Expert Heritage Roofing in Ivybridge, Devon

Does the thought of dealing with conservation officers and planning permission make you a bit nervous? You're not alone. Most homeowners we chat with in the South Hams feel the same way when they realise their roof needs work. If your home is Grade II listed or sits within a conservation area, you can't just throw on any old tile. We're well-versed in the 'like-for-like' requirements that keep Ivybridge looking authentic. We can help guide you through the process, ensuring we use materials that satisfy local authorities while giving your home the protection it needs against our unpredictable Atlantic weather. We'll handle the technical side so you don't have to worry about the red tape.

There is something incredibly satisfying about a perfectly laid slate roof, especially when it's done using traditional methods like scantle roofing. This Cornish and Devon tradition involves using random-sized slates bedded in lime mortar, a skill that's becoming a bit of a lost art. Our team takes pride in these time-honoured techniques. We also specialise in lead bossing and welding—shaping lead sheets around chimneys and valleys by hand to create a seal that's as beautiful as it is functional. We don't believe in cutting corners with modern 'quick-fix' plastics; when you're dealing with a heritage property, doing it properly the first time is the only way to avoid expensive headaches down the road.

Have you noticed your old stone walls starting to flake or damp patches appearing inside? It's often because a previous owner used modern cement mortar for repairs. Heritage buildings in Devon were designed to 'breathe,' and using hard cement is like wrapping your house in a plastic bag. We use traditional lime pointing to ensure moisture can escape naturally. It’s softer and more flexible than modern mortar, which means it won't crack your precious stones as the building settles. It’s a small detail that makes a massive difference to the longevity of your property. We'll rake out the old, failing material and replace it with a sympathetic lime mix that looks right and works even better.

Imagine being able to see exactly what's going on with your chimney stack or high-level gables without having to pay for a forest of scaffolding. That's exactly why we offer drone roof surveys across Ivybridge and the South Hams. Heritage roofs can be fragile, and the last thing you want is someone clambering over old slates just to find a leak. Our high-resolution drones capture every detail safely and quickly. We'll provide you with clear footage and photos, showing you exactly what needs fixing. It’s a transparent, modern way to look after an old building, and it often saves our customers hundreds of pounds in initial inspection costs.