Expert Heritage Roofing in Plymouth, Plymouth

The way we roofed buildings two hundred years ago is a world away from how a new-build estate is put together today. In Plymouth and the surrounding villages, we often see 'scantle' roofing—a beautiful, traditional Cornish and Devon method using random-sized slates bedded in lime mortar. It's a real craft that many modern roofers simply haven't been taught. We take pride in being one of the few local specialists who still practice 'wet laying' and use authentic lime mortar pointing. This isn't just about looks; it's about structural integrity. Using the wrong materials, like modern cement on an old building, can actually trap moisture and cause long-term damage. We always aim for a sympathetic restoration, sourcing like-for-like materials such as genuine Delabole slate to ensure your home looks exactly as it was intended to, while providing modern-day reliability.

If you take a look at the roofline of many listed buildings in Plymouth, you'll see intricate leadwork around the chimneys, gables, and valleys. Lead is the unsung hero of heritage roofing, but it takes a steady hand and years of experience to get it right. Our team specialises in bespoke lead bossing and welding, shaping the metal to fit the unique contours of your property without cracking. We've seen far too many beautiful old roofs 'repaired' with sticky tape or modern sealants that fail within a year. We prefer to do things properly. By using time-honoured techniques, we create watertight seals that don't just look the part but can last for a century or more. It's that kind of peace of mind that homeowners really value when they're investing in a historic property.

We know that one of the biggest headaches for owners of listed or historic buildings is the cost and hassle of putting up scaffolding just to see what's going on up there. That's why we've invested in state-of-the-art drone technology. If you're worried about a potential leak or need a report for an insurance claim, our drone surveys are a game-changer. We can capture high-resolution images of your roof tiles, leadwork, and chimney stacks without ever setting a foot on a ladder. It's fast, it's safe, and most importantly for older buildings, it's completely non-invasive. You won't have to worry about fragile slates being broken during an inspection. It allows us to give you a clear, honest picture of what work is needed (and what isn't) before you spend a penny on scaffolding.

If your home is Grade I or Grade II listed, or if you live within one of Plymouth's many conservation areas, you'll know that even minor repairs can sometimes feel like a mountain of paperwork. You can't just change the colour of your tiles or swap slate for concrete without permission. We're here to take that stress off your shoulders. We regularly work alongside local councils and conservation officers to ensure all our work meets their strict requirements. We understand the jargon, from 'listed building consent' to 'building control' sign-offs. We can provide the detailed specifications and material samples needed to keep the planners happy, ensuring your restoration project stays on the right side of the law while protecting the architectural legacy of our region.