Traditional French Slate Installation
Hand-dressed Angers and Périgord slate roofs fixed with copper clout nails on breathable battens for superior ventilation and longevity.
Hand-Cut Slate Roofs for Heritage & Modern Masterpieces
Over 40 years preserving Britain’s skylines with authentic French slate and lauze stone.
Our Story
Founded on the terraced slopes of the Massif Central and now rooted in Oxford, SlateCraft Roofing marries French artisan tradition with the rigours of British conservation. What began as a small family workshop has evolved into a nationally recognised heritage contractor, but our philosophy remains unchanged: every slate is hand-selected, every joint is signed off by a master slater, and every project honours the narrative of the building beneath it.
We specialise in ethically quarried Ardoise d’Angers and hand-hewn lauze stone. From cathedral chancels to thatched-to-slate conversions, our craftspeople revive Grade I and II* roofs with museum-level precision—right down to lime-washed patinas and historic loading patterns.
- Family-owned, second-generation master slaters
- Member of the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC)
- Full heritage consultancy for planners & conservation officers
Specialist Roofing Services
Lauze Stone Roof Restoration
Rebuilding heavy stone roofs using lime-mortared dry-lay patterns that preserve historic weight distribution and weathering character.
Heritage Consultancy
Detailed planning reports, material provenance certificates, and liaison with Historic England to simplify listed-building compliance.
Bespoke Repairs & Leadwork
Ornamental ridges, hand-formed lead flashings (Code 5-8), and valley replacements crafted to seamlessly merge with original fabric.
Our Craftsmanship Process
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01 — Survey
Laser-level measurement and drone imagery capture complex roof geometries, reducing scaffolding time by 35 %.
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02 — Sourcing
Batch-matched quarry orders ensure uniform tone and thickness across every course, safeguarding aesthetic coherence.
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03 — Dressing
On-site hand dressing for tapered fits, trimming slate waste by an average of 18 % and minimising environmental impact.
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04 — Installation
Copper nail fixing with 3 : 1 slope staggering delivers industry-leading weather resilience.
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05 — Finishing
Lead flashings patinated with eco-oil to match aged metalwork, blending new with old seamlessly.
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06 — After-care
Bi-annual inspections and a lifetime craftsmanship warranty ensure your roof endures for generations.
Sourcing With Sustainability at Heart
Our quarries operate under ISO 14001 and invest in on-site water recycling. Where transport is unavoidable, we offset every mile through UK Woodland Carbon Code projects. Even removed slate gains a second life as landscape aggregate.
72 %
Slate Reuse Rate
14.6 t
Annual CO₂ Offset
92 %
Water Recycling
Our Portfolio
Merton College Chapel
Re-slated 15th-century roof with Angers blue-grey slate.
Cotswold Manor House
Lauze stone restoration with concealed solar slates.
Old Bank Hotel, Oxford
Complex valley leadwork and heritage dormer rebuild.
What Our Clients Say
“SlateCraft delivered impeccable craftsmanship on our Grade I listed chapel. The attention to detail was unparalleled.”
Dr. Alice Morton, Heritage Architect
“Their lauze stone expertise preserved the authenticity of our manor while integrating discreet solar energy. Highly recommended.”
Sir Jonathan Reeves, Property Owner
“Professional from survey to sign-off, and the after-care inspections give us real peace of mind.”
Oxford City Council Conservation Team
“The team’s conservation reports were so thorough that our planning officer approved them on first submission.”
Ms. Priya Patel, Conservation Officer
“As a French quarry partner, I’m proud of how SlateCraft champions ethical sourcing and fair-trade slate.”
Hugo Lefèvre, Quarry Liaison
“Our 17th-century barn roof looks breathtaking and the site was left immaculate each evening.”
Margaret Shelton, Barn Conversion Owner
“Lifetime warranty and drone inspections give us confidence that our investment is protected.”
Tristan Williams, Facilities Manager
Meet the Artisans
Jacques Duval
Master Slater & Founder
Third-generation French slater and NFRC Gold Award winner, Jacques sets the quality benchmark on every site.
LinkedIn
Emily Parker
Heritage Consultant
Former Historic England advisor with 120 + listed projects, Emily steers our clients through complex regulations with ease.
Callum Hughes
Leadwork Specialist
City & Guilds Level 3 plumber and member of the Lead Contractors Association, Callum crafts ornate flashings that last a century.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a traditional slate roof last?
With expert installation and periodic maintenance, natural slate roofs routinely outlast 100 years, and premium Angers slate can remain weather-tight for up to 150 years.
Can you work on occupied properties?
Absolutely. We employ low-impact access systems and agree noise windows with property owners to minimise disruption.
Do you handle planning permissions?
Yes, our in-house heritage team drafts and submits all planning and listed-building consent documents, streamlining approval timelines.
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