Tobermory Church Isle of Mull

This former old church building in Tobermory is real testament to a Roofers skill. They have undertaken the difficult task of fixing random diminishing slate roofing using CUPA Heavy 3 Slates on this prominent island building.

A diminishing roof is a an old skill of using differing sized slate. The slates progressively get smaller over the courses, the end result is that you will have more slates at the ridge line than at the eaves. Random courses are often seen on older buildings such as churches, heritage properties and stately homes.

The process:

Natural slates are supplied and laid in random sizes, either uniform lengths in varying widths, or random lengths in varying widths.
The slates are sorted to provide slating of random width in diminishing courses from eaves to top courses.

Great care is taken to ensure that each slate has sufficient lap and bond. A fair bond will be obtained by using alternately wide and narrow slates in such a way that the joint between the slates occurs as nearly as possible over the centre of the slate in the course below.

In this example the Roofing contractor purchased six different lengths of CUPA Heavy 3 slates.

The CUPA Heavy range is popular in Scotland where by a heavy gauged slate is very desirable and in keeping.

CUPA Heavy 3 slate is quarried from the San Pedro de Trones quarry in Leon, northern Spain. This quarry has been in operation since 1892 and produces some 25,000 tonnes each year.

Slate from the San Pedro quarry is produced in two thickness's, 3.5mm and 7-8mm; the thicker variant being the preferred choice in Scotland. The extra thickness and weight give it strength to withstand the high wind speeds and driving rain common throughout the area.

It is ideally suited for the Scottish market due to its close similarity to the traditional highland slate from Ballachulish that is no longer produced.

Heavy 3 has been the perfect choice for this project. It required a product sympathetic to the area and has highlighted a traditional diminishing technique which has showcased the Roofers skill set.

The end result is impressive giving the roof a truly unique & stunning look.

For further information on diminishing course slating or CUPA products contact your local Burton Roofing Depot.