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When it comes to repairing a roof on a listed building, there are often more hoops to jump through than for other types of commercial roofs.
And that’s because the purpose of listing a building is to preserve it for future generations. So, when something needs repair or renovation, those tasked with making decisions about how to proceed must weigh the benefits of maintaining the original features against the need for repairs.
In some cases, this can delay getting necessary work done or even outright denial of repairs that would otherwise be pretty routine.
A listed building is a building that the government lists because of its historical or architectural significance.
Any work done to these buildings has to be in accordance with the latest listed building regulations, which might include guidelines for how a contractor must repair the roofs on such buildings.
Since most listed buildings have roofs made of slate or tiles, any damage to a roof could expose the underlayment, which most buildings do not want to see exposed since it wasn’t protected from the elements in its original state. But keeping a roof in good condition is not the only reason a listed building refuses to fix a damaged roof.
Although the original roofs on most listed buildings were made from natural materials that could last for centuries, they were also not engineered to stand up to current conditions or withstand constant exposure to the elements. Certain roofing materials are not suitable for use on listed buildings, so it’s imperative to ensure that the roof is in complete working order before work begins — or it will be impossible to repair it.
Non-combustible materials such as slate or cast iron tiles may be used, but the overall effect must be in keeping with the rest of the building’s design. The roofing materials used on a listed building must be in keeping with the rest of the building’s design.
This prevents the roof from standing out too much from the rest of the building. For this reason, different materials can be used on a listed building’s roof. Furthermore, if an existing roof on a listed building needs to be replaced, only the same type of tile or slate should be used as the original roof, with the same type of installation and pitch.
However, choosing an appropriate roofing material for a listed building can be tricky due to the strict guidelines that have to be adhered to. A competent roofing contractor will be able to offer advice on the most appropriate roof material to use and can advise on whether or not it is suitable.
But to work on a listed building, it is also necessary to employ a licensed contractor to work on these buildings.
Listed buildings often require special licences to allow them to be repaired or restored, and finding the right roofers can be a challenge too.
At each phase of the job, the heritage organisation in charge must be contacted when their roof work is done.
The roof of a historic listed building is probably the most visible part of the building, so its appearance is important. When a listed building’s roof needs repairing or replacing, there can be many red tapes to be negotiated before work can begin.
The contractor needs planning permission for the roofing work and permission from the relevant planning authorities to carry out any structural work required. The contractor also needs approval from the property owner’s local authority to carry out the work. The local authority might also want to inspect the roof before any work is done to ensure no listed features are removed or damaged.
Once the contractor is approved to carry out the work, the council may need to approve a conservation statement before the work can begin. This is a document detailing the work carried out and its reasons.
Once all the permits are in place and the roof has been inspected, the contractor can proceed. But the process can take weeks, or even months, to complete, so it’s essential to start early if your roof shows signs of needing repair.
Roof maintenance on a listed building is vitally important because the structure is part of the building, and any damage could easily affect the integrity of the building.
Roofing companies often have to obtain a variety of permits before starting work.
These jobs can include jobs on listed buildings or roofs that may need to be replaced due to fire or storm damage. This can add significant time to projects because permits need to be obtained, and work needs to be inspected regularly to ensure that it’s being done correctly.
It may also be necessary for listed buildings to hire a lead inspector to make sure the roof is being repaired correctly and that any historical features of the building aren’t damaged. The roof must be adequately restored, as any damage to the structure could compromise the safety of your employees and visitors.
That’s especially important for listed buildings, which need to be restored as they were before the conservation work began. If in doubt about whether a contractor is qualified for the job, request references or ask to see photos of past projects they have done on listed buildings.
These steps can help you find a contractor with the necessary experience to do the job correctly without damaging your property or endangering your safety.
If you’re a business owner and your building is a listed one, it’s best to consult with an expert before deciding on your roof.
The reason is that there are often more hoops to jump through than for other types of commercial roofs to repair a listed building’s roof. For example, you may need permission from your local council and the Heritage Council before making any changes to your roof.
Also, if you have a listed building, you can only carry out repairs and changes if you can prove they are necessary and won’t damage your building’s heritage features. Finally, if you decide to get a new roof for your listed building, replacing your current roof with more modern material, such as steel or aluminium, may be suitable.
Steel and aluminium are much lighter materials than slate or tile, so you won’t have to support as much weight, and therefore your building will be less prone to structural problems in the future. These materials are better insulation options and save your business money on energy bills.
Steel can also last for many years longer than other materials, so you’ll have fewer roof-related costs over the long term. Finally, if you have a listed building, the materials are more durable and won’t need to be replaced quickly or frequently as other roofing materials.
These materials are typically more expensive than other materials used on listed buildings. For this reason, you have to make sure you protect your investment by using high-quality roofing materials.
Listed buildings are a valuable part of our architectural heritage, and businesses need to be aware of why roofing repairs are often denied.
By understanding the challenges of repairing or renovating a listed building, business owners can make more informed decisions about their property and how to best preserve it for future generations. If you’re a business owner with a listed building, it’s essential to consult with an expert before making decisions about your roof.
If you have any questions or would like any advice about your listed building’s roof, get in touch with us here at Industrial Roofing Services. We specialise in providing roofing and are happy to talk you through your options.
