Using Skilled Craftsmanship to Restore Traditional Plain Tiles and Ornamental Banding
Across the South West, many historic buildings require specialist roofing expertise to preserve their character while protecting them for generations to come. West Country Tiling is currently undertaking the complete reroofing of a substantial manor house in Somerset, carrying out an extensive programme of restoration that combines traditional craftsmanship with modern roofing standards.
This project highlights the level of detail and skill required when working on historic roofs, particularly those featuring traditional clay plain tiles and decorative ornamental banding.
A Complete Roof Restoration
The project began with the careful removal of the existing plain tiles, allowing the team to inspect the roof structure beneath. As is often the case with older properties, areas of the original timber framework required repair before the new roof could be installed.
Once the structural repairs were complete, new roofing battens were fitted along with Steico insulation to improve the roof’s thermal performance while remaining sympathetic to the historic construction.
This approach provides a solid foundation for the new roof without compromising the character of the building.
Recreating Traditional Ornamental Banding
One of the most distinctive features of the manor house is its decorative roof patterning. The front elevations incorporate clay plain tiles with intricate ornamental banding, created using specially shaped tiles to form decorative horizontal bands across the roof.
Rather than simply replicating what was there before, the team has carefully reviewed the existing layout and is correcting inaccuracies that had developed over previous reroofing works. This ensures the decorative pattern reflects the building’s original design as closely as possible.
Producing this type of roof requires significant planning, precision and experience. Every band must align perfectly across the roof while maintaining consistent tile spacing and weather protection.
Complex Roof Shapes Demand Specialist Skills
Historic roofs rarely follow simple lines, and this project is no exception.
The property features several elegant turrets with curved eyebrow details that require every tile to be individually shaped. Because the roof tapers towards each turret, every plain tile must be cut twice before installation to achieve the correct fit and maintain the flowing lines of the roof.
This level of craftsmanship cannot be achieved with standard roofing methods and demonstrates why heritage projects require experienced roofing specialists.
Completing the Roof from Front to Back
While the front elevations are being reroofed using clay plain tiles and decorative ornamental banding, the rear roof will be finished using natural slates to match the property’s original appearance.
Alongside the new roof coverings, the project also includes replacing the lead rainwater goods, renewing lead flashings around the chimneys and carrying out restoration work to a striking glass roof lantern. Completing all of these elements together helps protect the building from water ingress while preserving its architectural character.
Preserving Historic Buildings for the Future
Every heritage roofing project presents its own challenges, but they all share one common goal: preserving the building’s history while providing a roof that will perform reliably for decades to come.
From structural timber repairs to carefully laid plain tiles and beautifully recreated ornamental banding, projects like this showcase the traditional skills that remain at the heart of West Country Tiling’s work.
Whether working on listed buildings, period homes or complex heritage restorations, our experienced team understands the attention to detail needed to deliver roofing solutions that respect the original architecture while meeting modern performance standards.
Looking for Heritage Roofing Specialists?
If you’re planning repairs or restoration work on a listed building or period property, West Country Tiling has extensive experience working with traditional roofing materials, including clay plain tiles, natural slate and decorative ornamental banding. Get in touch with our team to discuss your project and discover how we can help preserve the character and integrity of your property. Please call 01373 462 224 or email info@westcountrytiling.com to find out how we can help.