We’re lucky enough in our part of the world to have many beautiful period properties. We work on many properties of varying ages and the techniques vary slightly depending on the style and age.
Also the consideration of what will suit the property is important and we’re more than happy to advise you on this if needed.
If you are thinking of renewing the roof on an older property, there are many things to consider.
The roof of a property not only protects it from the good old British weather, it is also a historic part of the building itself. Furthermore, if the property is listed, consent may be needed before any changes are made – especially if these changes involve altering the existing covering or internal structure!
Just as every period brought in new developments in architecture, art and lifestyle, roof designs have also undergone constant changes. Innovations in manufacturing methods and architectural trends are at the heart of these changes.
While traditional roofing techniques remained relatively unchanged for hundreds of years – with thatched, slate and stone roofs (made from local materials) common indicators of rural living – industrial Britain saw an influx of innovative roofing advances, and each period has distinctive styles that are easy to identify.
We tend to have a lot of Victorian and Georgian properties in Plymouth.
Georgian roofs
The Georgian period favoured classical and formal aesthetics, and this is seen in the roofing styles of Georgian houses. Unlike in the Victorian period, where homes were embellished with ornate designs, Georgian roof lines are typically more clean in terms of design, though you might spot some sort of adornment, such as balustrades, pediments or cornices.
From the street, you might get the impression of a flat roof, but this is because the roof is often hidden behind a parapet. You can also recognise Georgian houses from the two chimneys – one on each side of the roof – which reflect the fireplaces indoors.
Victorian roofs
Victorian housing embodies the wave of industry that had embraced Britain by Queen Victoria’s accession in 1837: commonly using slate and encompassing terracotta ridge tiles for an ornate finish. Many roofs of the time also featured decorative finials on the gables.
By the late Victorian period, most properties were using plain tiles, either in a rectangular shape or an ornate arrowhead or fishtail design, and a lot of properties were re-clad with concrete tiles in the 1980s.
Here at Supreme Roofing and Building, we’re experts at creating, repairing and replacing period roofs. Contact us today to find out more.
What kind of roofs do Victorian houses have?
When the architectural design choices that have grown to be known as the Victorian style emerged, wood and clay tiles were the roofing materials of choice. For higher end buildings, clay was typically used, whereas wood was sought as a less expensive alternative.
Older, period and heritage roofs in England are usually covered with natural slate. If these slates are starting to slip, then the roof could be suffering from ‘nail sickness’ or ‘nail fatigue’.
Renewing the roof of an older property doesn’t necessarily mean that all the roof is in need of roof replacement or all slates have to be replaced. It is common for a percentage of the existing slates to be reused and roofers will usually make an allowance for any replacement slate within their quotation.
This will be a best guess based on their experience. However, if the existing slates are not in as good a condition as anticipated, then further costs could be incurred for sourcing further replacement slates.
When renewing the roof of an older property, replacement slates are usually sourced second hand from reclamation yards in order to obtain a better match to the original slate. If it is necessary to purchase new slate then these should be installed in a way whereby they are not noticeable to the eye.
Where lead work is concerned, it is not unusual for lead to be recycled if it is in good condition.
In the case of ridge tiles, always try to keep the original ridge tiles and do not replace unless absolutely necessary.
Decorative Features on Older Properties
Many older properties have decorative features to the exterior such as finials. When renewing the roof of an older property these should be carefully removed and re-fixed later into their original position.
Every effort should be taken to preserve these original decorative features and there are experts out there who can lovingly restore these features if they have become damaged over the years.
Roof Structures on Older Properties
When renewing the roof of an older property, every care should be taken to preserve the existing roof structure.
The historic roof purlins and roof trusses should be repaired rather than replaced. If these have been damaged by rot over the years, specialist heritage roofers should be able to repair these timbers or know an expert who can.
These timbers will have been in situ since the property was built and replacing them should be avoided unless absolutely necessary. If it is necessary to replace the purlins or rafters then it is best to seek the advice of an architect or surveyor with experience in dealing with historic properties and older buildings.
The roof battens are usually replaced when replacing the roof covering.
Do you Need Consent for Roof Repairs on an Older Property?
You do not usually need consent for roof repairs if you are using matching, like for like materials.
If the property is listed then you will need Listed Building Consent to alter the roof’s shape, height and pitch, internal structure or if you wish to make changes to the roof covering. You will also need consent if you wish to add rooflight. In conservation areas this usually needs planning permission – check with your local authority.
Listed Building Consent
You will need to apply for Listed Building Consent is you wish to carry out the following type of work:
- Demolish a listed building or any part roof it
- Alter or extend a listed building
- Alter the character of a building of special architectural or historic interest.
- Separate any listed building or any buildings within its’ grounds
It is worth remembering that it is a criminal offence to carry out work which needs listed building consent if you have not obtained permission beforehand.
A planning authority can insist that all work carried out without consent is reversed. You should therefore always talk to the local planning authority before any work is carried out to a listed building.
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