If you take a stroll through the leafy streets of Morningside, the grand terraces of the New Town, or the charming colonies of Stockbridge, you’ll notice one thing that defines the Edinburgh skyline: the beautiful, rugged texture of Scotch slate. These roofs are more than just a cover for our homes; they are a vital part of our city’s heritage.
However, as many homeowners in Edinburgh, East Lothian, and Midlothian know, these historic roofs eventually reach a point where they need more than just a quick patch-up. At Roof Fix Services Limited, we’ve spent the last 22 years specialising in the art of slate roof restoration. We aren’t just "slapping on new tiles", we are a family-run team dedicated to preserving the character of your home using traditional methods that stand the test of time.
As a certified Edinburgh Trusted Trader with 351 reviews and a stellar 4.9/5 rating, we understand the unique pressures the Scottish weather puts on traditional buildings. Whether you are dealing with slipped slates or the dreaded "nail sickness," we are here to help with a personal, professional touch and a strict "no subbies" guarantee.
What Makes Scotch Slate Special?
Before we dive into the restoration process, it is important to understand why your Edinburgh roof looks different from a modern one. Traditional Scotch slate roofs are laid in "diminishing courses." This means the largest, heaviest slates are at the bottom (the eaves), and they gradually get smaller as they reach the ridge (the top).
Because Scotch slate was hand-split and came in random widths and lengths, no two roofs are exactly the same. This craftsmanship is what gives our local architecture its soul. But because these slates were often fixed over 100 years ago using iron nails, they eventually run into a very common problem.
Understanding "Nail Sickness"
The term "nail sickness" sounds like something you’d find in a medical textbook, but in the roofing world, it’s the primary reason for a full slate roof restoration.
Back in the day, roofers used iron nails to fix slates to the "sarking" (the wooden boards beneath). Over a century of exposure to Edinburgh’s damp, salty air, these iron nails eventually rust and perish. The slate itself might still be in perfectly good condition, but because the nail has snapped, the slate simply slides down the roof.
If you start seeing multiple slates in your gutters or "tingles" (small lead strips used for temporary repairs) all over your roof, your home is likely suffering from nail sickness. At this stage, trying to fix individual slates is like trying to plug a leaking dam with your fingers, it’s time for a proper restoration.
Restoration vs. Full Replacement: Which is Right for You?
One of the most common questions we get asked during our free photographic roof reports is whether a roof needs a total replacement or if it can be restored.
When Restoration is Possible
If your original Scotch slates are still "ringy" (meaning they make a sharp sound when tapped and aren't crumbling), we can perform a restoration. This involves:
- Carefully stripping the original slates and setting them aside.
- Replacing any rotten sarking boards.
- Installing a modern, breathable membrane.
- Re-fixing the original slates using high-quality copper or stainless steel nails (which will never rust).
When Replacement is Necessary
If the slates are "blown" or delaminating (splitting into thin layers like a wafer), they have reached the end of their natural life. In these cases, we recommend a full re-roof using high-quality new slate that matches the local aesthetic.
The Importance of Lime Mortar Pointing
In the New Town and surrounding areas, our homes were built to "breathe." This is why we use traditional lime mortar pointing rather than modern cement.
Cement is too hard and brittle for Edinburgh’s soft sandstone and traditional slate. It traps moisture, which leads to stone decay and cracks during the winter freeze-thaw cycle. Our team uses specific lime mortar mixes for ridge tiles and chimney skews to ensure your roof remains flexible and weather-tight while allowing moisture to escape naturally. It’s a bit of extra effort, but for a heritage property, it’s the only way to do the job right.
Why Choose Roof Fix Services Limited?
We know that finding a reliable roofer can feel like a minefield. That’s why we’ve built our reputation on transparency and expertise.
- Internal Team Only: We have a strict "no subbies" policy. Every person on your roof is a member of our internal team, ensuring the highest standards of quality and accountability.
- Qualified Expertise: Our team holds the SQV Level 3 in Roof Slating, Tiling and Cement Work and the SQA Level 7 Advanced Craft Specialist certificate. We are also proud recipients of the Redland Roofing Systems Shield award.
- No Hard Sales: We provide fair, transparent pricing and a no-pressure approach. If we don’t think a job is the right fit for us, we’ll honestly tell you and try to recommend a trusted contact who can help.
- Modern Diagnostics: We use High-Definition CCTV chimney and roof surveys. This allows us to see exactly what’s happening in hard-to-reach areas, often saving our customers thousands of pounds by avoiding unnecessary scaffolding.
"The team at Roof Fix Services were professional from start to finish. They restored our slate roof in Morningside and kept us updated with photos every step of the way. It's rare to find such honest and skilled tradespeople these days." , Mrs. Henderson, Edinburgh Southside
Pricing Transparency: 2026 Guide Prices
We believe in being upfront about costs. While every restoration project is unique based on the size and complexity of the roof, here are our guide prices for 2026:
- Small house repairs (max 2 storey): £85 + VAT + materials
- Rope Safety / Roof Access: £240 + VAT + materials (used strictly on the roof slope for safety)
- Scaffolding Tower: £500 + VAT upwards
- Scaffolding: £500 + VAT upwards (depends on building height)
- Emergency roofing callouts: £150 + VAT (charged upfront)
Disclaimer: These are guide prices and any additional charges will be given and confirmed before any work starts.
Note on Service Areas: We proudly serve domestic homeowners in Edinburgh (including areas like Colinton, Liberton, and Corstorphine), East Lothian, and Midlothian. Please note that we do not service city centre tenements (EH1, EH2, EH3).
Ready to Protect Your Home?
Your roof is the first line of defence against the Scottish elements. If you’re worried about the state of your slate, don’t wait for the next winter storm to find out there’s a problem.
We offer free photographic roof reports so you can see exactly what we see: no guesswork, just clear evidence and expert advice.
Our phone lines at 08007723239 can get very busy, especially during heavy rain or the winter months. For the quickest response and to skip the queue, we highly recommend using our 24/7 online portal at rooffixservices.co.uk. Our team will get back to you promptly to arrange a visit.
Let’s keep Edinburgh’s heritage roofs looking their best for another century. Contact us today to discuss your slate restoration project.
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