Preserving Heritage, Protecting Futures
Master craftsmen in traditional slate & lead roofing since 1984
Craftsmanship Rooted in Tradition
Stonehaven Slate & Lead Ltd. is a family-owned specialist roofing firm based in Harrogate. For four decades we have safeguarded churches, stately homes, and period properties with authentically sourced slate and precision hand-made leadwork. Our team blends time-honoured techniques with modern safety standards to deliver roofs that last generations.
- ✓ Established 1984 • 8,000+ roofs restored
- ✓ Approved contractor for Historic England & National Trust
- ✓ Full public & employer liability insured (£10M)
- ✓ Member of the Federation of Master Builders
Specialist Roofing Services
Traditional Slate Installation
Supply and lay Welsh, Westmorland, Burlington, and imported French slates with hand-dressed precision.
French Slate Repair & Restoration
Matching and replacing reclaimed slates on Grade-I & II listed buildings while retaining historic character.
Leadwork & Flashings
Code 3–8 lead sheet work, from valleys and box gutters to bespoke ornamental detailing, installed to LSTA standards.
Chimney & Stonework Repairs
Re-pointing, flaunching, and structural stabilisation using breathable lime mortars.
Guttering & Rainwater Systems
Cast-iron, copper, and heritage-style aluminium systems designed for longevity and authentic aesthetics.
Planned Roof Maintenance
Annual inspection programmes that identify minor defects early and extend roof lifespans by up to 25 years.
Materials & Technical Excellence
Selected Projects
Ripon Cathedral Nave
Ripon, North Yorkshire — Replacement of 12,000 sqft of Westmorland green slate, ornate Code 7 lead ridges, and concealed ventilation system.
Harrogate Town Hall
Harrogate — French slate restoration with hand-cut mitred hips, completed under continuous public-access conditions.
Fountains Abbey Cottages
Studley Royal Estate — Lead valley renewals and breathable membrane upgrade on 300-year-old estate cottages.
Our 6-Step Restoration Process
1. Free Drone Survey
Non-intrusive aerial assessment scheduled within 72 hours.
2. Detailed Report & Quotation
PDF dossier with annotated imagery, material specification, and fixed pricing.
3. Material Sourcing & Sample Approval
Clients approve physical slate samples and lead code profiles.
4. Site Setup & Safety
Erect scaffold with debris netting and edge protection; RAMS issued.
5. Craftsmanship in Action
Certified roofers execute works, providing weekly progress photos.
6. Final Inspection & 20-Year Guarantee
Joint sign-off with client, backed by insurance-backed warranty.
Sustainability Commitments
68%
of salvaged slates re-installed on restoration projects.
100%
of stripped lead sheet melted and returned to supply chain.
-35 t
annual carbon savings via local material sourcing.
Natural slate roofs can last over 150 years, outperforming concrete tiles both in durability and embodied energy. Our sustainability programme focuses on prolonging roof lifecycles, recycling lead, and minimising scaffolding haulage emissions.
What Our Clients Say
Sarah Beaumont
Homeowner, Pateley Bridge
“Stonehaven delivered impeccable craftsmanship on our Georgian manor. The new roof looks original to 1820.”
★★★★★
Mark Hollis
Conservation Architect, Hollis & Co.
“Their attention to historic detail met every conservation requirement and kept the project on schedule.”
★★★★★
Rev. Dr. Laura Kelly
Rector, St Wilfrid’s Church
“Professional from start to finish. Weekly drone updates were a brilliant touch.”
★★★★★
Gareth Wilkinson
Facilities Manager, Nidderdale Museum
“After three Yorkshire winters, not a single slate has shifted. Worth every penny.”
★★★★★
Catherine Duval
Owner, The Montpellier Hotel
“The crew respected our guests and kept the hotel entrance tidy throughout the works.”
★★★★★
Meet Our Master Roofers
Ian McAllister
Founder & Principal Roofer
40 years’ experience in hand-dressed slate and lead welding. LSTA Master Roofer & Historic England Approved Contractor.
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Emily Carter
Operations Director
NEBOSH qualified, overseeing safety and logistics across multiple heritage sites.
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Javier Ortega
Senior Leadworker
NVQ Level 3 Lead Sheet Specialist, winner of the 2022 LSTA Craft Award.
LinkedInFrequently Asked Questions
How long does a slate roof last?
Quality natural slate roofs commonly exceed 100 years with proper maintenance; many of our installations come with 50-year material guarantees.
Do you handle listed building consents?
Yes. We collaborate with conservation officers, prepare method statements, and supply historic material samples.
Are your quotations free?
All initial surveys and detailed quotations are 100% free and without obligation.
What areas do you cover?
Primarily Yorkshire & the Humber, but we undertake select heritage projects nationwide.
Get in Touch
Fill out the form or reach us directly — we typically respond within one business day.
- Address: 17 Cheltenham Crescent, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG1 2DA, UK
- Phone: 01423 501789
- Email: info@