventilation system. Together, these components provide secondary weather protection, help manage rainwater at the roof edges and encourage airflow into the roof space. We also included new lead flashings where needed, along with a mechanically fixed dry ridge system. A key part of our approach was coordinating the roof replacement with the existing solar installation. We temporarily removed the panels and stored them safely, allowing us to fully strip the original roof covering before renewing the solar mounting rails and brackets and reinstalling the panels.
The Result
The farmhouse now benefits from a completely new natural Spanish slate roof, giving it a fresh look and renewed protection from the elements. The replacement roofing system includes a high-performance breathable membrane, new treated battens, stainless-steel slate hook fixings and an upgraded eaves ventilation arrangement. New eaves support trays help direct water into the guttering, while the dry ridge system provides a securely fixed finish designed to improve wind resistance. Leadwork around the chimneys, abutments and roof junctions was also renewed where needed, ensuring these vulnerable areas were carefully addressed as part of the re-roof. The existing solar panels were then reinstated with new rails and brackets, and the system was reconnected, leaving the property with a fully renewed roof covering and its solar PV installation back in place. By replacing the entire roofing system rather than repairing only the deteriorated areas, Tamar Roofing & Building Services has given this West Devon farmhouse a new natural slate roof designed to perform well for years to come.
The Full Story
When the owners of this detached farmhouse outside Lewdown, West Devon, recognised that their existing roof covering was deteriorating, they contacted Tamar Roofing & Building Services to discuss a complete roof replacement.
The property had recently undergone a solar panel installation, which had highlighted the condition of the existing roof and the need to consider its longer-term suitability.
Rather than investing further in an ageing roof covering, the decision was made to undertake a complete strip-off and re-roof, replacing the existing roofing materials and upgrading several important components of the roof system at the same time.
Our team recommended natural Spanish slate as the replacement covering, together with a new breathable membrane, treated timber battens, stainless-steel hook fixings and improved roof ventilation.
The Challenge
Replacing the roof of a property that already has solar panels installed requires additional planning.
We needed to remove the solar panels, along with their supporting rails and brackets, to strip the existing roof covering completely. Working around the existing mounting arrangements would not allow us to properly renew the underlying roofing materials.
For this farmhouse, we needed to coordinate the removal and reinstatement of the solar panels with the full roofing programme, ensuring that the new slate covering could be installed without compromising the final solar panel arrangement.
We also had to choose a replacement roofing material.
Natural slate is an attractive option for farmhouse properties, offering a traditional roof appearance alongside the durability associated with a quality natural stone roofing material. We selected natural Spanish slate for this project, with a stainless-steel hook-fixing system specified to provide secure mechanical fixing.
Our Solution
We arranged independent scaffolding to provide safe access to all areas of the roof and carried out a complete strip-off of the existing covering.
The work involved:
- Erecting independent scaffolding and protecting surrounding areas.
- Carefully removing the existing roof covering, timber battens and underfelt.
- Removing and responsibly disposing of waste materials.
- Inspecting the exposed roof timbers and rafters for visible defects or deterioration.
- Installing a high-performance breathable roofing membrane across the roof.
- Fitting new eaves support trays to provide correct membrane drainage into the guttering.
- Installing a continuous over-fascia ventilation system.
- Supplying and fixing new treated timber roofing battens.
- Installing natural Spanish roofing slates using stainless-steel hook fixings.
- Installing a mechanically fixed dry ridge system.
- Renewing the lead flashings where required.
- Renewing the solar panel mounting rails and brackets, then reinstalling and reconnecting the existing solar panels.
- Carrying out a final inspection and leaving the site clean and tidy.
The result was a complete replacement of the original roofing system, incorporating modern materials and installation methods.
Why Natural Spanish Slate?
Natural slate remains a popular choice for pitched roofing because of its combination of appearance, durability and resistance to the elements.
Spanish slate is widely used throughout the UK for creating new roof coverings. It is generally characterised by its dark grey colouring and fine-grained appearance, making it suitable for a variety of property styles.
However, natural slate is not uniform. Different sources can produce slates with varying characteristics, including thickness, strength and water absorption. Selecting an appropriate product and ensuring it meets the relevant performance requirements are important considerations when specifying a new slate roof.
Natural slate roofing materials can last for over a century, as shown by historic properties that have stood for hundreds of years with their original slate intact. However, just like clay or concrete tile coverings, individual damaged slates should be replaced promptly to preserve your roof's ongoing performance and protection.
The installation process is equally important. Natural slates need to be properly graded and sorted before installation, as thickness differences can affect the appearance and alignment of individual courses.
For this farmhouse, we specified natural Spanish slate, sorted before installation and fixed using a stainless-steel hook-fixing system. The new roofing battens were set out to suit the selected slate dimensions and required head lap, helping achieve consistent coursing across the roof.
Stainless-Steel Hook Fixing System
It is important to choose the right fixing arrangement based on the roof pitch, slate dimensions, and exposure to wind and weather. Specifying the right fixing system helps ensure your finished roof performs as intended.
Traditional natural slate roofs have commonly been installed using copper or other suitable roofing nails. However, mechanical hook-fixing systems provide another established method of installing natural roofing slate.
For this project, we specified stainless-steel slate hooks to secure the individual slates in position.
The hook-fixing system mechanically retains the slates without requiring individual nail holes through each slate. The hooks also help hold the lower edges of the slates in position.
Improving Roof Ventilation and Weather Protection
A complete roof replacement offers an opportunity to improve more than just a property's external appearance.
Older roofs can have outdated underfelt, deteriorating battens, and inadequate ventilation. When replacing the roof covering, you can also renew these components to improve the overall performance of the roofing system.
For this farmhouse, we installed a high-performance breathable roofing membrane across the roof, providing a secondary layer of weather protection beneath the natural slate.
We installed new treated timber battens over the membrane, with batten spacing carefully calculated to suit the slate dimensions and required head lap.
We also installed new eaves support trays and an over-fascia ventilation system.
The eaves trays support the lower edge of the roofing membrane, helping direct any water running down its surface safely into the guttering. The over-fascia vents provide an airflow pathway into the roof void, helping to reduce the risk of condensation developing within the roof space.
Together, these improvements provide a more complete roofing system, addressing weather protection and ventilation rather than simply replacing the visible roof covering.
New Dry Ridge System and Leadwork
The ridge and leadwork details are important parts of any pitched roofing installation.
As part of this project, we installed a new dry ridge system with mechanically fixed, red terracotta ridge tiles. Unlike traditional mortar-bedded ridge tiles, a dry ridge system uses mechanical fixings to secure the ridge components, improving resistance to wind movement and reducing reliance on mortar that can crack or deteriorate over time.
We also addressed the leadwork around the property's chimneys, abutments and roof junctions.
We replaced the lead flashings where required, providing weatherproof detailing around these vulnerable roof junctions.
Completing this work alongside the full roof replacement ensured that the leadwork and ridge details were addressed as part of the new roofing system, rather than left as potential future maintenance issues.
Reinstating the Solar Panels
Another consideration for this project was the property's existing solar panel installation.
Before stripping the roof, we carefully removed the solar panels and put them aside to allow the original covering and battens to be completely removed.
After installing the new breathable membrane, battens, and natural Spanish slate roof, we renewed the solar panel mounting rails and brackets.
We then reinstalled the existing panels and reconnected the solar system. We regularly undertake this type of work, which eliminates the need for separate solar installers to come to site and potentially delay the job.
By incorporating the solar panel work into the roofing programme, we could renew the complete roof covering while retaining the property's existing solar PV installation.
The Finished Roof
Following completion, the farmhouse had a completely renewed roof covering using natural Spanish slate, installed with stainless-steel hook fixings.
The new roofing system also incorporated:
- High-performance breathable roofing membrane.
- New treated timber battens.
- Eaves support trays and over-fascia ventilation.
- Mechanically fixed dry ridge tiles.
- Renewed lead flashings.
- Reinstated solar panels with new mounting rails and brackets.
The completed project provides the homeowners with a new natural slate roof, improved roof ventilation and renewed weatherproofing details, while allowing them to retain their existing solar panel installation.
It demonstrates the value of considering the complete roofing system when an existing roof reaches the end of its serviceable life.
Looking for Roof Replacement in West Devon?
If your roof is ageing, deteriorating or showing signs that it may need replacing, Tamar Roofing & Building Services provides professional roof replacement and natural slate roofing services throughout Devon and Cornwall.
Our experienced roofing team undertakes complete roof replacements using a range of natural slates and other suitable roofing materials. From stripping the existing covering and renewing the roof structure to installing new breathable membranes, ventilation systems, leadwork, and dry ridge systems, we handle the entire roofing process.
We also have experience working around existing solar panel installations, helping homeowners coordinate roofing work with their renewable energy systems.
Whether you need a natural slate roof replacement in Lewdown, a complete re-roof in Tavistock or professional roofing services elsewhere in Devon or Cornwall, contact Tamar Roofing & Building Services to arrange a free roof survey and quotation.
Call Tamar Roofing & Building Services on 01752 922752.
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"Tamar Roofing exceeded our expectations. The team arrived on time, did excellent work, and left everything spotless. We’re delighted with the skilled workers, honest pricing, quality service, and beautiful roof. The experience was outstanding, and we’re already recommending Tamar Roofing to friends and family."
— RC