Listed buildings are some of the most important properties in the UK. They’re protected because of their architectural or historic interest, with many of them over a century old. However, this can add some complications when you need to renovate or repair them – and roofing is no exception, as this post will discuss.
The complications of listed building roofs
Listed buildings have two complications when it comes to the roof. First and foremost, all listed buildings are protected from demolition, extension or significant alteration by Historic England and local authorities. This alteration covers the main structure of the building, any fixtures such as windows and doors, and – you guessed it – the roof.
Basically, it includes anything that affects the overall character of the building. Things that affect the reason it was listed. If a house is listed because it’s a shining example of houses from the Victorian era, giving it a sparkling new tiled roof will no doubt affect this.
The other challenge is simply that these buildings are typically older. According to Historic England, “The older a building is, and the fewer the surviving examples of its kind, the more likely it is to be listed” and “particularly careful selection is required for buildings from the period after 1945.”
In other words, the vast majority of listed buildings are at least 75 years old. Working on older roofs usually requires a bit more care, and ideally some specific experience working with roofs from similar buildings.
Can I renew a listed building’s roof?
While listed buildings are protected from alteration, it’s not completely prohibited. If work is required that will actually help preserve the building in the long run, it wouldn’t make sense to prevent it.
This is where listed building consent comes into play. To make significant alterations to a listed building, you need to apply for consent through your local authority. Applications take around eight weeks to process, so it’s well worth putting in a bit of extra care and attention.
Your application will be more likely to be approved if you explain how the work could actually help protect the building. This is certainly the case for roofing repairs or renewals, as the roof basically protects the entire property from the elements.
You should also outline how every effort will be made to minimise the impact on its heritage. This includes using the same materials or as close as possible to the original style and maintaining the original structure and slope of the roof.
Pontefract’s roofing experts
Whether your property is 20 or 200 years old, a strong and healthy roof is critical to protect it from the elements. At DPR Roofing, we have a wealth of expertise working roof repairs and replacements for buildings of all shapes, sizes and ages across Pontefract and the surrounding areas.
If you would like to talk more about your project or arrange a no-obligation quote, simply call us on 01977 220016.