Heritage Roofing Specialists in Plymouth
Preserving historic charm with expert restoration and traditional craftsmanship
across Devon and Cornwall.

Have you ever noticed how the roofs on older buildings in Cornwall and Devon have that unique, slightly rugged look? That's often down to 'scantle roofing'. It's a traditional method using random-sized slates bedded in lime mortar, and it’s a skill that is sadly becoming a bit of a lost art. Most modern roofers might suggest a quick fix with modern materials, but that's often the worst thing you can do for a historic structure. We specialise in 'wet laying' slates and using authentic Delabole slate to ensure the repair is sympathetic to the building's roots. Because these old buildings need to breathe, we always use traditional lime mortar pointing rather than harsh cement, which can actually trap moisture and cause the stone to decay over time.

Lead is one of the most durable materials we work with, but only if it's handled correctly. If you've got an old chimney stack or complex valleys on a heritage roof, the leadwork is usually the first line of defence against our West Country rain. Our team are experts in lead bossing and welding, which is essentially the art of shaping heavy lead sheets by hand to fit the unique curves and angles of your roof. It's a slow, methodical process, but it’s the only way to ensure a perfect, watertight seal that won't crack when the temperature shifts. We see so many historic roofs where 'flashband' or modern sealants have been used as a sticky-plaster fix, but for a listed building, there’s simply no substitute for properly installed, high-grade lead.

Are you feeling a bit overwhelmed by the red tape? We often hear from homeowners who are worried about falling foul of Plymouth City Council or their local conservation officer. If you live in a designated Conservation Area or your home is Grade I or II listed, you can't just pick any slate off the shelf. We're very used to working within these strict guidelines. We can help you source like-for-like materials that satisfy building control and ensure the structural integrity of your property is maintained. From matching original ridge tiles to ensuring the timber 'bones' of the roof are preserved, we handle the details so you don't have to worry about the legalities of your restoration project.

Imagine being able to see exactly what’s happening with your chimney pots or high-level gables without having to pay for a full set of scaffolding first. That’s exactly why we offer drone roof surveys for our heritage clients. Old roofs can be fragile, and the last thing you want is someone clambering over century-old slates just to find a leak. Our high-resolution drones allow us to spot delaminating slate, eroding mortar, or slipped tiles from the air. It’s a non-invasive way to get a clear picture of what’s going on, and it’s often the first step we recommend for a pre-purchase survey or an insurance claim. It saves you money and, more importantly, it protects the delicate fabric of your historic home.