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Heritage Roofing
Heritage roofing - maintaining our iconic buildings
The UK is home to some of the most iconic buildings in the world, from stunning churches and cathedrals to historic stately homes. Each and every one of these remarkable feats of architecture requires regular maintenance to ensure they remain in the very best condition, allowing them to be enjoyed for generations.
Cathedral Care
Restoration and upkeep of cathedrals
There are some 42 Anglican cathedrals in the UK, not to mention 20 or so Catholic cathedrals. Cathedrals form the most important collection of historic buildings in England. The largest and most ancient are internationally famous, the smallest are usually among the most significant buildings in their region and even the most recent are architectural masterpieces.
Master Craftsmen
Championing our heritage with modern craftsmanship
Twenty years ago, English Heritage (now Historic England) published its first-ever Register of Buildings at Risk across England, which featured nearly 2,000 buildings and monuments that were ‘neglected, broken and unloved’. Recently Historic England was delighted to announce that over two-thirds of those buildings were now safe, in both urban and rural areas right across the country.
Traditional Lime
Lime: it’s better for buildings – and for the environment
It is now fairly well known that cement is not good for old buildings and that lime mortar should be used. But why? What are the advantages and what are the disadvantages? In order to begin to answer those questions it is necessary to understand the nature of traditional building, the process by which buildings used to be built, and how it differs from modern construction, the process by which we build today.
Audio Visual
Audio visual equipment in church buildings
This guidance is issued by the Church Buildings Council under section 55(1)(d) of the Dioceses, Mission and Pastoral Measure 2007. As it is statutory guidance, it must be considered with great care. The standards of good practice set out in the guidance should not be departed from unless the departure is justified by reasons that are spelled out clearly, logically and convincingly.
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CRE Events
Exhibitors enthuse over the CRE experience
By 4pm on the first day of CRE 24 at the Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes, exhibitors Chris and Kim Dunphy had already had so many helpful and detailed conversations with visitors that they were “completely talked out”.
Insurance
You need to ensure that reasonable precautions are in place at your church to keep it safe for those who use it. To do this, you need to think about what might cause harm to people.
You will then need to decide if the precautions already in place are adequate. If they are not, you may need to identify further action to prevent any danger. When done formally, this is known as a risk assessment.
Church Maintenance
Church maintenance and repair: Calendar of Care
Just as prevention is always better than cure, maintenance is preferable to major repairs. But, such repairs may not always be avoidable. Church Care offers a monthly guide in our coming issues Starting in Spring
We can help you understand the common problems and areas that need your special attention, and give you tips for regular maintenance schemes.
Pest Control
Michael Palin warns of pest threat to churches
Michael Palin is supporting the future of the UK’s historic churches and chapels with a voiceover for a new animated film. The 80 second animation, produced for the National Churches Trust, highlights why churches are some of the nation’s best loved buildings.
Town Halls
The history of the great Victorian Town Halls of Northern England
From industrial squalor to civic pride, the story behind some of the most impressive buildings of the North involve a unique mix of economics, grand designs and noble sentiments within communities.
Lead Roofing
Lead is one of the oldest materials in the roofing industry and is still commonly used throughout the world today.
Lead roofing is a traditional roofing method which has been used in the industry for hundreds of years, and is therefore proven to be extremely reliable. Lead roofing, and sand-cast lead, in particular is ideal for old buildings such as churches or historical renovations, whereas milled lead roofing is a mass-produced alternative, used for precision and accuracy in homes and commercial buildings alike.
Lightning Protection
When lightning strikes are you protected against this act of God?
The issue of lightning protection in churches is one that has exercised this publication for many years. In this four-part series of spotlights on the issue we will be revisiting various aspects of the subject, beginning with an overview of current thinking.
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James Stone Masonry transform courtyard at Lancaster Castle
Lancaster Castle, often known as John O’ Gaunt’s Castle is one of the most historically fascinating surviving buildings in the country. Its beginnings date back to Roman times when, from its commanding position on the hill overlooking the town of Lancaster and the River Lune, it stood as a bastion against the marauding forces of the ancient Picts and Scots tribes.
Identifying and sourcing stone for repair
England is fortunate to have such a wide variety of historic and older stone buildings. However, there has been a marked decline in the range of natural stones that are being actively quarried.
When the time comes to replace stone, we need to understand its characteristics. The replacement will need to replicate the original's chemical, physical and mineralogical properties. Only with that understanding can we select compatible materials to replace it with.
Historic England has produced advice on how to obtain matching stone for repairing a historic building or monument.
A Dickens of a job for York Handmade
The award-winning York Handmade Brick Company has played a significant role in a £1 million restoration project with a strong connection to Charles Dickens.
York Handmade have been working in conjunction with York Conservation Trust to renovate 69-71 Micklegate in the city.
The building was once the office of 19th century railway engineer John Birkinshaw, whose clerk Richard Chicken was a famous eccentric regarded by many, including respected York historian Hugh Murray, as the inspiration for Mr Micawber.
Call in professionals if nesting birds pose a problem
Birds can cause a range of issues during nesting season, but interfering with wild birds, their eggs or nests could lead to prosecution, a national trade body has warned.
British Pest Control Association (BPCA) is urging Parochial Church Councils to seek professional advice if birds are becoming a problem.
Repair work to Peterborough Cathedral
The Cathedral Church of St. Peter, St. Paul and St. Andrew in Peterborough is one of the great surviving medieval buildings and one of the UK’s top 10 landmarks. The present building is the third on its site, dating from a rebuilding started in 1118. The West Front is a masterpiece of the sublime in architecture, its three massive, unequal width portals framing a seemingly small-scaled porch. The painted timber nave ceiling is an almost unique survival. The ‘New Building’ at the east end is a superb example of early 16th century fan vaulting, almost certainly by master-mason John Wastell. The abbey was refounded as a cathedral in 1541.
Cathedrals at Night: new nationwide campaign invites visitors to see the historic and sacred space of Bristol Cathedral in a new light
Bristol Cathedral will open after hours to welcome in visitors for free, part of the first coordinated nationwide Cathedrals at Night campaign in the UK.
This year, Bristol cathedral is joining other participating Church of England cathedrals and its partners to offer people a Cathedrals at Night experience where visitors of all ages can immerse themselves in the culture and spirituality of this beautiful building and enjoy a taste of cathedral life for free.
Traditional Joining and Repair Techniques
Heritage Ironwork CPD Webinar
Wednesday 9th June 2021
12:00-1:30pm
What is this event about?
This webinar will help you identify and understand the various types of joining techniques found in historic ironwork, including:
- Different types of fire-weld
- Rivets: cold-set, hot-set and pneumatic
- Mortises, tenons and sockets
- Halving joints
- Collars: wrapped, screwed and fire-welded
- Nuts & bolts with a focus on threads
- Square-headed fixings from the period 1850s-1920s
- Appropriate use of replica fixings
By the end of the session, you should be able to appreciate what is involved in construction and how best to approach repair. The presentation will include case studies and short video clips demonstrating key techniques.
Who is it for?
The webinar is aimed mainly at general conservation professionals, for whom ironwork falls within their remit but is not a specialism. It will also be suitable for blacksmith students and metalworkers unfamiliar with historic material or keen to learn more.
Who is leading it?
Blacksmith Rowan Taylor completed the NHIG Bursary scheme in 2013 and has since established a strong reputation in conservation and restoration work, specialising in bridges and canal-side ironwork.
Ticket Prices: £10-25
Click here for more information about the day and to book tickets
Site Dismantling and Fixing
Heritage Ironwork CPD Webinar
Wednesday 12th May 2021
12:00-1:30pm
What is this event about?
Removing and reinstating ironwork will always have an impact, but how can we minimise that impact, act responsibly and safely, and avoid further complications? This webinar will look at the issues involved in dismantling ironwork on site and fixing it back in again, giving an overview of potential approaches, tackling typical problems and offering some solutions, including:
- Methods of removing iron from stonework
- Options for fixing ironwork into stone
- Safe practice working with lead
- Using heat on site
Who is it for?
This day is aimed at anyone wanting to get a better understanding of the ironwork in their care: owner/custodian, specifier or practitioner.
Who is leading it?
David James is a highly skilled blacksmith with extensive experience of conservation work at many of the country’s most important heritage sites.
Ticket Prices: £10-25
Click here for more information about the day and to book.
Grade 2 Listed accommodation - Coventry
Rafferty Lightning Protection have been appointed to deliver a brand new BSEN 62305 Lightning protection system to a Grade II Listed former Hospital complex which is being converted into Student accommodation.
The site, which has stood empty for more than a decade now has permission to be built on. The hospital first closed 11 years ago and has been left empty ever since. All other post-war buildings on the site have since been demolished and the area has been used as a car park. However, the former nurses’ home and outpatients clinic remain due to being listed.
Construction Workers Family Crisis Appeal
We hope you are all keeping safe and well during these difficult and testing times. As a result of the pandemic our event schedule for the year both nationally and regionally has been virtually wiped out and this will have a huge impact on our income and our ability to fund our charitable work.
All this comes at a time when our Construction Industry Helpline is receiving an unprecedented volume of calls from construction workers and their families seeking our help.
Martin-Brooks begins landmark castle project
Sheffield roofing specialists, Martin-Brooks, are playing a pivotal role in one of the UK’s most significant heritage regeneration projects of recent years.
The firm has secured a contract to undertake the largescale refurbishment of Nottingham Castle’s roof, as part of a £30 million scheme to regenerate the entire site.
Energy Efficiency and Retrofit in Historic Buildings
Historic England has produced a new Advice Note to provide clarity and support consistent decision-making for proposals to reduce carbon emissions and improve the energy efficiency of historic buildings whilst conserving their significance and ensuring they remain viable places to live in the future.
The links below lead to technical advice and guidance on climate change mitigation and adaptation for resilience, including energy efficiency, retrofit and Net Zero.
Traditional Buildings
Understanding how buildings of traditional construction perform is essential to minimise risks when proposing energy efficiency measures
Whole Building Approach
A holistic process for devising and implementing suitable, well-integrated solutions for increasing energy efficiency in traditional buildings.
Improving Energy Efficiency
Advice on how to improve energy efficiency through mitigation measures.
Improving Climate Resilience
How you can make climate change adaptations to historic buildings.
Modifying Windows and Doors
How to improve the energy efficiency of windows and doors without damaging their historic significance
Installing Insulation
Advice on improving energy efficiency through insulation in historic buildings.
Installing Heat Pumps and Heating System
Advice on installing air, ground and water source heat pumps in historic buildings.
Installing Solar Panels
Guidance on designing and installing solar power systems.
Low and Zero Carbon Technologies
Reaching net zero requires reduction of emissions across the whole of the country including historic properties.
Maintenance and Repair
Good maintenance and repair of historic buildings is fundamental to their preservation and performance.
Rainwater Goods
Functioning rainwater systems are essential to keep a building in good condition and prevent deterioration caused by water penetration.
Flooding Advice
How to inspect, conserve and repair historic buildings after flooding, as well as ways to prevent flood damage in the first place.
Click here to find out more.
Installing a clay tile roof: a step-by-step guide by Dude & Arnette
Clay tile roofs are a popular choice due to their durability, aesthetic appeal, and ability to withstand all sorts of weather conditions. If you’re considering going full steam ahead on the DIY and installing a clay tile roof yourself on your home, it’s important to understand the process involved so as to best avoid any casualties! In this step-by-step guide, we will outline the process of installing a clay tile roof to help make things as smooth as possible, or decide that you might need to call in a professional!
Click here to read the full story.
Becket's Chapel - an abridged account of the last two years in its long history...
Becket's Chapel, a Grade I listed building in Wymondham, Norfolk, stands out as one of eight national climate adaptation case studies backed by Historic England. The project has also been selected as a 2025 Regional Finalist in the Civic Trust Awards in the AABC Conservation category. Winners will be announced in early January.
Patricia Forero, AABC-accredited architect and director of The Architect Studio in Cambridgeshire, takes up the story.
Click here to read the full story.
Energy: Economic, Environmental & Efficiency Improvements
There are some relatively easy steps which will cut your church's use of electricity and gas/oil, and your utility bills.
Download the guidance for advice about adjustments to your radiators, heating system and lighting as well as 'soft' changes such as cushions and draught-proofing.
How urban mining can help reach net-zero goals
When considering the heritage buildings of the future, the carbon footprint not only of the buildings in operation, but also the process of construction and the building’s life span – from design, through construction to demolition. An innovative, circular approach is emerging that has the potential to reduce the environmental impact of construction significantly: urban mining. Here, traditional brickmakers Michelmersh explain the process and its advantages.
Click here to read the full story.
Luceco lights up Luttrellstown Castle
Luttrellstown Castle Resort near Dublin is a luxurious venue for elegant hospitality and entertainment, combining the original 15th century castle, 567 acres of parkland, and a championship golf course with an alpine lodge-style clubhouse. It is the perfect location not only for golf, but also for weddings, garden parties, business meetings and conferences.
Click here to read the full story.
Specialist glazing units help period buildings stay ahead of the curve
Curved-in-plan glazing units have been around for some time, but over recent years there has been a significant surge in their popularity. The curved shape matches both contemporary and heritage aesthetics, creating a sense of flow and continuity. Internally, they help to enhance a feeling of light and spaciousness.
Click here to read the full story.
Radiator heating project completed at St Mary’s Church in Walkern
The ChurchEcoMiser team completed a 22 radiator church heating installation project at St Mary’s Church in Walkern. In August of 2021 the ChurchEcoMiser team started work at St Mary’s church in Walkern. The original heating system was installed towards the end of the 19th century and needed updating.
Click here to read the full story.
Heating installation completed at St James Church, Midhopestones
The ChurchEcoMiser team completed a church heating installation project at St James Church in Midhopestones.
The church had a low pressure coal fired heating system installed in the refurbishment of 1892 which fell into disrepair in the 1980’s. For the last 40 years, the church had been heated with an industrial warm air unit sited in a room adjoining the east end of the church but this reached the end of its natural life.
Click here to read the full story.
Parishioners at St Matthew’s are seeing things in a new light!
CLS Electrical Services Ltd – also known as Church Lighting Systems – were given the task of updating the existing lighting system in St Matthew’s Church in Worthing, which mostly consisted of tungsten halogen floodlights providing the main illumination throughout the church. Not very energy efficient!
Click here to read the full story.
Integration of ancient and modern is the aspiration
Low carbon consultancy MTA is a practice that specialises in the sympathetic conservation of culturally significant buildings during the integration of modern services.
With over 20 years of experience, the team at MTA have a comprehensive understanding of the complex rivalry between historical architecture and modern comfort. With an aspiration to ‘repair rather than replace’ they aim to preserve the historic fabric of these important structures.
Click here to read the full story.
Michelmersh to produce the world’s first 100% hydrogen fired clay bricks
Michelmersh has announced its successful bid to the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) UK Government, Industrial Fuel Switching competition to conduct a feasibility study to replace natural gas with hydrogen in the brick making process. The programme is part of the £1 billion Net Zero Innovation Portfolio (NZIP) which aims to provide funding for low-carbon technologies to decreasing the costs of decarbonisation.
Click here to read the full story.
Leading brick maker reiterates its sustainability goals
Clay brick specialists the Michelmersh Group has released its 2021 Sustainability Report. The report offers an insightful and detailed account of Michelmersh’s established sustainable practices and its plans for achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Click here to read the full story.
Shedding some light on the new Part L Building Regulations
A major part of the UK’s commitment to meeting its targets for carbon reduction is being driven by a tightening of the Building Regulations surrounding energy efficiency standards for homes. Here, Stella Rooflight Director, Paul Trace, addresses the new rules for rooflights and thermal performance including why they are needed.
Click here to read the full story.
Creating light beautifully with Clement Conservation Rooflights – the best for energy efficiency and more
Whether you are looking to renovate a period property, update your home or office, or transform a new space, creating the right amount of interior light is always a major consideration and a rooflight can often be crucial in enabling daylight to flood into a lower level room, an attic or even a peculiarly shaped corner.
Click here to read the full story
A fabulous new space created for this much loved theatre
The Progressive Players were founded in 1920. In 1939, founding members Ruth, Sylvia and Hope Dodds generously provided the money to purchase a vacant site facing Saltwell Park, together with adjoining No.3 Saltwell View, and build the Players’ own theatre.
Click here to read the full story
York Handmade's "excellent year" helps to tackle the challenges of Coronavirus
The award-winning York Handmade Brick Company has enjoyed the most successful 12 months in its 30-year history.
Based at Alne, near Easingwold, York Handmade is the leading independent brickmaker in the north of England.
Chairman David Armitage, commented: “The last 12 months have proved to be excellent for us, despite all the political uncertainty surrounding Brexit. We have flourished, with some prestigious commissions in London, Cambridge and, of course, Yorkshire.
USL Roofing Images
Castle Acre Priory - Pantiles
Beautiful pan-tiled roofing project at Castle Acre Priory, a preserved monastic site managed by English Heritage. USL carried out conservation, structural repairs, leadwork, rainwater goods and roofing renewal.
Chigwell School Rooing Project - Handmade Clay Roof Tiles
Over 850m² of handmade clay roofing tiles, all stripped and replaced by USL’s team of specialist roofers at Chigwell School. A Grade II Listed building.
Christ Church Kensington - Slate
Cwt-y-Bugail Welsh Slate fitted on Christ Church Kensington by USL team. Project included re-roofing, leadwork, and rainwater goods. Stunning dark blue-grey texture.
St Mary the Less - Leadwork Roof
Fine example of leadwork and roofing project from USL at St Mary the Less in Thetford, Norfolk. This Grade II* church received extensive tower repairs including new roof covering, leadwork, and rainwater goods.
St Leonard Flamstead - Copper
Copper roofing at St Leonard’s Church in Flamstead. Extensive heritage roofing and conservation programme.
Building dehydration system at Legerwood Kirk, Berwickshire
Legerwood Kirk is an ancient and historic Church of Scotland church in the former county of Berwickshire, Scotland, dating back to year 1127. It is situated half a mile east of the hamlet of Legerwood and 6.5 miles (10.5 km) south east of Lauder in the Scottish Borders.
The building has been suffering from dampness issues for a number of years. Being a Grade A listed building, invasive dehydration technologies were not an option. Upon a detailed inspection of the building several sources of moisture has been identified, including rising damp, condensation and sideways penetrating damp.
Do you really need a new sound system?
Our first contact from the team at Blyth Central Methodist Church was a phone call that we’ve had many times before explained Paul Dougherty of Blaydon Communications Ltd 'Our sound system isn’t working, it’s all crackly and we just need a new one'.
"In some circumstances, this could be true", said Paul, "audio equipment does degrade, and eventually, it will need to be replaced, but sometimes things just need a good overhaul and a bit of a spruce up. Our first recommended action was to have us attend the church and assess what equipment had been installed. This also allows us to get talking to the people that use the system to find out the real problems first-hand.
Durham Cathedral roof restorations
Founded as a monastic cathedral it has a rich and varied history and was built as a place of worship, whilst also being the home of a Benedictine community. Over the past century it has enjoyed a multi-use purpose and is a Christian Church of the Anglican Communion as well as being a shrine to St Cuthbert, the seat of the Bishop of Durham and a place of pilgrimage and spirituality.
A much-loved and cherished landmark in the North East of England, it also won the ‘Reader’s Choice of Britain’s Best Building’ in a poll conducted by the Guardian, detailing its importance and recognition amongst the local community and wider public.
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