Slipped Slate Repair in Lincolnshire & Cambridgeshire

As a family-run business with deep roots in the Spalding and Peterborough communities, our reputation is built on every single job we do. When you choose Foster and Son, you’re not just hiring a contractor; you’re partnering with a team that genuinely cares about protecting your home and providing a quality service.

• Over 15 Years of Proven Experience
  We have successfully completed hundreds of roofing projects, from minor repairs to full-scale replacements, across Lincolnshire and Cambridgeshire. This hands-on experience means we can find the right solution for any roofing problem.
• Local, Family-Run Business
  We're your neighbours. We live and work in the areas we serve, and our name is our guarantee. With us, you get an honest, reliable, and personal service from people who care about their local reputation.
• Fully Certified & Insured
  For your complete peace of mind, our team is made up of fully-certified professionals. We hold comprehensive Public Liability Insurance, so you can be confident that all our work is safe, compliant, and protected. (Company Registration No: 12170403).
• Transparent, No-Obligation Quotes
  We believe in clear and honest communication. We provide detailed written quotations with no hidden costs. We'll talk you through the work required and the materials we'll use so you can make an informed decision.
• Guaranteed Workmanship
  We stand by the quality of our work. We use premium materials from trusted suppliers and proven techniques to ensure your roof is built to last. All of our labour is fully guaranteed, giving you confidence in your investment.
• An Unwavering Commitment to Quality
  From the first phone call to the final site clean-up, we are meticulous in everything we do. We don't cut corners. Our goal is your complete satisfaction and a roof that performs flawlessly for years to come.
• Direct Communication
  When you work with us, you’ll speak directly with the team working on your roof. We pride ourselves on keeping you updated throughout the project and are always on hand to answer any questions you might have.

A slate usually slips for one of two reasons. The most common is 'nail fatigue' or 'nail sickness', where the original iron nails used to fix the slate have rusted and failed over time. The slate then simply slides out of position. Slates can also be dislodged by severe weather, foot traffic from previous clumsy repairs, or impact from falling debris.

While one slipped slate might not cause an immediate flood, it should be fixed as soon as possible. The gap it leaves exposes the roofing felt (or sarking) and battens underneath to the rain. This membrane isn't designed for long-term exposure and will eventually degrade, leading to a leak inside your property. It's always better to get a small repair done quickly.

Absolutely. In most cases, we can carry out a simple, targeted repair. Our team will carefully access the roof, remove any broken pieces of the old slate, and expertly fix a new, matching slate back in its place, keeping your property watertight.

A professional roofer will never just glue a slate back in. The correct method involves sliding the new slate up underneath the row above it. It's then secured with a copper nail into the batten below. To hold the bottom of the slate in place, we use a small, flexible metal strip called a 'tingle' (usually made of copper or lead) which is nailed to the batten and folded up over the front edge of the new slate to hold it securely.

The cost depends on where the slate is on the roof. A slipped slate that is easily accessible may only require a small call-out charge. If the slate is in a difficult-to-reach area, such as over a conservatory or high up on a tall property, the cost will be higher as it may require specialist access equipment for our team to work safely. We always provide a clear quote before starting any work.

The best prevention is regular inspection. Having a professional check your roof every few years can identify slates that are loose or showing signs of nail failure before they slip completely. This is especially important for older properties. Keeping your gutters clear also helps prevent water from backing up under the slates, which can accelerate the corrosion of the fixing nails.