Glengariff

The roof replacement of a beautiful late-18th-century home, situated in the seaside town of Teignmouth, enjoying incredible views over the River Teign as it meets the English Channel.

This historic property was constructed with many timeless features, each just as astonishing to admire today as they would have been originally. The roof covering, however, was failing due to its age. Over its lifespan, the roof had endured severe exposure to the elements, yet it had performed remarkably well for over 130 years, a true testament to the longevity of natural slate roofing.

Having reached the end of its serviceable life, we specified a replacement slate that would respectfully nod to the original Welsh greys (exact quarry location unknown) that were removed. Together with our clients, we selected a Canadian slate from the Glendyne quarry. Glendyne slates are approximately 98% identical to Ffestiniog Slate, which is inherently dark blue-grey in colour. Glendyne produces some of the thinnest, highest-quality roofing slates in the world, making it a perfect choice for a project requiring such close visual and material continuity.

We replaced anything that was not authentic and carefully rejuvented everything that remained. The concrete mortar-bedded hips and ridge were removed and replaced with a Code 6 lead hip and ridge detail. Failed bay roofs were renewed using Code 6 sheet lead, installed with a traditional timber core roll (mop stick) detail.

Glengariff features a hybrid roof construction, with many open areas beneath that are naturally well ventilated, alongside rooms with vaulted lath-and-plaster ceilings directly below the roof covering and lacking both insulation and ventilation. To improve the U-value of this period roof, we installed an insulation-inclusive breather membrane system. This required counter-battening the roof in its entirety to ensure continuous and effective ventilation between the slate covering and the membrane.

At the request of our client, we also introduced subtle artistic flair to the roofscape. All lead pipework was fabricated to our own unique design, in keeping with the traditional character of the house, and a handcrafted lead owl was created to adorn one of the pipes. Our signature cast lead finials were installed to all apexes.

One particularly enjoyable upgrade was the redesign of the chimney aprons. These chimneys penetrate the roof at eaves level, with their front faces set just behind the gutter line. The previous detailing had been poorly conceived, offering no effective kick to shed rainfall. We formed a new corbelled timber detail, allowing the lead to be properly moulded and dressed. The chimneys have not only been significantly improved from a technical standpoint, with increased lead thickness and better water management, but now present as an original and visually striking feature. To complete the detail, cast Tudor Rose motifs were welded to the front faces.

Please take a look through the photos to see for yourselves what we have crafted for our clients on this project.