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Heritage Roofing
Heritage roofing - maintaining our iconic buildings
The UK is home to some of the most iconic buildings in the world, from stunning churches and cathedrals to historic stately homes. Each and every one of these remarkable feats of architecture requires regular maintenance to ensure they remain in the very best condition, allowing them to be enjoyed for generations.
Cathedral Care
Restoration and upkeep of cathedrals
There are some 42 Anglican cathedrals in the UK, not to mention 20 or so Catholic cathedrals. Cathedrals form the most important collection of historic buildings in England. The largest and most ancient are internationally famous, the smallest are usually among the most significant buildings in their region and even the most recent are architectural masterpieces.
Master Craftsmen
Championing our heritage with modern craftsmanship
Twenty years ago, English Heritage (now Historic England) published its first-ever Register of Buildings at Risk across England, which featured nearly 2,000 buildings and monuments that were ‘neglected, broken and unloved’. Recently Historic England was delighted to announce that over two-thirds of those buildings were now safe, in both urban and rural areas right across the country.
Traditional Lime
Lime: it’s better for buildings – and for the environment
It is now fairly well known that cement is not good for old buildings and that lime mortar should be used. But why? What are the advantages and what are the disadvantages? In order to begin to answer those questions it is necessary to understand the nature of traditional building, the process by which buildings used to be built, and how it differs from modern construction, the process by which we build today.
Audio Visual
Audio visual equipment in church buildings
This guidance is issued by the Church Buildings Council under section 55(1)(d) of the Dioceses, Mission and Pastoral Measure 2007. As it is statutory guidance, it must be considered with great care. The standards of good practice set out in the guidance should not be departed from unless the departure is justified by reasons that are spelled out clearly, logically and convincingly.
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CRE Events
After the Midlands, onward to Milton Keynes
"CRE Midlands reminded me of the giddy days when it first began – the venue was packed with exhibitors and visitors and there was a busy atmosphere. The whole thing looked great."
Insurance
You need to ensure that reasonable precautions are in place at your church to keep it safe for those who use it. To do this, you need to think about what might cause harm to people.
You will then need to decide if the precautions already in place are adequate. If they are not, you may need to identify further action to prevent any danger. When done formally, this is known as a risk assessment.
Church Maintenance
Church maintenance and repair: Calendar of Care
Just as prevention is always better than cure, maintenance is preferable to major repairs. But, such repairs may not always be avoidable. Church Care offers a monthly guide in our coming issues Starting in Spring
We can help you understand the common problems and areas that need your special attention, and give you tips for regular maintenance schemes.
Pest Control
Michael Palin warns of pest threat to churches
Michael Palin is supporting the future of the UK’s historic churches and chapels with a voiceover for a new animated film. The 80 second animation, produced for the National Churches Trust, highlights why churches are some of the nation’s best loved buildings.
Town Halls
The history of the great Victorian Town Halls of Northern England
From industrial squalor to civic pride, the story behind some of the most impressive buildings of the North involve a unique mix of economics, grand designs and noble sentiments within communities.
Lead Roofing
Lead is one of the oldest materials in the roofing industry and is still commonly used throughout the world today.
Lead roofing is a traditional roofing method which has been used in the industry for hundreds of years, and is therefore proven to be extremely reliable. Lead roofing, and sand-cast lead, in particular is ideal for old buildings such as churches or historical renovations, whereas milled lead roofing is a mass-produced alternative, used for precision and accuracy in homes and commercial buildings alike.
Lightning Protection
When lightning strikes are you protected against this act of God?
The issue of lightning protection in churches is one that has exercised this publication for many years. In this four-part series of spotlights on the issue we will be revisiting various aspects of the subject, beginning with an overview of current thinking.
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110 Bespoke terracotta pieces add finishing touches to Wigan Town Hall restoration
As part of the Wigan Town Hall refurbishment, restoration specialists Darwen Terracotta and Faience have manufactured and supplied 110 replacement bespoke terracotta pieces. Designed by local architects Nuttall and Cooke, the grade II listed Town Hall has been part of the street scene since 1867. It has now been restored to its former glory, with the new terracotta elements installed by expert restoration contractors Stone Central (NW) Ltd.
“Wigan Town Hall is an exceptional example of the use of terracotta during the Victorian period,” explained Jon Wilson, a director at Darwen Terracotta. “Like so many buildings of the period the standard of construction and level of craftsmanship in the finish was exceptional and that is why, despite more than a century of intensive use and exposure to the severe pollution of the industrial revolution, it survives and we are able reverse the damage of decades to breathe new life into the fabric.”
Each of the 110 new pieces of terracotta replaces an original element and was hand sculpted and finished based on measurements and photographs taken of the original pieces. Extreme care was taken to achieve a close match to the surrounding pieces – even taking into account the effects of weathering and cleaning on the colour since the first installation. Close consideration was given to shrinkage during firing to achieve a precision fit.
Stone Central were responsible for dismantling the failed cladding and installation of the new pieces in addition to extensive re-pointing of the exterior and removal and re-bedding of the wall copings. Work has been on-going for 18 months but with the scaffolding now removed the full glory of the restoration is revealed.
The Town Hall was first constructed at a cost of £12,000, equivalent to nearly £16 million today. Total refurbishment by main contractor ISG has cost £5.9 million. This has included a remodelling and refit of internal areas to a master plan by architects Plus 3, making the building fit to meet the demands of the 21st Century and able to provide service to the people of Wigan well into the future.
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