Current Issue
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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Caroe team appointed for HLF community development project in Marylebone, London
Historic building specialist, Caroe Architecture Ltd, is delighted to announce the selection of their multi-disciplinary team for the delivery of an exciting £8.5million HLF-supported project at St Marylebone Parish Church, London.
The existing building dates from 1814 to a design by Thomas Hardwick and is Listed Grade I. In the 1980s and 90s the Crypt was developed to accommodate a medical centre. The St Marylebone Changing Lives project now seeks to build upon the success of the church and provide new community facilities through enlargement of the crypt space to the east side.
You’re right, there’s something missing from your calendar
The trees are in fresh leaf, the Spring sun is shining… well, occasionally… and you’re thinking: “Shouldn’t I be at CRE this week to discover all that’s new in church resources?”
For more than 30 years this unique event has been held in mid-May, but in 2017 CRE are ringing the changes.
NFRC member completes first full roof refurbishment under one warranty
Leading NFRC member, Heritage Roofing & Renovation Ltd is pleased to be the first contractor to complete a full roof refurbishment under ONE warranty.
AN EXTREMELY CHALLENGING PROJECT...
It didn’t take long for Heritage Roofing & Renovation Ltd to realise that the job they’d taken on would be no ordinary re-roof. The building was an early 20th Century detached town house in Dorking, Surrey, with a 170m2 roof that comprised four Barn Hips and two Gable Ends – highly unusual, and extremely challenging, for a building of this size.
The varying pitches meant the roof had almost no straight runs, so every single component had to be cut to the correct size, depending on the area of the roof.
New lightning conductor system that’s up to standard
Horizon recently removed an old and inadequate lightning conductor system from a church and replaced it with a new and up to standard system in line with BS EN 62305;2011
The old single bare copper down conductor had oxidised over the years and was not pleasing to look at, this was not helped by the unsightly installation of the tape by the original installer that had it running down the middle of the clock face of the church tower. Horizon removed the old tape by installation steeplejack ladders to the summit of the church spire and then using rope access techniques abseiled down the spire to remove the old tape and fixings.
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.
Leadwork in focus: BLM launch 2017 Photo Competition
BLM British Lead, the UK’s leading manufacturer of Rolled Lead Sheet, invite leadworkers and roofing contractors to enter their recently launched Photo Competition.
The theme of the Photo Competition focuses on unique and striking Lead photography from impressive and inspiring projects.
They are looking to see pictures of unusual and interesting detail from the hidden to the well-known, small to significant volume projects. Similarly, more common application detailing shot from unusual angles or in an unusual setting.
Farrow & Ball gutter paints transform modern and traditional homes
Why Cast Iron?
Throughout the UK you’ll find rainwater guttering and downpipes in cast iron on many heritage and period properties. It is incredibly strong, last for decades and is 100% recyclable. If properly installed and maintained it will enhance the properties it protects by looking timeless, authentic and beautiful for over 100 years.
If neglected and exposed to the elements without proper protection the characteristics that make it such a great eco choice, its recyclability, become its weakness – that process of natural recycling begin with rusting, then flaking and eventually end in disintegration.
Gothic wood carving projects by Agrell Architectural Carving Ltd
In addition to ecclesiastical projects, Agrell Architectural Carving are often requested to provide hand carving in the Gothic style for private residences around the world. Whether it’s for a kitchen, a bathroom, some furniture or a whole manor, the Gothic style continues to be as popular now as ever before. Kate Agrell takes up the story:
"One of our recent projects was to provide a joinery company with 37 hand-carved Gothic tracery panels. These are to be placed in the furniture for a kitchen, bathroom and library at a private residence. As you can see from the photographs, the designs are marked out and all the Gothic tracery panels are carved by hand – no CNC’s – to ensure beautiful, clean and crisp lines providing the highest quality product for the client. Due to our large team of carvers we were able to provide a high quality product, consistency in carving and delivery of the 37 hand carved panels in just over a month.
Aura to co-host Heritage Building Seminar
Aura Conservation Ltd have teamed up with RICS and the International Masonry Society (IMS) to present a one-day seminar entitled ‘Through The Keyhole – The Victoria Quarter Conservation Project’. The seminar is being held on Thursday 15th June 2017 at the Rose Bowl Leeds Beckett University Lecture Theatre.
What makes this seminar different to other Heritage seminars is the 'case study' approach which they have undertaken to present this large complex project in detail; the seminar will be taking you ‘through the keyhole’ to all aspects of the ‘Victoria Quarter’ Conservation Project.
Family firm celebrate 50 years in furniture restoration
Established in 1963 Wiltshire based family business William J Cook & Sons, who have been restoring fine furniture for two generations, are celebrating over 50 years in the buisiness.
The company was established by Bill Cook and his reputation for outstanding quality of work quickly spread. Since those early days clients have included our own Royal Household, Foreign Royalty, the Government, museums, leading collectors, dealers and private individuals. Whilst still retaining a London workshop the business is now based in Marlborough, Wiltshire.
Why is repair better than replacement?
Traditional windows can often be simply and economically repaired, usually at a cost significantly less than replacement. For timber windows this is largely due to the high quality and durability of the timber that was used in the past (generally pre-1919) to make windows. Properly maintained, old timber windows can enjoy extremely long lives. It is rare to find that all windows in an old building require new sections. Many historic components continue to give service after 150, 200 or even 250 years. Traditional metal windows can also usually be economically repaired and their thermal performance improved, avoiding the need for total replacement.
Reggiani helps to provide the light at Corpus Christi, Oxford
Reggiani Lighting’s Yori and Envios LED projectors have been incorporated in a new lighting scheme for the Chapel at the prestigious Corpus Christi College, Oxford, as part of a major refurbishment project.
In coordination with GBS Architect Oxford and dpa lighting consultants designed and implemented the new lighting throughout the chapel to enhance the stunning architectural interior whilst ensuring that the new lighting allowed for all the appropriate scenes and flexibility required by a space which is used for a diverse range of functions.
Ironwork doesn’t have to be painted black
In December 2014 Arroll and Snell, architects for Shrewsbury Roman Catholic Cathedral, asked TOPP & Co. for ideas regarding guard railings and gates to a new entrance and external staircases to the cathedral, as part of a major redevelopment of access and circulation within the building. The cathedral was opened in 1856 and is in what is now known as Victorian gothic style. The interior was designed by Edward Pugin, son of his famous father Augustus Pugin, well known as a champion of the gothic revival, whose most famous works include the interior of the palace of Westminster.
When is a guarantee no guarantee at all?
Quite simply, when the installing contractor is no longer around when a problem occurs with their “guaranteed” work
Of course they may just refuse to return to site - after all, they’ve been paid for the work, why should they care?
They may even have gone out of business (how good is their guarantee then?) - and just how good was the “Guaranteed” workmanship in the first place?
That’s why the 25 year Guarantee from a member of the Lead Contractors Association (LCA) is different.
War Art framed and displayed
Nicole Wall, of Southampton based picture framers We Frame It, was recently approached to undertake an unusual project to frame a rare painting created during the second world war. Nicole takes up the story:
"I do have some challenging items brought in by customers from time to time and none more so then this large piece of War Art dating from 1938. It was a cartoon of my customer’s father leaving his horse regiment in Palestine to join the newly formed tank regiment in Europe.
"The picture was unusual as it had been painted on paper used to line ammunition boxes and as such had a central core of tar impregnated coconut fibres. It was extremely brittle and had been stored rolled up in various attics over the years. Still, the artwork remained very clear and the customer now wanted it framed and displayed on the wall.
A guide to architectural metalwork, wrought iron and its restoration
Our next issue will feature a fascinating insight, exploring metallurgy, production techniques, its architectural and historical context and best practice conservation.
Wrought iron, normally produced from pig iron, is a ferrous carbon alloy with a significantly lower carbon content (less than 0.1%) than cast iron or steel. Wrought iron is produced with slag inclusions (the top layer of melt formed during smelting containing oxides and other impurities) which gives wrought iron a characteristic fibrous nature. The slag provides a range of material properties including, toughness, ease of welding, resistance to corrosion, malleability when hot and tensile strength.
Martin-Brooks restores South Yorkshire Holy Trinity
The heritage roofing specialists at Sheffield-based Martin-Brooks have added sparkle to a trio of the region’s ecclesiastical gems.
The firm has completed extensive roof repairs on three churches in Sheffield, Rotherham and Doncaster that benefited from government grants for listed places of worship.
Martin-Brooks was successful in securing contracts by competitive tender to renovate the roofs of St Thomas’ in Kimberworth, Rotherham, Holy Trinity and St Oswald’s in Finningley, Doncaster and Christ Church in Pitsmoor, Sheffield.
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