SYMPATHETIC PERIOD ROOF RESTORATION
We restore and repair older roofs with the care these buildings demand, and B & D Roofing & Building, based in Gorebridge, brings that approach to properties throughout the Central Belt with real respect for original materials. Heritage roofing is about more than stopping leaks. It protects the character of period, listed and historically important buildings by using slate, lead and traditional roof components that suit the structure.
We retain sound original slates wherever possible, then source matching replacements when extra material is needed. That matters when a roof has aged unevenly, a chimney has started letting in water, or past repairs have spoiled the look of the building. You get work that aims to keep the roof weatherproof without stripping away the details that gave it its identity in the first place.
TRADITIONAL METHODS FOR COMPLEX ROOF PROBLEMS
Our work often starts with a close look at what sits beneath the covering, because failing sarking, tired rafters and decayed wall plates can be part of the real problem. We repair those elements sympathetically, rather than treating an old roof like a modern one and hoping for the best.
Traditional leadwork also plays a big part, especially around flashings, valleys, ridges and gutters where water likes to test every weak point. When chimney stacks or adjoining masonry need attention, we can deal with the roofing and the surrounding fabric as one joined-up job. That saves you from patchwork fixes that look wrong and do not last.
PRESERVING ROOFS, PRESERVING HISTORY
Older buildings move, breathe and shed water differently, so repairs need judgement as much as skill. We keep that in mind on every project, and B & D Roofing & Building works to preserve original character instead of forcing modern shortcuts onto traditional roofs. This gives you a clearer route when larger conservation work involves roofing alongside stone restoration or other building repairs.
What our heritage roof work can include:
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Traditional slate roof repairs
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Careful re-use of original slates
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Matching replacement slate sourced
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Complete re-slating and restoration
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Traditional lead flashings and valleys
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Sarking and timber repairs
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Chimney and masonry repairs
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Listed building roof work
PRESERVING SCOTLAND’S ROOFING HERITAGE
Explore some of B & D Roofing & Building’s standout heritage projects, from the restoration of traditional slate and tiled roofs to specialist leadwork and the careful reuse of original materials. Our work on historic properties including Hermitage, Cargilfield School, the Inn at John O’Groats and Torosay Castle showcases the craftsmanship and attention to detail required to protect the character of remarkable buildings for years to come.
HERMITAGE, EDWARDIAN VILLA
Dating from around 1900; B & D retained and reused original slates, sourced matching slate, renewed traditional leadwork and specifically worked to preserve the building’s original character.
CARGILFIELD SCHOOL, EDINBURGH
The project involved roofs up to 100 years old on a listed property, traditional clay tiling, leadwork, copper detailing and decorative zinc work.
TOROSAY CASTLE, ISLE OF MULL
The 1885 Baronial mansion project involved stripping and reusing original slate, recycling existing lead, roof-timber repairs, stone conservation and careful retention of the historic roofscape.
THE INN AT JOHN O'GROATS
The original hotel dates from 1887 and B & D carried out a complete strip and re-slate of the existing pitched roofs as part of its regeneration, along with rainwater goods and rendering.
