Wensley Roofing Win NFRC Roofing Awards

Wensley Roofing is celebrating its win in the prestigious Roofing Awards 2011 Sustainability category, hosted by The National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC).

The awards ceremony was held at the NFRC Annual Congress in Brighton on 20th May.

North East based Wensley Roofing won the category for the work it carried out on Hamsterley Mill, an unusual conversion project in Tyne and Wear.

Wensley Roofing used John Brash Western Red Cedar Shingles to create the bespoke roof, which the judges felt demonstrated a high level of sustainability through the extensive use of timber.

The main technical challege of the project at Hamsterley Mill was to maintain a smooth curve to the roof, which was shaped this way because the original mill building followed the route of a river. All of the shingles on the curved section required individual shouldering by Wensley Roofing to achieve this. The company also made suggestions to the client which helped improve weather tightness around the dormer windows as well as carrying out all the traditional leadwork.

NFRC Chief Executive, Ray Horwood CBE, said: “Congratulations to Wensley Roofing on this excellent project, which demonstrates a high level of technical competence whilst using a highly sustainable roofing material.”

We are delighted to win this prestigious award, which recognises the professionalism and skill of our roofers,” said Keith Soulsby, Managing Director of Wensley Roofing. “The curved roof on the property in Hamsterley Mill was unusual but just goes to show that our 20-plus years’ experience enables us to find a solution for any type of project!”

Christian Brash of John Brash Timber added: “Wensley Roofing thoroughly deserve this award for their work at Hamsterley Mill, and we are delighted with how the project demonstrates the adaptable way in which our Western Red Cedar Shingles can be used, and the stunning results which can be achieved.”

The John Brash Western Red Cedar Shingles used on this project meet the stringent requirements of the Blue Label grade which ensures that all Shingles and Shakes are made from cedar that is 100% heartwood, 100% edge grain and 100% clear. 

Western Red Cedar shingles from John Brash are extremely durable, having a minimum 40-year service life, resistance to decay and a high strength to weight ratio that provides flexibility in design.

John Brash is BS EN ISO 9001:2008 accredited and only sources Western Red Cedar Shingles from sustainable and well managed forests that are PEFC accredited (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification).  

Wensley Roofing Ltd is a leading roofing contractor in North East England and has an excellent reputation built on a strong commitment to quality, training and customer service.

The company provides a comprehensive range of roofing services including slating, tiling, leadwork, felting and liquid roofing. Work includes new build and refurbishment of domestic, public sector and commercial properties, and renovation and restoration of heritage sites.

For more information on Western Red Cedar Shingles, call John Brash on: 01427 675588, or visit the website at: www.johnbrash.co.uk.

To contact Wensley Roofing, call: 0191 387 1303, email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit: www.wensleyroofing.co.uk

Photograph: (left to right): Penny Smith (host and former GMTV presenter); Christian Brash of John Brash; Wendy Bussey (Green Business Manager at Groundwork Sheffield); and NFRC President Jack Camp.