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Extensive restoration and reroofing works to the historic Manor House, Gatehouse, and outbuildings, preserving key architectural features such as swept valleys and decorative ridge details. The project included specialist leadwork, reclaimed tile installation, insulation upgrades, structural repairs, and full internal and external redecorations, all delivered to heritage standards with minimal disruption to the occupied site.
This project involved extensive restoration works to the Manor House, Gatehouse, and a toilet block outbuilding. The Manor House is a three-storey, 40-room Elizabethan-style mansion, featuring vertical tiling on the upper level and white render on the lower. The two-storey Gatehouse, with its white-rendered facade and exposed dark beams, includes a central gateway allowing access to the estate grounds.
Site Preparation: Establishment of the site, tree protection measures, and access scaffolding.Wildlife Considerations: Implementation of bat mitigation measures in compliance with a Bat Licence, with specific timing restrictions for roof replacement works. Arbocultural inspections and protection measures were undertaken to preserve and protect the surrounding trees.
Roof Works:
Internal Works: Internal repairs and redecoration of ceilings in upper-floor apartments and circulation spaces within the Manor House.This comprehensive scope ensured the preservation, functionality, and aesthetic integrity of these historically significant buildings.The client had specific requirements for the new roof coverings to retain all existing design features, such as the distinctive swept valleys, ensuring the aesthetic integrity of the building was preserved.
The Manor House remained in continuous use throughout the project, necessitating careful planning and execution to minimise disruption.Additionally, as the site was designated for religious purposes, we maintained a high level of mindfulness and respect in every aspect of our work to honour the site's significance and the needs of its users.
The Manor House roof featured a large and intricate design, with swept valleys that required careful execution to maintain consistent tile coursing. This detail, also present on the smaller gatehouse, added architectural complexity and visual appeal. Timber valley boards were installed beneath the valleys to create the necessary sweep and provide solid fixing points. Ridge tiles had to be cut to a taper to form a distinctive scorpion tail shape, ensuring they blended seamlessly with the surrounding tiling. To support the valley and verge design, angled timberwork was installed, especially where verges sloped away from the building. This not only improved water runoff but also enhanced the aesthetic finish of the roof.
The roofing works across the three buildings were carried out by a skilled team, including NVQ Level 3 Heritage Tilers and NVQ Level 2 Slater and Tilers, in full compliance with British Standards. After site setup and scaffolding installation, the existing roof coverings were stripped, with salvageable tiles set aside. The roofs were rebuilt using new underlay, battens, lap vents, and a mix of original and matching reclaimed tiles. Traditional fixing methods were used, and detailed elements such as bonnets, ridges, verges, valleys, abutments, and dormers were reinstated to match or improve upon the original design.
Leadwork included Code 4 flashings to chimneys and new Code 6 coverings to the Cupola and toilet block. Chimney repointing was completed with lime mortar. Vertical tiling was replaced on the east and west elevations, alongside structural repairs using plywood sheathing and stonework. New Rockwool insulation was installed after loft clearance, and lead trays were fitted around structural timbers before reinstating brickwork, lime render, and decoration.
Internally, the top floor was fully redecorated, with traditional repairs made to areas affected by water ingress. Pest inspections were also carried out throughout the project to maintain site standards.
The project was managed by Clarke Roofing’s experienced in-house team, including estimators, contract managers, a quantity surveyor, site manager, and skilled roofing teams. Pre-start meetings with the client and surveyors ensured all logistical arrangements, such as plant placement, material storage, and welfare facilities, were agreed upon in advance.
Following subcontractor appointments and material orders, the project schedule was finalised in coordination with the client to align with their commitments. Throughout the works, regular site visits and progress meetings were conducted to monitor progress, address any variations, and maintain clear communication between all parties.
Valuations were managed collaboratively between the client, surveyor, and Clarke Roofing’s quantity surveyor, with interim valuations issued as needed to reflect the project’s scale and duration. Although the timeline was extended due to additional works, the revised schedule was agreed upon and approved, ensuring the project was delivered to the client’s satisfaction.
A full Construction Phase Health & Safety Plan, including Risk and Method Statements (RAMS), was implemented and managed by our Health & Safety Co-ordinator. All necessary documentation and PPE were provided on-site, with records maintained for inductions, inspections, equipment use, and emergency procedures.
Operatives completed site inductions and signed in daily, with full PPE mandatory at all times. Scaffold inspections were carried out by the scaffolder and H&S Co-ordinator, with daily oversight from the site manager to ensure safe working practices. RAMS were regularly reviewed and updated to reflect any changes in working methods.
Overall, the project was an outstanding success. We effectively preserved the essential features and functionality of the roof while ensuring that the aesthetics remained intact.