Angel. From strip-out to slate.

The Angel sequence makes the work beneath the finished roof visible. Stripping is followed by the vapour barrier, insulation, felt and battens before the natural slates are laid. Each has a different role: controlling moisture vapour, limiting heat loss, providing an underlay and supporting the slate fixing. Those hidden layers are part of the replacement, not just preparation for its appearance.

Even with the slates loaded, laying waits for the lead gullies. These drainage channels need to be formed before the adjoining slate edges are finished, so water from the slopes can discharge into them. The second film shows the gullies and their expansion joints in place: the drainage work is ready before the covering progresses.

Canadian Glendyne natural slate forms the main roof covering, but it cannot finish every change of surface on its own. The gullies collect water from the slopes; new Code 5 lead capping protects wall tops; and flashings address the junctions between slate and walls. Step flashing follows the rising roof line, with sections cut into the render on this property.

At the top of the roof, the ridge is finished with lime mortar, supplied premixed for the intended ratio. Together, these are complementary details rather than alternative roofing materials: the slate covers the slopes, while leadwork and ridge finishing deal with the edges and junctions.

This listed-house project did not involve replacing every existing detail. Some wall capping was retained because it did not need renewal, alongside the new capping and flashings elsewhere. The work responds to the actual walls and roof junctions rather than treating the perimeter as one uniform replacement.

For owners planning similar work on a listed building, that is a useful starting question: what needs renewal, and what can remain? Establish the property's heritage requirements and any necessary consents before work begins, then agree appropriate materials and junction details. The slate, lead and mortar choices on this roof show one project's approach; the specification for another listed house must be agreed for that building.