Welsh and Westmorland slate is one of the finest roofing materials available — and Farnham's Victorian and Edwardian housing stock has plenty of it. We repair, re-slate and source matching natural slate for period properties across Farnham, including conservation area work where material matching is required.
From individual slate replacement to full re-slating of period properties, we work with natural Welsh, Westmorland and reclaimed slate across Farnham GU9/GU10.
Individual slipped, cracked or nail-sick slates replaced with matching natural slate. We source from specialist suppliers to match the colour, texture and size of your existing roof.
From £150Complete strip and re-slate of pitched roofs. New slate battens and breathable underlay throughout, finished with matching natural slate and leadwork at ridges and valleys.
From £5,500When slates are sound but fixings have corroded (nail sickness), re-nailing extends the roof's life by 20–30 years without the cost of full replacement.
From £1,200We work on listed buildings and properties in conservation areas where slate type and colour must match the original. We're familiar with Farnham's conservation area requirements.
Free surveyGood Welsh slate outlasts every alternative. Properly maintained, an original Edwardian slate roof in Farnham can be kept in service indefinitely.
Period properties in Farnham with original natural slate command a premium. Replacement with concrete tiles reduces both character and value.
Properties in Farnham's conservation areas around the town centre and Bourne Mill must use matching natural slate. Failure to do so can result in enforcement action.
Natural slate is the most sustainable roofing material available — quarried once, lasting a century, fully recyclable.
| Job Type | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1–10 individual slates replaced | £150–£350 | Matching natural slate sourced |
| Re-nailing (per slope) | £600–£1,500 | Slates stripped, re-nailed, re-laid |
| Full re-slate (3-bed semi) | £5,500–£9,000 | Welsh slate, new battens and underlay |
| Full re-slate (4-bed detached) | £8,000–£16,000 | Natural slate, full scaffolding included |
Farnham has a significant stock of Victorian and Edwardian properties with original Welsh slate roofs — particularly around Hale Road, The Fairfield and in the conservation area around The Borough. Many of these roofs are 100+ years old and remain structurally sound: the slates themselves are fine, but fixings corrode over decades.
Nail sickness — where the original copper or iron fixings corrode and slates begin to slip — is the most common issue we deal with on Farnham's slate stock. Re-nailing rather than re-slating is typically the most cost-effective solution where the slates themselves are intact.
We maintain relationships with specialist slate suppliers and reclaimed material merchants to match the blue-grey Welsh and blue-green Westmorland slates common on Farnham's period housing. Where exact matching isn't possible for small repairs, we position the best match and move existing slates to the most visible slopes.
"Victorian terrace with an original Welsh slate roof. They matched the replacement slates perfectly — you can't tell which ones are new. Conservation officer was happy too."
"Had around 30 slipped slates on a roof that was otherwise in good condition. They re-nailed the whole back slope rather than patching. Much better value than I expected."
If less than 20% of the slates are damaged or slipped and the remainder are sound, repair or re-nailing is almost always the better option. Full replacement is warranted when slates are widely delaminating, porous or crumbling — a condition that indicates end of natural life. We'll give you an honest assessment during the survey.
Yes in most cases. We source from specialist suppliers carrying Welsh Blue, Welsh Grey, Westmorland Green and other slates common on Farnham's period housing. For small repairs we can usually find a close match; for larger areas we can provide reclaimed slate sourced from demolition projects.
Yes. We're familiar with Farnham Borough Council's conservation area requirements and the expectation that original slate is matched or retained wherever possible. We can advise on appropriate materials and will liaise with planning if a Listed Building Consent application is needed.
Good Welsh slate can last 100–150 years or more. The slate itself is essentially indestructible under normal conditions — what typically fails first are the nail fixings (after 60–80 years), the lead flashings (50–70 years) and the timber battens (60+ years). Preserving original slate where possible is always our recommendation.
Local Farnham roofers. Honest pricing, written quotes, 10-year guarantee on all work.
0125 244 7622 📞 Call Now — Free Quote