Natural slate roofing in North Clare

Why natural slate

Natural slate has been the roof of choice in Clare for generations, and it's still one of the longest-lasting roof coverings you can buy. A good slate doesn't fade, doesn't rot and copes with wind and rain off the Atlantic. It also looks right on an old cottage or a new house in the countryside, and planning conditions often ask for it.

Spanish and Welsh slate

We work with Spanish and Welsh slate. Spanish slate is the most common choice in Ireland and offers good value. Welsh slate costs more but is well suited to restoration work and to matching an older roof. Quality varies a lot between quarries and grades, so we'll talk you through what we're proposing and why.

What goes into a proper slate roof

1. Strip and inspect. On a re-roof, the old covering comes off and we check rafters, wall plates and timbers. Anything rotten or undersized gets repaired or replaced before we go further.
2. Membrane and battens. A breathable roofing membrane and treated battens set out to suit the slate size and the pitch of the roof.
3. Ventilation. Condensation in the roof space is one of the most common problems in Irish houses. We build in ventilation at the eaves and ridge so moisture can escape and timbers stay dry.
4. Slating. Slates are nailed or hooked to the correct gauge and lap for the pitch and exposure, so wind-driven rain can't get in.
5. Flashings and details. Chimneys, valleys, abutments, rooflights and dormers are where roofs leak. We detail these in lead or zinc, including standing seam zinc where it suits the design.
6. Ridge and finish. Ridge and hips finished to suit the house, gutters and fascias checked or replaced, and the site cleared.

Repairs and re-roofs

Not every roof needs replacing. Slipped or broken slates, failed flashings and blocked valleys can often be repaired. If the roof is near the end of its life, we'll tell you straight and price a re-roof so you can compare.

Roofs as part of a bigger job

A new roof is a good time to insulate the attic or the rafters, sort out ventilation and seal the ceiling against draughts. If you're planning a retrofit or an extension, we can sequence the roof work with the rest of the job.

Zinc and lead

As well as slate, we do zinc cladding and lead work for dormers, flat-roof edges, fascias and flashings. You can see zinc work on our extensions page and in the gallery.

Other services

• Lime render & plaster
• External wall insulation
• Extensions & new build
• Fabric-first retrofit
• Photo gallery