A substantial Victorian terrace property on the outskirts of Ambleside required urgent attention after a section of roof collapsed during heavy snowfall, exposing damaged rafters and allowing water into the upper floor. Our team carried out a complete strip and reroof of the front elevation using reclaimed Burlington blue slate, combined with structural timber repairs that restored full load-bearing capacity to the weakened roof section. This project showcased our ability to handle complex slate roofing restoration work under pressure, completing the weathertight phase within five working days to protect the property.
The homeowner called us on an emergency basis after a two-metre section of the front roof slope caved inward under accumulated snow weight. Our initial assessment revealed that the collapse was not simply caused by snow loading — years of undetected water ingress through cracked slates and failed flashings had weakened three rafters and the associated purlins through progressive wet rot. The remaining slates across the front elevation were in poor condition, with approximately 60% showing delamination, nail sickness, or fractures. The Ambleside property was occupied, making rapid weatherproofing essential to prevent further interior damage to the two affected bedrooms.
We mobilised scaffolding within 48 hours and began stripping the entire front roof slope to expose the full extent of timber damage. Three rafters and a section of purlin were replaced with treated C24 structural timber, sistered alongside the existing members where partial strength remained. New breathable roofing membrane was installed over the repaired structure before we began slating. We sourced 450 reclaimed Burlington blue slates from a demolition project near Windermere, graded and sorted on-site for the traditional diminishing course pattern. New code 4 lead flashings were installed at the abutment with the party wall, and the ridge was re-bedded in lime mortar.
The completed reroof transformed the property's appearance whilst resolving years of hidden structural deterioration. The homeowner was able to redecorate the affected bedrooms within weeks of completion, confident that the new roof would keep them dry through Ambleside's notoriously wet winters. The reclaimed Burlington blue slates provide an authentic period appearance that complements the neighbouring properties along the terrace, and our 15-year guarantee covers all slate fixing and structural timber work carried out.
Burlington blue slate is quarried in the southern Lake District and has been used on Cumbrian buildings for centuries. The reclaimed slates sourced for this project retain the deep blue-grey colouring that weathers to a distinguished silver-blue patina over time. Each slate was hand-checked for soundness, with only those passing our thickness and tap-test criteria approved for installation on this Ambleside terrace restoration.
The replacement rafters and purlin section were cut from kiln-dried C24 graded softwood — the standard structural timber grade specified by building regulations for roof construction. Each piece was pressure-treated with preservative before installation and fixed using galvanised coach bolts and framing anchors to ensure long-term stability within the existing roof structure.
Tyvek Supro breathable membrane provides the secondary weather barrier beneath the slates, allowing trapped moisture to escape whilst blocking wind-driven rain and snow. The code 4 lead sheet used for abutment flashings offers excellent workability for the tight step detail required at the party wall junction, with an expected service life exceeding 60 years in this sheltered position.
From emergency storm damage to planned heritage restorations, our skilled team delivers exceptional slate roofing results across the Ambleside area. Whether you need a few replacement slates or a complete reroof like this Victorian terrace project, contact us for a free inspection and detailed quote for your Ambleside roofing project.
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