New slate choice for old slate roof

[td123]

Hello,

I'm looking to replace the roof on the house pictured, its the original slate, 117yrs old, its a semi house so we will do mine and the neighbours together as one job.

We're not fussy over look and don't want the cheapest option but would appreciate some pointers as to what is a good straightforward cost effective option for a replacement man made slate, not cement/concrete.
Like the Marley Eternit Thrutone range, or similar, around £2 ex vat per slate.

..or. what's a good cost effective man made slate. Looking up the street there's all sorts of new roof choices & different roofers recommend different slates.

Any pointers appreciated.

 

[catlad]

I just did a Job recently, and the customer wanted quality welsh slate £25 each. Those man made slates are the bottom of the pile.

 

[td123]

I just did a Job recently, and the customer wanted quality welsh slate £25 each. Those man made slates are the bottom of the pile.

Thanks for the reply. Yes and Welsh slate is at the top of the pile!
What's in the middle of the pile? Is the Spanish slate any good, what should I be paying for Grade A and B per m2?
Thanks!

 

[^woody^]

Consider how long you will be living there or on this earth. You won't recoup the costs of expensive slate in any future sale or if you are not there to get the benefit.

Artificial slate can be expected to last at least 40 years, and may leave some budget for other work or better specification.

Get several quotes and ensure they are quoting for the same products.

 

[td123]

Thanks Woody. Yes I've had exactly that thought process "I won't be here by the time it needs replacing...." so man made it is.

Can any of you roof experts recommend a man made tile, is the Eternit range the default choice?

Thanks

 

[mrrusty]

When we had our not that dissimilar roof reslated, they took the old welsh slates off, sorted them, re-used about 85% of them over new membrane and battens, and picked up some matching reclaimed for the ones that couldn't be re-used.

On my outbuildings I have used spanish slates from sig roofing and they came in at about £2.50 ish a slate if I recall. I was going to use man made slates but got warned off by a roofer

 

[datarebal]

I've seen cement fibre slates fail in 12 years .
There is the Glendyne alternative to Welsh and more economical .
There are some decent Spanish too , as long as they are t1 s1,w1 then should be trouble free. Something like a cipa h12 are good and you can get a dite specific guarantee for up to 100 years . You won't get that on a cement fibre. Also you been quoted high on the thrutones id expect £1.50 absolute Max probably cheaper.
Having said that if the existing are a nice slate id re use and make up shortages .

 

[td123]

Thanks for the good info gents! I'm hearing mostly negatives about the man mades, 12 years isn't great, I'd expect to be here in 20 yrs so they've got to beat that timeframe for maintenance free!

So looking at real slates, these have been recommended by a few reliable sources, any opinions?

Brazilian First Quality Slate - 500mm x 250mm £1.62inc vat each c£31m2​

And I've calculated the increased cost of rivets, bespoke ridge systems etc etc for the man mades and it almost wipes out the additional cost of real slate and traditional additional items, am I wrong?

 

[mrrusty]

Having said that if the existing are a nice slate id re use and make up shortages

Why are you not considering this? It's what we did. I think it was @datarebal who warned me off man made!

Not that I know much about this, but I think I used these or very similar on a recommendation https://www.sigaslate.co.uk/products/excellence/gallegas-39/ As you see they are a T1 slate and are about £2.60 I was warned off the very cheapest slates for our harsh climate.

 

[^woody^]

The suppliers will tend to give long warranties for their products, so that can provide added assurance.

My experience with artificial slate is different to post above. I've been involved with lots of re-roofing projects for various landlords - including council and social housing where cost is a big factor and artificial slate attractive, and the life of artificial slate replaced and fitted has been consistent with the projected time periods of 50 years or so

 

[endecotp]

I'm looking to replace the roof on the house pictured

Why, what’s wrong with it?

When we had our not that dissimilar roof reslated, they took the old welsh slates off, sorted them, re-used about 85% of them over new membrane and battens, and picked up some matching reclaimed for the ones that couldn't be re-used.

That’s what I’d want to do.

 

[catlad]

Having said that if the existing are a nice slate id re use and make up shortages .

What makes you think you can't reuse what you have? as per the comments above and Mr Rusty

 

[datarebal]

C Was that for me ? I think I just said I would re use if they are a nice slate. The image isn't good enough to judge

 

[datarebal]

The suppliers will tend to give long warranties for their products, so that can provide added assurance.

My experience with artificial slate is different to post above. I've been involved with lots of re-roofing projects for various landlords - including council and social housing where cost is a big factor and artificial slate attractive, and the life of artificial slate replaced and fitted has been consistent with the projected time periods of 50 years or so

Have seen a cement fibre roof after 50 years then ?

 

[datarebal]

Not that I know much about this, but I think I used these or very similar on a recommendation https://www.sigaslate.co.uk/products/excellence/gallegas-39/ As you see they are a T1 slate and are about £2.60 I was warned off the very cheapest slates for our harsh climate.

I know that slate and have used them , The one I mentioned though is similar cost. A nicer slate imo.
Slate , can be a mine field with some real rubbish for sale .