Current Issue
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.
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.
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.
Read More...
Heritage Funding
£48m heritage funding opens for churches and historic buildings
Part of £1.5 billion government investment in cultural organisations over a five-year period
Thousands of churches and historic buildings across England could benefit from a major new £48 million funding package aimed at urgent repairs, regeneration projects and wider community use.
CRE Events
Christian Resources Exhibition enters a new chapter as Church Resources Exhibition
The Christian Resources Exhibition (CRE), the UK’s largest church-related show, has changed hands in its 40th year and has been taken over by Quartz Business Media.
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.
SEARCH OUR DIRECTORY
The NFRC award to LCA member for its traditional skills
LOCAL company O’Brien Roofing and Leadworks Specialist and LCA member have won a coveted national award for the high quality of its work.
They were competing against a number of national organisations for the prestigious 2010 National Federation of Roofing Contractors Annual Awards.
Managing Director Daniel O’Brien said: “As a team we pride ourselves on the high standard of craftsmanship that is constantly maintained in our work and it is great to be recognised for this.”
The NFRC (national federation of roofing contractors) praised the company for its traditional skills, stating these were “not seen often enough on lead work today”. The annual Congress also noted the excellent use of probably the greenest and most recyclable building materials used in building today.
The achievement was based on a full assessment of their work, which used heritage skills often not seen.
O'Brien’s provide all slating and tiling requirements, offer free advice and estimates and undertake all aspects of roofing work, from a small repair to a complete new roof.
They specialise in leadwork welding and bossing and are Topseal GRP Flat Roofing Approved.
All staff are professional, helpful and efficient and aim to complete their projects to the highest standard and to short timescales.
Their services also cover the installation and repair of all types of guttering including traditional cast iron and modern UPVC materials.
O’Brien’s re-roof and fit new roofs on all types of properties, in all kinds of slate, ranging from Welsh natural slate to man-made fibre cement slate.
If the original roof slates are in good condition, but slipping because of nail failure, O’Brien’s will aim to salvage all good quality slates, making up numbers with similar slates. This is a good alternative especially if the property is a listed building.
All jobs large or small are carried out from a slipped slate to a re-roof from a re-roof to a housing estate.
Daniel added: “I would like to thank all of our staff on their outstanding achievement, particularly Neil Downton the apprentice who was involved in the work which won us this award”.
This success builds on the previous year when the company won a coveted NFRC health and safety award.
Examples of the work undertaken by O’Brien’s can be seen at www.obrienroofing.co.uk, or for further information call 01308 459651.
VISIT OUR ASSOCIATED SITES
