Listed Building Roofing Specialists

West Country Tiling specialises in roofing for listed buildings across the South West, working on historic houses and Georgian properties as well as churches, abbeys and other buildings of architectural importance. Since 1990, our listed building roofing specialists have carried out repairs, restoration and complete reroofing using traditional materials and methods. We consider the condition of the existing roof and materials before deciding what should be repaired, retained or replaced, reusing suitable original materials wherever possible.

Roofing for Listed and Historic Buildings

Working on a listed building requires a different approach from roofing a modern property. The age and construction of the building, its listed status, existing materials and previous alterations can all affect how repairs or reroofing should be approached.

Traditional materials may need to be repaired, reused or carefully matched rather than automatically replaced. Listed building work can also involve specific conservation requirements, permissions and Building Regulations, depending on the property and the work involved.

Our experience includes Grade I and Grade II* listed buildings and projects involving natural and stone slate, handmade clay tiles, lime mortar and traditional leadwork.

Traditional Materials and Specialist Techniques

Using materials that are compatible with the existing building is an important part of listed building roof repairs and historic roof restoration.

At the Grade I listed Bisham Abbey in Berkshire, our ongoing conservation work has included handcrafted clay plain tiles, natural slate roofing, traditional leadwork and lime rendering. Existing materials have been retained and repaired wherever possible, with replacement slates selected to match the original roof.

West Country Tiling also produces sand-cast lead at our own facility. Sand-cast lead is made by pouring molten lead onto a prepared bed of sand, producing the slightly textured finish associated with this traditional roofing material.

Repair, Restoration or Reroofing?

A listed roof does not necessarily need to be completely replaced. Where existing materials remain suitable, they can often be retained and incorporated into the restored roof.

The appropriate approach depends on the condition of the roof, the materials involved and the requirements of the individual building. Some projects involve localised repairs or the replacement of individual materials, while others require more extensive restoration or complete reroofing.

At Bisham Abbey, for example, existing natural slate has been retained and repaired where possible. Other areas have required new handcrafted clay tiles, leadwork and repairs to associated features including dormer windows, chimneys and masonry.

Planning roof repairs or restoration on a listed building?

Speak to our team about the existing roof, materials and requirements of your project.

Discuss Your Project →

Or call 01373 462 224

Why Choose West Country Tiling

West Country Tiling has been working with traditional and historic roofs since 1990. Our experience includes Grade I and Grade II* listed buildings and projects involving traditional roofing materials, conservation work and complex restoration.

We are members of the Competent Roofer Scheme, which allows us to self-certify that qualifying work complies with Building Regulations. Qualifying reroofing projects automatically benefit from a 10-year insurance-underwritten guarantee through the scheme. We also provide our own 10-year workmanship guarantee, subject to our terms and conditions.

Our work across the South West includes listed and historic properties in Somerset, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Devon and Dorset, as well as projects further afield.

Get in Touch

If you are planning listed building roof repairs, historic roof restoration or a complete reroof, talk to West Country Tiling about your property and the work involved.

We can discuss the existing roof, traditional materials and any conservation or project requirements that may need to be considered before work begins.

Please call us on 01373 462 224 or email info@westcountrytiling.com to arrange your free roof survey.

Listed Building Roofing FAQs

What should I look for in listed building roofing specialists?

Listed building roofing specialists should have experience of traditional materials, historic construction and the conservation requirements that can affect repair and reroofing work.

West Country Tiling has worked on Grade I and Grade II* listed buildings using materials including natural slate and stone slate, handcrafted clay tiles, lime mortar and traditional leadwork.

Not always. Like-for-like roof repairs using compatible materials and methods may not require Listed Building Consent if they do not affect the building’s special architectural or historic character.

Consent is more likely to be required where roofing work involves significant replacement of historic fabric, changing the roofing material or altering the roof’s structure, shape, height or appearance. Historic England specifically advises that changes to a listed roof’s shape, height, pitch, internal structure or type of covering require consent.

Requirements depend on the building and the proposed work, so it is important to check with the local planning authority or Conservation Officer before work begins.

Yes. Listed building roof repairs can often retain suitable original materials rather than replacing the entire roof.

At Grade I listed Bisham Abbey, for example, existing natural slates have been retained and repaired wherever possible, with replacement slates selected to match the original roof.

Conservation roofing contractors need to understand how traditional materials and building methods affect the way a listed roof is repaired or restored.

This includes knowing when existing materials can be retained, how replacements should be matched and when traditional techniques and materials are appropriate.

Historic roof restoration can involve much more than replacing the roof covering. Depending on the building, work may include retaining and repairing original materials, reroofing, leadwork, insulation, masonry, chimneys, windows and other associated features.

It is worth speaking to a listed building roofer early in the planning of repairs or reroofing.

Listed buildings can have specific requirements around the work undertaken and the materials that can be used, while some traditional roofing materials may also need to be sourced or prepared in advance. Early planning can also help establish whether consent is required.