Battersea 10 working days including scaffolding
Related services:Roof Replacement
The Problem
A Victorian end-of-terrace property needed a full re-slate. The original Welsh slates were suffering from nail sickness — the iron nails had corroded over 120 years, causing slates to slip throughout.
Our Diagnosis
From inside the loft, we could see daylight through multiple gaps. Over 40% of the fixings had failed. The battens were original and too deteriorated for re-nailing. A complete strip and re-slate was the only viable option.
Materials Used
Spanish La Losa natural slate
Stainless steel nails
Tyvek breathable membrane
Treated softwood battens
Code 5 lead flashings
The Result
Complete re-slate using natural Spanish slate matched to the original Welsh slate in colour and texture. New breathable membrane, treated battens, and stainless steel fixings throughout. All lead flashings replaced with Code 5 lead. The roof should last another 100+ years.
Expert Commentary
"Nail sickness is the most common reason Victorian slate roofs need complete replacement. The slates themselves were still in excellent condition after 120 years — it was purely the fixings that failed. We used stainless steel nails this time, which won't corrode. The original iron nails were never going to last as long as the slates."
— HRS Surveyor, Lead Surveyor
Customer Review
"We needed a company that understood period properties. HRS matched the slate colour perfectly — you can't tell it's been re-done. They also spotted a chimney flashing issue we hadn't noticed and fixed it as part of the job."
— Sarah M.