Project Details

The Property

Teaching began at prince Henry’s Grammer School in 1611 according to historical records.

However, the building that formed part of our roofing project was not as old as this.

Likely, the roof coverings that were of concern during the course of our project, were installed in the late 1800’s as part of several changes to the school buildings.

The structure was constructed from stone under a Westmorland Slate roof.

In the centre of the range was a large clock tower of timber construction, clad in lead.

Refurbishment of the tower also formed part of our project inclusive of replacement leadwork, timber repairs and decoration of the external faces.

The Location

Located to the North of The River Wharfe, on Farnely Lane in Otley. 

Otley is a market town run the metropolitan borough of Leeds City.

Positioned between Pool and Burley in Wharfedale the area forms part of the Leeds North West UK Parliament Constituency. 

Specification of work

Our work on site was concerned with a section of the main school building.

GNR were engaged to provide a specification of work to replace the slated roof coverings and leadwork associated with the same directly to the School.

Further, part of our work encompassed specialist lead replacement of the clock tower roof and details.

Further, repairs to the stone copings, and the introduction of a damp proof membrane also formed part of our contract.

Moreover, whilst on site, the need to replace the existing guttering was also identified and coats were presented.

In brief our work invoiced the following elements.

Removal of the existing Westmorland slate roof coverings, the slates were salvaged and set aside for re use. The salvage rate was in the region of 50%. Reclaimed Westmorland slates were sourced and purchased to make good shortages. 

The existing battens were fully removed and repair to the timber roof structure, although minor, we undertaken.

Moreover, the existing stone copings were removed and set aside for re use, pending repairs to the parapet walls and the installation of a new damp proof course.

Once prepared, a new Proctor Roofshield vapour permeable membrane was installed along with new treated softwood battens.

The battens were gauged for the slate courses which were diminishing from eaves to apex.

Further, the existing cast iron guttering was removed and replaced with a new aluminium system.

Moreover, the lead covering to the domed clock tower was removed, repairs to the timber substrate carried out, and a new lead covering installed. The work to form the leadwork correctly to the central clock tower was substantial, a number of intricate details needed to be formed and welded in position.

The roof slates were reinstated in random widths and diminishing courses.

New lead valley linings were installed as were new led smokers to all abutments.

Further, a code 5 lead cover flashing was fitted at the abutment with the parapet walls and a new damp proof course introduced before the closing stones were re bedded.

Moreover, to secure the coping stones, stainless steel pins were introduced along with a traditional bedding in cement mortar.

The existing ridge tiles were re bedded in cement mortar.

Additionally, the roofing project featured some interesting details including lead sorties, lead details to the bottom of the valleys, close mitred hips and a lead dome in welted panels.

As part of the overall scheme, the building was also fully insulated in accordance with current building regulations over the top of the horizontal ceiling rafters.

The result provides a roof covering which will perform with limited maintenance over a number of decades if not another century.

The Materials

• Westmorland slates.
• Treated softwood battens.
• Code 5 lead.
• Aluminium guttering.
• Specialist paints for the clock tower.
• Copper and galvanised nails.
• Exterior grade plywood.

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

The Project

The entire project involved the replacement of the roof coverings to a large proportion of the main school buildings.

The re roofing of this section formed part of a phased plan to replace the roof coverings on other parts of the school over the coming years.

GNR were pleased to act on behalf of the school and our expertise working with Westmorland slates and lead paid dividends.

The work to replace the lead roof on the clock tower was a specialist undertaking.

However the results will be enjoyed for many years to come as this part of the school is one of the main features of the forward facing elevation.

Skills Required

• • Diminishing course slating.
  • Roof related joinery.
  • Specialist leadwork.
  • External decoration.
  • Mortar work.
  • Installation of new rainwater goods.

Materials Used

• • Reclaimed Westmorland slates
  • Treated softwood battens.
  • Code 5 lead.
  • Softwood sections.
  • Copper and stainless steel fixings.
  • Aluminium guttering