Expert Heritage Roofing in Ashburton, Devon

Most homeowners we chat to tell us they're worried about finding someone who actually understands how an old building 'breathes'. If you try to fix a 200-year-old roof using modern dry-fix systems or harsh cement, you're asking for trouble with damp and structural decay. Traditional buildings in Devon were designed to be flexible and breathable, often using lime mortar and locally sourced stone. We've spent decades mastering these 'lost arts', ensuring that when we work on your property, we’re using materials and techniques that would make the original builders proud. Are you noticing damp patches or seeing bits of lime mortar on your driveway? It might be time to look at a sympathetic restoration rather than a quick patch-up job.

In this corner of the South West, we have some of the most beautiful roofing styles in the country. We specialise in traditional slating, particularly the 'Scantle' method often found across Devon and Cornwall. This involves using random-sized slates—ideally authentic Delabole slate—and bedding them in lime mortar. It’s a labour-intensive process, but the result is a roof that can withstand the fiercest Atlantic storms while looking absolutely stunning. Whether it's a full re-roof or replacing a few slipped slates that have delaminated over the years, we make sure every piece is hand-trimmed and perfectly placed to maintain that authentic, rugged Devon character.

If you've ever looked closely at the chimneys or valleys of an old Ashburton cottage, you've seen the intricate leadwork that keeps the rain out. This isn't something you can just pick up at a DIY shop; it requires bespoke lead bossing and welding to fit the unique curves of an aged building. Our team are artisans when it comes to lead roofing, ensuring every joint is watertight but allows for natural expansion. We also specialise in lime pointing. Unlike modern cement, lime mortar allows moisture to escape from your masonry, which is vital for preventing the 'spalling' or crumbling of bricks and stones that we see so often in Teignbridge when the wrong materials have been used in the past.

Imagine you've spotted a leak in a high gable or around a chimney stack, but the thought of paying for thousands of pounds worth of scaffolding just to find the problem makes your heart sink. We've solved that. We use high-definition drone roof surveys to get a bird's-eye view of your heritage property without anyone even setting foot on the tiles. It’s completely non-invasive, which is essential for fragile, historic structures. We can spot a cracked coping stone or a blocked gutter in minutes, providing you with crystal-clear footage so you can see exactly what needs doing before we ever talk about bringing in the heavy equipment.