Roofs
Artificial or substandard roofing materials should not be used on historic buildings when repairing or replacing; the use of real slates, clay tiles, thatch, lead, etc. is always the best. Slates can be reused and it may be possible, when re-roofing is necessary, to use salvaged original slates on visible pitches, and modern replacements on hidden areas.
Damage to roofing materials (and rainwater goods) is one of the most common causes of allowing water into a building, and this can cause severe problems to timber elements. Routine checking externally and internally in the roof space is essential, and extra vigilance after storms is recommended. Damaged thatch, dropped slates, cracked tiles, faulty flashings etc. should be dealt with promptly.
Original roof elements and details, such as dormer windows, decorative ridge crests and bargeboards, chimney stacks and decorative lead or cast iron rainwater goods are important elements of a building and should be carefully retained and repaired.
Further Reading
Conservation Guidelines
No. 10 Roofs and Rainwater Goods
No. 16 Fire Safety, Security and Maintenance
Department of the Environment/Irish Georgian Society Dublin 1996
Keohane Frank, Editor,
Period Houses, A Conservation Guidance Manual - Dublin Civic Trust Dublin 2000
Brockett, Peter and Wright, Adela
The Care and Repair of Thatched Roofs
(SPAB Technical Pamphlet no. 10) London, 1989.
Davey, Heath et al, (eds.)
The Care and Conservation of Georgian Houses
(Architectural Press). Oxford, 1986.
English Heritage Listed Building Guidance Leaflets
London Terrace Houses (A Guide to Alterations and Extensions). London, 1996.
Mansard Roofs London 1989
The Georgian Group Guides
No. 10 Roofs London 1991
Lead Sheet Association
The Lead Sheet Manual
Vol. 1 Lead Sheet Flashings 1990.
Vol. 2 Lead Sheet Roofing 1992.
Vol. 3 Lead Sheet Weatherings 1993.
The Victorian Society
Care for Victorian Houses
Number Six : Cast Iron 1994
Williams, G.B.A.,
Chimneys in Old Buildings
(SPAB Technical Pamphlet no. 3). London, 1976