Slate roofing is the most enduring roofing tradition in Ireland. Thousands of homes across County Meath were built with natural slate roofs that, when properly maintained, are still performing a century after installation.
When those roofs need attention — whether individual slates need replacing, the whole roof needs re-slating, or an older property needs sympathetic matching of existing materials — the quality of the work matters enormously.
A slipped slate replaced with the wrong fixing. A mismatched replacement that disrupts the look of a period home. A re-slate carried out without proper inspection of the timbers beneath. These are the mistakes that cut-price or generalist roofers make on slate roofs every day across Meath. We do not make them.
Mr Clean Roofing has been working with natural slate and fibre cement slate across County Meath for over 20 years. Patrick knows how to source matching slates for older properties, how to install correctly for the pitch and exposure of a Meath roof, and how to carry out repairs that actually last. If your home has a slate roof — or you want one — call us for a free survey and an honest assessment.
Not every slate roof problem is a sign that full re-slating is needed. But there are clear indicators that a roof has reached the point where replacement makes more sense than continued repairs:
Widespread Nail Sickness
As described above — if slates are slipping regularly across the full roof rather than in isolated spots, the fixings have failed throughout. Individual repairs become a never-ending and ultimately wasteful exercise.
Underlay Failure
If the felt or membrane beneath the slates has deteriorated, water will penetrate the roof space even where slates appear intact. A full re-slate is the only proper solution once the underlay has failed across the roof.
Extensive Cracking or Delamination
Natural slate delaminating — splitting into layers along its grain — is a sign of weathering that cannot be reversed. Where this is widespread, the roof is beyond economical repair.
A Roof Over 80 to 100 Years Old With No Previous Work
A natural slate roof of this age that has never been re-slated or significantly repaired is likely approaching the end of its serviceable life. Not always — some original slates survive in excellent condition — but a thorough inspection is essential to determine what remains serviceable and what needs replacing.
We will always give you an honest assessment. If your slate roof has years of serviceable life left, we will tell you. If re-slating is the right answer, we will explain why clearly and provide a detailed written quote.
A correctly installed natural slate roof will last 75 to 100 years and in many cases significantly longer. The limiting factor is usually not the slate itself but the fixings, battens and underlay beneath — which is why a full re-slate uses all new materials throughout rather than just replacing the visible slate.
Natural slate is the superior material in terms of longevity, environmental credentials, and prestige. It will outlast fibre cement and adds more to property value. However, fibre cement is a quality material in its own right, carries a 30 to 50 year guarantee, and is a practical choice where budget or roof structure weight are considerations. We will advise you honestly on which suits your property.
In many cases yes. We work with suppliers who stock a range of natural slates in different sizes, colours and origins, and we take care to find the best available match for your existing roof. For very specific heritage requirements we will be honest with you about what is and is not achievable.
Not necessarily. If the slipping is isolated to one area it may be a localised fixing failure. If slates are slipping across the whole roof it is more likely to be nail sickness — corroded fixings throughout — which does indicate a full re-slate is the right solution. We will inspect and advise you accurately.
A full re-slate on a typical three or four bedroom home in Meath typically takes between 5 and 10 working days depending on the size and complexity of the roof, the extent of any timber repairs needed, and weather conditions. We will give you a realistic programme as part of your written quote.
Yes. We regularly work on period farmhouses, Victorian and Edwardian properties, and older cottages across County Meath where sympathetic matching of slate and careful attention to original details is important. We understand the particular requirements of older Irish properties and take the time to get them right.
Whether you need a single slate replaced, a section repaired, or a full re-slate on your Meath home, we will come to you, inspect your roof properly, and give you a straight, honest assessment and written quote — completely free of charge.
Call 083 176 3799 Or fill in our contact form and we will get back to you within a few hours.
Mr Clean Roofing is a fully insured roofing contractor based in Co. Meath, Ireland. We specialise in roof repairs, new roof installations, slate roofing, flat roofing, chimney repairs, fascias and gutters, Velux skylight repairs, attic insulation and roof cleaning with softwashing across County Meath, North County Dublin and Co. Louth. Serving Navan, Ashbourne, Ratoath, Dunshaughlin, Drogheda, Kells, Trim, Dunboyne, Slane, Athboy and surrounding areas. Call 083 176 3799 for a free no-obligation quote.
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