In my 25 years in the building trade, I’ve worked on everything from the windswept heights of Dartmoor to the salt-sprayed streets of Teignmouth and Dawlish. While the South Devon coastline is a beautiful place to live, it is undeniably one of the harshest environments for a house. Coastal properties face a unique set of challenges that can quickly turn a small maintenance task into a major structural repair.
Hi, I’m Steve, the owner of South Devon Construction. I’m Devon born and bred, and I’ve seen firsthand how the combination of salt air, high winds, and horizontal rain affects our roofs. My business is built on honesty, integrity, and hard graft, and I use my Level 7 Diploma in Construction Management to ensure every fix we provide is built to last.
Here are the most common roofing problems we see along the South Devon coast and the professional ways to fix them.
1. Salt Spray and “Nail Sickness”
One of the most frequent issues for coastal properties is nail sickness. The salt in the air is highly corrosive; over time, it eats away at the galvanised nails used to hold slates in place. When the nails perish, the slates begin to slip, leaving your roof vulnerable to leaks.
The Fix: We don’t believe in “quick fixes” like sticking slates back with mastic. The only proper solution is to strip the affected area and re-slate using high-quality stainless steel or copper nails, which are resistant to salt corrosion. Because I have a background in Quantity Surveying, I can help you determine if a patch repair is viable or if a full re-roof is more cost-effective in the long run.
2. Wind Uplift and Ridge Tile Failure
The South Devon coast is prone to high-velocity winds. If your ridge tiles (the V-shaped tiles at the peak of your roof) are held in place by old, brittle mortar, a strong gale can literally lift them off. This isn’t just a leak risk; it’s a serious safety hazard.
The Fix: For coastal homes, I often recommend a “Dry Ridge” system. Instead of relying on mortar, which cracks over time, we use mechanical fixings and weather-resistant seals to bolt the ridge tiles to the roof. This provides a much more secure, maintenance-free finish that can withstand the toughest coastal storms.
3. Leadwork Corrosion and Fatigue
Lead is a fantastic material, but in coastal areas, it has to work overtime. The constant cycle of getting wet with salt water and then drying in the sun causes lead to expand and contract significantly. Over decades, this can lead to “fatigue cracks” in valleys and chimney flashings.
The Fix: Every build is unique, and our tailor-made approach ensures we use the correct weight (code) of lead for your specific roof. We ensure the lead is installed in the correct lengths with proper “lap” joins to allow for thermal movement without cracking.
4. Moss and Algae Growth
The damp, humid air of the Devon coast is a breeding ground for moss and lichen. While it might look “characterful,” moss acts like a sponge, holding water against your tiles and preventing the roof from drying out. In the winter, this water freezes and expands, causing tiles to delaminate or crack.
The Fix: We offer professional masonry and roof cleaning followed by a preventative treatment. We never recommend high-pressure jet washing, which can strip the protective surface off your tiles. Instead, we use a manual “hard graft” approach to clear the debris and ensure your drainage—like your guttering and fascias—is clear to handle the runoff.
Why Choose South Devon Construction?
At South Devon Construction, we pride ourselves on our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. Whether you are in Newton Abbot, Kingsteignton, or right on the seafront in Teignmouth, we offer a seamless and stress-free construction experience.
For smaller coastal repairs, I work with a small team of local professional tradesmen. For larger renovations or new builds, we act as Principle Contractors, managing the entire project from groundworks to the final ridge tile.
Is your coastal roof ready for the next storm season?
I’ve seen a lot of builds, and I know that catching a coastal roofing issue early is the only way to protect your home’s structural integrity. I’d be happy to use my 25 years of experience to give your roof an honest assessment.
Would you like me to visit your coastal property to conduct a professional roof survey and check for signs of nail sickness or wind damage?
