Slate roofs are one of the defining features of many older properties across Devon.
They can be found on village cottages, Victorian terraces, period town houses and numerous other traditional buildings. A well-maintained slate roof can provide excellent weather protection, but even durable roofing materials can eventually require attention.
The challenge for property owners is recognising the difference between normal ageing and a defect that needs professional slate roof repair.
Slipped Slates
One of the most recognisable slate roofing problems is a slate that has slipped from its normal position.
This may leave a visible gap or cause one slate to sit noticeably lower than those around it.
Slates can move because the material itself has failed, because its fixing has deteriorated or because of movement and weather exposure.
A slipped slate may allow wind-driven rain to reach the materials underneath, so it should not be ignored simply because water has not yet appeared inside the property.
Broken or Cracked Slates
Slate is strong, but individual pieces can still crack.
Possible causes include:
- Age
- Impact from falling branches
- Previous foot traffic
- Severe weather
- Movement in the roof
- Deterioration around fixings
Small cracks can be difficult to identify from ground level.
Sometimes the first obvious sign is a piece of slate appearing in the gutter or on the ground below.
Deteriorating Fixings
The visible slate may remain sound while the fixing that holds it in position deteriorates.
Older slate roofs can experience problems where metal fixings have gradually corroded.
As more fixings weaken, slates may begin to slip even though the slate itself still appears to be in reasonable condition.
One isolated slipped slate may require a relatively straightforward repair. Repeated movement across multiple sections can indicate a wider problem that needs closer assessment.
Leaks Around Chimneys
Chimneys create one of the most important junctions in a traditional roof.
Where the chimney passes through the roof covering, flashing is normally used to help create a watertight transition.
If that flashing deteriorates or becomes damaged, water can enter around the chimney even when the surrounding slates remain perfectly intact.
Older properties may also have issues with mortar or chimney masonry.
Where damp appears around a chimney breast, both the roof covering and the chimney structure may therefore need inspecting.
Problems Around Valleys
A valley is formed where two roof slopes meet and rainwater is channelled towards the gutter.
Because a significant amount of water can pass through a roof valley, defects in this area can become particularly noticeable during heavy rain.
Problems may develop through:
- Deterioration of valley materials
- Debris collecting in the channel
- Movement of nearby slates
- Previous repairs failing
- General ageing
Water visible inside a room close to a valley should be investigated promptly.
Loose or Damaged Ridge Materials
The ridge runs along the highest section of a pitched roof.
Although the main roof slopes may be covered in slate, ridge tiles or other ridge details protect the joint at the top.
Deterioration here can leave the roof vulnerable to wind and rain.
Strong weather can make an already weakened ridge problem more serious, particularly on exposed properties.
Moss Growth on Slate Roofs
Devon’s damp climate means moss is a familiar sight on many roofs.
Moss does not automatically mean that a slate roof is failing, and aggressive removal can itself cause damage if inappropriate methods are used.
However, heavy growth can hold moisture, obscure the condition of the roof and contribute debris to gutters and valleys.
Shaded roofs and properties surrounded by trees are particularly likely to experience significant growth.
Regular gutter maintenance can help make sure debris washing from the roof does not restrict drainage.
How Coastal Weather Can Affect Slate Roofs
Homes near the coast can experience greater weather exposure than similar buildings in sheltered inland locations.
South-westerly winds and driving rain can put particular pressure on loose or ageing roof coverings.
Properties around Plymouth, Torbay, Exmouth and other exposed communities may therefore reveal weaknesses during severe weather that were not previously obvious.
After strong winds, it is worth looking from ground level for displaced slates or pieces of roofing material.
When Does a Slate Roof Need Replacing?
A small number of damaged slates does not automatically justify replacing an entire roof.
Local repairs may be entirely appropriate where the surrounding materials and roof structure remain serviceable.
Replacement becomes more likely to be considered where there is:
- Widespread slipping
- Extensive deterioration
- Repeated leaks in different areas
- Multiple failing fixings
- Significant problems beneath the slate covering
- A history of repairs that are no longer proving effective
The condition of the roof should determine the recommendation.
Period and Listed Buildings Require Care
Some older Devon properties are listed or form part of sensitive historic settings.
Roofing work on these buildings may require additional consideration of the existing materials, appearance and any applicable planning or conservation requirements.
The size, colour and type of slate can also matter when repairing a traditional roof.
Property owners should therefore avoid assuming that all slate roofing can be approached in exactly the same way.
When to Arrange a Roof Survey
If you own an older property and are unsure about the condition of the slate roof, a roof survey can help establish whether visible deterioration is localised or more extensive.
This can be useful:
- After severe weather
- Before renovation
- When purchasing a period property
- If several slates have slipped
- If leaks have begun appearing
- Where previous repairs are visible
- When planning longer-term maintenance
Slate Roofing Across Devon
Bramwell Roofing Devon provides slate roof repairs, maintenance and replacement services across Exeter, Plymouth, Torquay, Newton Abbot, Exmouth, Barnstaple and surrounding areas.
If you have noticed slipped slates, leaks or other changes in the appearance of your roof, call 07598 001 200 to arrange an assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does one slipped slate mean the roof needs replacing?
No. Isolated slate damage can often be repaired where the surrounding roof remains in suitable condition.
Why do slates keep slipping from my roof?
Repeated slipping may indicate deterioration of the fixings or wider ageing of the roof rather than separate accidental damage.
Can a slate roof leak even if no slates are missing?
Yes. Water can enter through cracked slates, flashing, valleys, chimney junctions or other roofing details.
Are older slate roofs still worth repairing?
Potentially, yes. The decision should be based on the condition of the roof rather than age alone.
Join our newsletter
Volutpat vel turpis nulla lorem sed semper. Aliquam sagittis sem libero viverra vehicula nullam ut nisl.
