Expert Heritage Roofing in Dartmouth, Devon

If you own a Grade I or II listed property, you'll know that 'simple' repairs are rarely straightforward. Most homeowners we speak to in the South Hams feel a bit overwhelmed by conservation area regulations and the need for Listed Building Consent. We've spent years working alongside local planning officers, so we understand exactly what they're looking for. We focus on sympathetic restoration, which basically means making sure any new work blends in so perfectly that you'd never know we were there. Are you worried about finding a match for your existing stone or slate? We specialise in sourcing like-for-like materials that satisfy both the planners and the historic integrity of your home.

Have you ever noticed the unique look of the older roofs around Devon and Cornwall? That's often down to a traditional technique called scantle roofing. It's a bit of a lost art, involving the use of random-sized slates bedded in lime mortar. It's a slow, meticulous process, but it's the only way to get that authentic, rugged finish that defines our local heritage. We're experts in this 'wet laying' method, often using Delabole slate or reclaimed materials to ensure the new section of your roof looks like it's been there for centuries. It's this attention to detail that keeps your home watertight while maintaining that classic South West aesthetic.

A roof is only as good as its weakest point, which for older buildings is usually the leadwork or the mortar. Unlike modern cement, which can be too rigid and trap moisture, we use traditional lime pointing. This allows your walls to 'breathe,' preventing the damp patches that so many Dartmouth residents struggle with. Our team is also highly skilled in lead bossing and welding. Whether it's a complex chimney flash or a bespoke valley, we shape the lead by hand to ensure a perfect fit. Imagine noticing a small drip every time it rains heavily—it's often just a bit of cracked lead or eroded mortar that needs a specialist's touch to put right.

Inspecting a tall, historic building can be a real headache. Usually, you'd need to spend thousands on scaffolding just to see what the problem is. That's why we've invested in high-definition drone technology. It's a non-invasive way for us to get a bird's-eye view of your chimney stacks, gables, and ridge tiles without even touching the structure. It’s perfect for pre-purchase homebuyer reports or insurance claims. We can spot a slipped slate or a blocked gutter in minutes, providing you with crystal-clear footage so you can see exactly what we're talking about before we even pick up a tool.