The roof coverings on the property had been maintained reactively over a number of decades.
All elevations and the perimeter gutters were in a poor state of repair.
The only solution was to replace the roof coverings and leadwork entirely.
Project Duration
This roofing project was completed by our team in 15 weeks
Project Location
This roofing project was located in Skelton a small village near York, North Yorkshire.
Roofing Quotes
GNR Roofing York offer detailed specifications and quotations for all types of roofing projects.
Project Details
The Property
New Welsh slates and leadwork were the materials of choice for this high quality re roofing project near York, North Yorkshire.
Built in circa 1820 Skelton Hall is a classic example of Georgian Architecture.
The house itself is Grade II listed, with some specific features, such as the staircase, denoted by the listing.
Set in around 5 acres of meticulously landscaped gardens which include a lake.
Over time, the hall had been split into two apartments, used by the RAF during the War and undergone a number of rounds of restoration.
However, at no point during the course of the buildings history had an extensive overhaul of the roof coverings been undertaken.
The work
GNR were contracted to undertake a complete roof replacement on this grand residential property near York.
The use of New Welsh slates and leadwork were the only option to sympathetically restore the roof coverings on this important building.
Our expertise using traditional materials is widely recognised, and the successful execution of this project is testament to our skill set and ability to correctly detail such large scale residential projects.
The property had been poorly maintained over many decades and the existing roof coverings were beyond effective repair.
Further, parts of the roof had been replaced over time using concrete roof tiles which were not suited to the property.
Moreover, to the perimeter of the property was a large lead gutter lining which had been overlaid on numerous occasions using bitumen felt, paint, flashband and an host of inappropriate products usually favoured by bodge it types,
As a result, much of the decorative timber work that formed the perimeter cornice had rotted and also needed to be replaced.
To gather information on what was needed and at the request of our client, GNR were engaged to undertake a cherry picker survey before outlining the work required.
Thereafter, we were engaged to produce a full specification of work to include the following elements.
Re roofing work using new Welsh Slates, improvements to the insulation levels.
Replacement of the perimeter gutter substrates and decorative timber detailing.
Replacement of the lead gutter linings and formation of new purpose made sumps, outlets and details.
A complete structural and aesthetic overhaul of the dormer.
Provision of new cast iron fall pipes to all outlets set to discharge into the surface water drainage system,
Introduction of several conservation roof windows by The Roof Light Company.
Full external decoration package to all areas inclusive of cornices, windows plinths and the dormer.
Further, chimney repairs and re pointing were also identified inclusive of replacement pots and flaunchings.
As usual, all of the lead details were expertly replaced inclusive of chimney flashings, back gutters, aprons, valley linings and new code 5 lead hips and ridges were installed.
In short, GNR presented a full external refurbishment package and kept all elements of work under a single contract.
Importantly, the proposed work was in keeping with the period and listing of the property.
Further, and towards the end of the project, the front door canopy was replaced in code 5 lead and some details added to provide interest and kerb appeal.
Chimneys and Fireplaces
Further, part of the remit involved undertaking repairs to the chimney stacks.
GNR were engaged to find an appropriate sub contractor to install chimney liners to open fires, wood burning stoves and proposed gas stoves.
The obvious choice for this work, in conjunction with ours, was Hot Box Stoves
They offered great expertise when it came to the necessary chimney linings and were ideally placed to react to a changing schedule of work.
Other work and details
Moreover, and as part of the overall theme, it was important that efforts were made to improve the thermal efficiency of the building.
The entire roof void, barring a small area, was considered habitable space.
As such, insulation had to be installed between the rafters to minimise, so far as practicable, heat loss, but also help reduce solar gain during the summer months.
Further, several flues and roof penetrations were installed to pick up bathroom and boiler flues as part of our work.
Leadwork to cornice
Running above the first floor header courses of the windows, the property featured a timber band course to break up the visual impact of the masonry facade.
As part of this work, this cornice needed to be repaired, due to decay over time, with same section timber to match.
Further, the entire plinth needed to be covered in lead and a lead flashing installed at the interface with each elevation.
The leadwork to this feature, was quite intricate due to its small size. To keep a uniform finish, a purpose formed stainless steel clip was made to provide rigidity to the lead.
Skills Required
- Slating, traditional methods.
- Specialist Leadwork including.bossing, welding and detailing.
- Joinery, to form new substrates and decorative perimeter details.
- Lime mortar pointing to the chimney stacks.
- Stone work and other mortar work to the chimney stacks.
Materials Used
- New Cwt-y-Bugail slates 500mm x 250mm.
- Exterior grade plywood.
- Decorative and moulded timber profiles.
- Code 5 and 6 lead.
- Rigid Insulation boards.
- Proctor Roofshield vapour permeable membrane.
- Cast fall pipes.
Project imagery
In progress images of the roof work show a timeline of events.
They depict some of what is involved in the process to replace the roof on a building of this type and scale.
Preparation of the substrate is key to an effective project, especially in terms of the execution of leadwork.
A showcase of the completed re roofing work on this magnificent Grade II listed residential property on the outskirts of York. The images, taken using one of our drones, depict the new Welsh slates and lead detailing carried out to form the replacement roof areas.
The work has been sensitively executed to maintain a traditional aesthetic.
Carried out in accordance with BS5534 with leadwork undertaken in accordance with BS6915. Find out more about British Standards for roofing work.
The following video depicts the property prior to the roof coverings being replaced. Further, it outlines key stages of the project and shows what was found at each stage of the roofing project.
The work carried out was extensive and a number of details, especially in relation to the leadwork, needed to be carefully considered.
The use of high quality roof coverings such as Cwt-Y-Bugail slates services to preserve and enhance such buildings for future generations.
