200-Year-Old Cottage Just Got a 21st Century Roof

Mayan ArmouredSlate Tile | @mayanroofingsystems https://mayanroofingsystems.com/system/armouredslate SuperFOIL SF40BB | @SuperFOIL-Insulation https://www.superfoil.co.uk/products/breathable-multifoil/sf40bb _______________________ When Guy set out to re-roof his 200-year-old cottage, he wanted to keep its historic charm but bring it up to modern performance standards. The result is a clever blend of heritage craftsmanship and cutting-edge materials. In this Skill Builder episode, Roger visits the project to see how Guy has combined Mayan’s Armoured Slate roofing system with SuperFOIL insulation and a full array of solar panels — all designed to meet building regulations, cut energy costs, and protect the house for another century. The Mayan slate use real slate bonded to a GRP backing, making them tough, walkable, and ideal for low-pitch roofs. SuperFOIL layers above and below the rafters deliver the required U-value despite the cottage’s uneven structure. Add to that some smart vapour control, solid oak details, and micro-inverters neatly installed in the loft, and you’ve got a restoration that blends old-world looks with 21st-century performance. _______________________ Key Takeaways 🏠 Modern performance for a heritage home: 200-year-old cottage now meets modern insulation and energy standards without losing its character. 🪨 Mayan Armoured Slate system: Real slate fused to a GRP backing — lighter, stronger, walkable, and suitable for low-pitched roofs. 🌡️ SuperFOIL insulation innovation: Layered above and below uneven rafters to hit U-value targets while keeping the roof build-up slim. 💨 Vapour control done right: Moisture-sensor fans and ridge ventilation prevent damp and condensation — a common weak point in older homes. ⚡ Smart solar setup: Dual-aspect panels on both north and south roofs, each with loft-mounted micro-inverters for easy maintenance. 🎨 Authentic finish: Solid oak bargeboards treated with Osmo oil and bespoke ridge and verge details maintain traditional aesthetics. 💷 Surprisingly cost-effective: Fewer tiles needed thanks to the GRP system, proving innovation can reduce both labour and material costs. 🔧 Installer adaptation: Cutting Mayan slates with an angle grinder shows how trades need to evolve with new materials and systems. #Roofing #SlateRoof #MayanRoofing #SuperFOIL #CottageRenovation #RoofRestoration #EnergyEfficientHome ================================== 👇 SUPPORT SB - BECOME A MEMBER https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9GdB6vG6m6cDAwrTAWXgyg/join 📪 JOIN OUR NEWSLETTER http://skill-builder.uk/signup 🛒 SEE OUR FAVOURITES ON AMAZON https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/skillbuilder 🎧 LISTEN TO OUR PODCAST https://blubrry.com/skillbuilder/subscribe 🎬 OUR VIDEO LIBRARY https://www.youtube.com/@SkillBuilder/videos 🔗 SEE EVERYTHING SB ON LINKTREE https://linktr.ee/skillbuilder https://www.facebook.com/skillbuilderchannel https://www.tiktok.com/@skillbuilder https://www.instagram.com/skill_builder (As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases) ================================== OUR FAVOURITE CHARITIES 👷 BAND OF BUILDERS https://bandofbuilders.org ⛯ THE LIGHTHOUSE CHARITY https://lighthousecharity.org 💧 CHARITY WATER https://www.charitywater.org