Roofing in the Highlands: weather, materials and what to ask a roofer

What the weather does to a roof

Atlantic gales get under slates and ridge tiles and test every fixing. Salt spray on coastal roofs corrodes nails and flashing faster than inland.

Freeze–thaw through winter cracks mortar on ridges and chimneys, and long spells of wind-driven rain find any weakness in flashing and valleys.

Materials that suit the north

Natural slate has proven itself on northern roofs for well over a century, and good concrete tiles perform well too when fixed properly for exposed conditions.

Fixings matter as much as the covering — in exposed spots, the way slates, ridges and verges are secured is what decides how the roof rides out a gale.

What to ask before work starts

What exactly is included in the quotation, and how would unexpected timber work be handled?

How will the repair stand up to exposed conditions — fixings, bedding and flashing details?

Will they explain what they find before starting, so you can decide with the full picture?

RWS Roofing works across Morayshire, the Highlands and Islands, with free, no-obligation quotations.