Re roofing a Church | All Saints, Newton on Ouse, North Yorkshire

Project Details

The Property

A Church has been in place on this site since the Saxons. 

All Saints Church, Newton on Ouse, in its current form dates from 1849.

However, the tower, which has had a spire constructed above it, is very much older and may date back 900 years.

The tall spire is a local landmark, visible for many miles in most directions.

The church has stone links to the nearby Beningbrough Hall, which was owned by the Bourchier Family between 1556-1768. Thereafter, the magnificent Hall passed to the Earles followed by the Dawnay Family.

Further, the church boasts an array of memorial brasses depicting the names of the family members who resided at the nearby Beningbrough Hall.

The Church, in its current form, is Grade II listed and features an array of stone detailing, stained glass windows and a magnificent stone spire.

The Location

Located on Cherry Tree Avenue, in the village, so called due to the line of Cherry Blossom trees which form a uniform parade along the length of the street.

The Village of Newton on Ouse in the Hambleton District of North Yorkshire.

Behind the church Lies the river Ouse which flows through the nearby City of York.

Specification of work

In this instance, the specification of work was provided to us by Ferrey and Mennim Architects. 

The project, as a result of funding, had to be considered in two phases.

Phase one consisted of the Nave, North and South Aisles.

Originally, the roof areas to these sections were covered in Yorkshire stone slates which had been in place since 1849.

Having reached the end of their useful life, the stone slates had to be replaced.

Further, the condition of the stone was poor and a decision was made to change the roof covering to a Westmorland slate.

Moreover, all of the lead flashings and abutment details formed part of the scope of work.

Further, much of the stonework, including the copings, exterior lime mortar pointing and window reveals required repair and restoration.

As with most ecclesiastical projects, a specification was presented to us for a quotation to be provided.

The specification detailed each item and our estimating department set out to provide costs against the same.

Specific Roof Details

As with most large scale roofing projects, there were certain details on this building which required our attention.

Although the roof elevations were to be covered in an alternative material, Westmorland Slates, a stone eaves course was introduced, using some of the slates previously removed.

Interestingly, no guttering was installed on the Nave roof and instead the roof was designed to allow rainwater to cascade onto the aisle roof slopes below.

As part of this work, and to provide a secure and correctly weathered detail, a code 4 lead soaker had to be installed where the two materials joined.

Further, a secret gutter detail was introduced at each abutment to generate height at the interface with the coping stones. At the ends of the secret gutter a lead sortier detail was integrated using lead welding apparatus.

Further detailing had to be undertaken using stainless steel on the vestry, which if done in lead, may have been vulnerable to theft.

Moreover, as part of the course, there were a considerable number of timber repairs to undertake. Reasonably, these could only be identified once the roof coverings had been removed. The associated costs were covered in part by provisional sums within the original specification. However, some overage was needed and GNR presented costs for this as they were identified.

Any additional costs, for work that was not foreseen, was managed in this way and architects instructions for the same were presented.

Access scaffolding

To undertake refurbishment of all roof areas the access scaffolding requirements were substantial.

Based upon what was required, GNR engaged Sky Scaffolding of Whitby to undertake the erection of all scaffold requirements.

The scaffolding was constructed using tube and clip to all required elevations. Further scaffolding was wrapped around the tower to provide access for repair.

Moreover, boarded lifts were installed to carry out masonry and window repairs.

Additionally, to keep the site secure, a 3m hoarding was erected to the base with single access point via a loading bay and walkway so that materials could easily be distributed to the areas of work.

The requirement for scaffolding when re roofing a church is substantial. Ensuring the safety of all operatives working on site is paramount. At GNR, we work closely with carefully selected scaffolding contractors who we know can provide a safe and proper solution.

The Materials

The material requirements to execute the work on this historic church were varied and substantial.

Importantly, GNR maintain close working relationships with an array of leading suppliers for materials relevant to this sort of project.

In brief, the materials required to replace the roof on this magnificent listed Church were:

• New Westmorland slates, supplied by Yates.
• Treated softwood battens.
• Rolled Lead Sheet various codes. 
• Copper nails.
• Galvanised nails.
• Other fixings.
• Cast iron rainwater goods.
• Proctor Roofshield.
• Terne coated stainless steel.
• Lime mortar.
• Under ground drainage systems.

As a matter of course, where reclaimed roofing materials are used our go to supplier is The Reclaimed Company. 

The Project

As suggested, the project was undertaken in two distinct phases, however, for the purposes of this post, the result was a complete replacement of most roof areas on the church.

With the exception of the lead flat roof on the tower, which was only repaired and adjusted, all other roof areas were fully stripped.

Further, all damaged sections of stone was either repaired or replaced as part of the work which included work around windows, to copings, and other masonry facades.

Moreover, some of the apex stones and crosses were re carved using matching stone and secured using stainless steel fixings.

As a matter of course, all associated leadwork was replaced, including lead flashings, lead valley linings, lead aprons and detailing such as secret gutters and sortiers.

Additionally, refurbishment of the timber boarding below the roof was carried out and a spray treatment was applied.

Other elements to make good the roof structure were undertaken and some specialist decoration to the exposed rafter feet was also carried out.

Moreover, the clock was refurbished and redecorated as part of the overall scheme.

Where repairs were needed to the windows, specialist contractors were engaged from Barley Studio. 

Such work will secure the church as a functional community building for future generations.

Noteworthy, none of the work would have been possible without support from The Lottery Heritage Fund who, along with the village and other sources, helped finance the project through to completion.

Skills Required

• Slating in diminishing courses using new Westmorland Stones and Bests. 
• Specialist leadwork. 
• Masonry work using lime mortar and stone. 
• Stainless steel roofing. 
• Traditional joinery to repair the roof structure and add details. 

Materials Used

• New Westmorland Slates. 
• Reclaimed Stone slates. 
• Code 4 and 5 lead sheet. 
• Lime mortar. 
• Local stone sections carved off site. 
• Terne coated stainless steel.