Slating & tiling, done the way Edinburgh roofs deserve.

Minor repairs — replacing a few slipped or cracked slates — typically start from a couple of hundred pounds. Re-slating a roof runs into the low thousands, and a full natural-slate re-roof on a traditional Edinburgh property is usually several thousand more, depending on size, pitch and access. We give free, itemised quotes so you know exactly what you're paying for.

A well-laid natural slate roof in Scotland lasts 80–150 years or more. The slate itself often outlives the fixings, lead and timbers beneath it — which is why a re-slate (re-laying sound slate with new nails and lead) can give you a near-new roof without replacing the slate. See our full guide to slate roof lifespan for detail.

It depends on the slate's condition. If the slate is sound but fixings are failing (slates slipping despite being intact), a re-slate is the best value. If the slate itself is delaminating or cracking across the whole roof, a full re-roof makes more sense long term. We'll always give you an honest recommendation after a survey — not push the bigger job.

Where authenticity matters — especially in conservation areas — we use reclaimed Scottish slate or carefully matched natural Welsh or Spanish slate. All are natural slate with long lifespans. We avoid fibre-cement or synthetic 'slate' on traditional roofs as it doesn't last or look the same.

Yes — matching is a big part of doing slating well. We hold and source reclaimed slate and sort new slate by size, thickness and colour so repairs blend into the existing roof rather than standing out as obvious patches.

Most commonly 'nail sickness' — the original iron nails corrode and fail over decades, so slates slip even though they're perfectly sound. Storm damage, failed mortar at ridges, and tired lead flashings are the other usual culprits. A survey quickly identifies which it is.

Yes, it's one of our specialities. Much of Edinburgh is within conservation areas or involves listed buildings. We use sympathetic natural slate and traditional lead detailing to preserve the roof's appearance, and can advise on or liaise about any consents needed.

A typical Edinburgh terrace or tenement is usually 2–3 weeks depending on size, access and weather. We give you a clear programme up front and keep the roof watertight throughout the works.

For anything beyond a minor repair, yes — proper scaffold and edge protection keep the work safe and let us do a thorough job. It's included and itemised in your quote, so there are no surprises.

Yes. We're fully insured, NFRC members and TrustMark registered, our slaters are time-served and qualified, and our workmanship is guaranteed. Slate and materials also carry their own manufacturer warranties.

We can, as part of maintenance — but on slate we're careful: aggressive cleaning or pressure-washing can damage slate and fixings. We'll advise whether cleaning is worthwhile or whether the money is better spent on repairs.