Slate roofs are found on virtually every class of structure. As a critical design feature of many historic buildings, slate roofs cannot be duplicated using substitute materials. As the longest-lasting roofing material, slate lends itself easily to restoration efforts, and whenever possible, slate roofs should be repaired rather than replaced.
In restoring historical buildings, the critical consideration is maintaining the roof’s original appearance and preserving its historical integrity, paying attention to the conservation of important design elements and style of historic slate roofs.
Unfortunately, too often, slate roofs are improperly repaired or replaced with alternative roofing materials to the detriment of the historical integrity and appearance of the building. It is not uncommon for non-specialist roofers to approach slate like any other roofing material, which leads to serious mistakes.
This is why restoration projects demand specialists, such as Slate Specialists Ireland Limited, who possess the critical skills and experience required in this process. We often find ourselves on projects of fixing the damage resulting from improper installations. As specialists in historic roofing, we are comfortable in our mastery of historic repair methods as we exercise the fine art of historic slate.
Slate itself can be an object of restoration, where it is salvaged and recycled into another roof or project.
You can find a selection of restored slate tiles on our webshop.