Slate Tile Roofing

Nothing compares to the magnificent beauty of a traditional handcrafted slate tile roof. That’s our specialty, that’s what we do best.

While perfectly suited to period homes and historic buildings, slate tiles can also make a stylish statement to modern homes.

At Holcroft Roofing, we see ourselves as experts when it comes to slate and with our strong contacts with Welsh Slate, we can supply any slate, any size.

Slate has been used for centuries for roofing, and is generally known as one of the highest quality and longest lasting material on the market.

First and foremost, homeowners are drawn to slate because of its beauty. There simply isn’t material on the market that has a classier, more celebrated appearance.

Slate roofs can and should be routinely built to last for at least a century. In fact, 150 years is a reasonable expectation of a slate roof’s longevity if installed correctly, compared to other roofing systems which are lucky to last 20 – 30 years.

Slate is also one of the most fire-resistant roofing products that exist. Unlike many other roofing materials, the natural stone slate tiles themselves are completely fireproof.

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Built to Last

Holcroft Roofing prefers to install slate tiles using the “hook fix” method. Slate hooks have been used for centuries in Europe to secure slate tiles onto a roof. They are considered a viable and preferable choice over nails alone, especially for New Zealand conditions where seismic activity is commonly experienced.

According to the BRE (Building Research Establishment in the UK), a 600×300 mm slate tile with a 135 mm head-lap fixed with a point-driven slate hook will withstand wind forces up to 2.9 Kpa (1 Kpa = 90 mph).

Additionally, the hook resistance load exceeds the average failure load of a traditionally nailed fixed slate by over 30%.

Key Benefits

Durability: Slate hooks generally offer better durability when compared to nails alone, as they provide additional support and reduce the risk of slates slipping or becoming dislodged, especially during weather events or seismic activity.

Reduced damage: By distributing weight more evenly across the slate tile, slate hooks may reduce the risk of cracking or damage compared to nails, which concentrate pressure at specific points.

Ease of replacement: Slate hooks make the repair process relatively straightforward when replacing a slate tile. The damaged slate can be removed easily by lifting it off the hook without disturbing neighbouring tiles.

Consistency in installation: Slate hooks can be spaced consistently across the roof, ensuring uniformity and structural integrity. This uniform installation contributes to better resistance against seismic forces by providing balanced support for the slate tile.

Perspective closeup view of a slate tile roof using the hook fix method of installation and with golden sun reflecting off the tiles.
Closeup of slate tile roof showing the hook fix technique

The hook fix installation is a proven technique for durability and versatility.

Slate Tile Projects