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Heritage Roofing
Heritage roofing - maintaining our iconic buildings
The UK is home to some of the most iconic buildings in the world, from stunning churches and cathedrals to historic stately homes. Each and every one of these remarkable feats of architecture requires regular maintenance to ensure they remain in the very best condition, allowing them to be enjoyed for generations.
Traditional Lime
Lime: it’s better for buildings – and for the environment
It is now fairly well known that cement is not good for old buildings and that lime mortar should be used. But why? What are the advantages and what are the disadvantages? In order to begin to answer those questions it is necessary to understand the nature of traditional building, the process by which buildings used to be built, and how it differs from modern construction, the process by which we build today.
Audio Visual
Audio visual equipment in church buildings
This guidance is issued by the Church Buildings Council under section 55(1)(d) of the Dioceses, Mission and Pastoral Measure 2007. As it is statutory guidance, it must be considered with great care. The standards of good practice set out in the guidance should not be departed from unless the departure is justified by reasons that are spelled out clearly, logically and convincingly.
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CRE Events
After the Midlands, onward to Milton Keynes
"CRE Midlands reminded me of the giddy days when it first began – the venue was packed with exhibitors and visitors and there was a busy atmosphere. The whole thing looked great."
Insurance
You need to ensure that reasonable precautions are in place at your church to keep it safe for those who use it. To do this, you need to think about what might cause harm to people.
You will then need to decide if the precautions already in place are adequate. If they are not, you may need to identify further action to prevent any danger. When done formally, this is known as a risk assessment.
Lead Roofing
Lead is one of the oldest materials in the roofing industry and is still commonly used throughout the world today.
Lead roofing is a traditional roofing method which has been used in the industry for hundreds of years, and is therefore proven to be extremely reliable. Lead roofing, and sand-cast lead, in particular is ideal for old buildings such as churches or historical renovations, whereas milled lead roofing is a mass-produced alternative, used for precision and accuracy in homes and commercial buildings alike.
Lightning Protection
When lightning strikes are you protected against this act of God?
The issue of lightning protection in churches is one that has exercised this publication for many years. In this four-part series of spotlights on the issue we will be revisiting various aspects of the subject, beginning with an overview of current thinking.
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Martin-Brooks Defends Local Castle Against Elements
Leading heritage roofing specialists, Sheffield-based Martin-Brooks, has completed a two year labour of love to restore one of the region’s most famous castles to its former glory.
After undertaking it first phase of repairs at North Derbyshire’s Bolsover Castle in 2009, Martin-Brooks has now returned to complete its work on the roof of the ancient structure.
Martin-Brooks’ heritage craftsmen have been repairing the roof of the grade I listed Little Castle. The firm has stripped lead off the castle roof and replaced it using traditional methods and materials. Where possible, the existing lead was recast into new panels at a local foundry and re-used.
The work undertaken by Martin-Brooks is part of a larger English Heritage project run by main contractor, Woodhead Heritage. The roof restoration at Bolsover Castle was completed in phases so as not to impact on visitors’ enjoyment of the attraction.
Dale Wright, Martin-Brooks’ contracts director, said: “Bolsover Castle is one of our most prestigious local landmarks and it has been an honour to be involved in its preservation. The finish achieved by our expert roofers demonstrates the level of skill needed to retain the character of our architectural heritage. This has been a lengthy project that has involved a great deal of planning, but it is very rewarding to reach such a positive conclusion.”
Martin-Brooks was shortlisted for the second consecutive year in the Heritage Roofing category of The Roofing Awards 2011, run by the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC). For further information about the firm’s heritage work, telephone (0114) 244 7720 or visit www.martin-brooks.co.uk
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