Heritage Roofing Aberdeen
The granite stone used to build Aberdeen’s townhouses in the West End, Rosemount terraces and the old cottages and tenements of Old Aberdeen is a significant part of what makes the city unique. These buildings make up the townscape, so they must be maintained and repaired in a way that respects their original look and value.
Heritage roofing is a major part of protecting and restoring the building, while also protecting the streetscapes that characterise the city.
Greyfriars Roofing has been in business for more than 60 years and is a family run business. We restore and repair the roofs of many of the city’s iconic buildings and homes including granite tenements, churches, villas and period properties in conservation areas such as Footdee, Ferryhill and the Castlegate.
Greyfriars Roofing uses reclaimed Scottish slate, hand dressed leadwork, lime mortar and cast iron rainwater systems to restore roofs to original condition. We replicate and replace historic detailing and match roof profiles accurately to retain the look of the building and make sure the work stands the test of time.
As part of the work, we consult with the City’s conservation officers and planning department to ensure any works are compliant with any listed building and conservation area requirements.
With a wealth of experience working on the city’s older buildings, Greyfriars Roofing is best placed to advise on the appropriate materials to use for restoration work. We work with the style and age of the building and its design to make recommendations for work.
Award winning Heritage Roofers
Experienced Heritage Roofers
Comprehensive Heritage Roofing Services
Heritage Roofing Services in Aberdeen
Our heritage roofing services at Greyfriars Roofing cover all possible requirements your historic roof may require. We take all roofing jobs regardless of size or complexity because our priority is to keep your roof secure and weatherproof while maintaining its original design. These key services represent our core offerings as a heritage roofing company.
Heritage Roof Repairs and Maintenance
From fixing leaks to replacing broken slates or tiles, we handle all kinds of repair works on historic roofs. Often heritage roof repairs require custom solutions – like hand-crafting a lead saddle for an awkward valley or sourcing a rare type of clay tile. We also offer maintenance plans, because preventative care (regular gutter cleaning, inspecting flashings, etc.) can extend the life of your roof and catch issues early.
Heritage Roof Restoration and Re-Roofing
Our team takes on comprehensive heritage roof restoration projects when roofs require extensive renovation instead of simple spot-repairs. The restoration process includes removing the roof covering with care followed by timber structure repairs when necessary before re-covering the roof with fresh or recycled materials. The building receives protection through our restoration work which also results in a substantial enhancement of its value and appearance.
Leadwork, Flashing & Gutter Replacement
Our expertise includes leadwork which allows us to repair and install lead flashings and gutters along with valleys, downpipes and full lead roofs for structures like bay windows or church porches. Our team refurbishes heritage guttering systems through methods like soldering pinholes in lead gutters or replacing damaged sections of cast iron gutters. Heritage roofing requires a matching drainage system since a properly restored roof depends on effective gutters.
Heritage Chimney, Masonry Work and Repairs
We provide chimney repairs which include rebuilding unstable stone chimney heads and fitting lead chimney flashings. Our team partners with experienced stonemasons to guarantee that masonry work on historic roofs matches existing original stonework. We offer a seamless solution which keeps the historic appearance of the building by managing both roofing and masonry tasks together.
Heritage Commercial Roofing Projects
Greyfriars heritage commercial roofing portfolio includes work on churches, historic public buildings, farm steadings, and commercial heritage sites. From our decades of experience in working on heritage roofs, we understand the complexities of bigger heritage projects – dealing with multiple stakeholders, ensuring public safety around the site, and protecting the building’s contents.
Emergency Repairs and Storm Damage
Older roofs can be vulnerable to storm damage – high winds or heavy rain can dislodge materials or exacerbate leaks. We offer prompt emergency call-outs for heritage roofs in distress. Our crew will perform temporary fixes to prevent further water ingress, and then follow up with proper repairs once weather permits. You can have peace of mind that urgent repairs won’t turn into unsightly scars on your historic home.
Free Heritage Quotes & Advice
Free Heritage Roofing Quotes & Advice
Our Heritage Roofing work
Why Choose Greyfriars Roofing for Your Aberdeen Heritage Project?
Working on a heritage roof in Aberdeen is not a job for any ordinary roofing contractor. This is a rare form of roofing which calls for specialist knowledge, traditional skills and a unique attention to detail. We bring together decades of family experience and recognised industry qualifications to deliver trusted heritage roofing in Aberdeen.
Working on generations of properties
As a second-generation family business, Greyfriars Roofing has worked on some of Scotland’s most historic buildings. In Aberdeen, we’ve carried out large-scale repairs on villas, townhouses, churches and conservation areas. We understand the entire range of heritage materials and methods and we use reclaimed Scottish slate, intricate leadwork and traditional stone ridge tiles to ensure every period aspect is perfect.
Reputation in Scotland’s heritage industry
Our commitment to heritage roofing has seen us recognised in the roofing industry. We were named NFRC Scottish Roofing Contractor of the Year in 2019 for our expertise in leadwork and shortlisted for the Lead Contractors Association Murdoch Awards in 2023 and 2024. These achievements highlight our outstanding reputation for using appropriate and approved techniques on historic properties.
Accredited memberships and standards
Greyfriars Roofing is a member of the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) and the Lead Contractors Association (LCA). We’re also registered with TrustMark to prove we do business ethically and provide high-quality workmanship. We train regularly through the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and achieved an ‘Excellent’ score in LCA compliance checks.
We have a strong reputation in Aberdeen
We have been working in Aberdeen for many years and much of our business is repeat and word-of-mouth. Owners, conservation consultants and architects trust us to provide a reliable service, excellent attention to detail and genuine respect for the original structure of the building we work on. From a roof repair on a listed house in Rosemount to repairing leadwork on a civic building on Union Street, we value every slate, every flashing and every historical detail.
Our reputation protects the architecture of Aberdeen
Greyfriars Roofing doesn’t just restore roofs, we preserve the architectural fabric of Aberdeen one roof at a time. When you choose us, you’re working with a team who understands the importance of every slate, every flashing and every historical detail on your heritage roof.
Free Heritage Quotes & Advice
Free Heritage Roofing Quotes & Advice
Client Testimonials and Our Trusted Reputation
We believe the true measure of our work is the satisfaction of our clients. Over the years, we’ve been fortunate to work on many wonderful heritage projects, and our customers’ kind words motivate us to keep our standards sky-high. One testimonial, in particular, sums up what Greyfriars is all about:
“These guys are the best. Old school as they say, and know their stuff. They have done a beautiful job with lovely lead work done to perfection. I would have no hesitation in recommending Steve and his guys to do your roof. First class!!!” – Polly Hetherington, heritage roof client in Edinburgh (via Google review).
Beyond individual testimonials, Greyfriars Roofing maintains a solid standing in the community. We often get referrals from conservation officers and architects who know our work. Our clients appreciate that we treat their historic properties with respect – we keep sites tidy, ensure scaffolding is set up safely and considerately, and strive to minimise disruption.
Heritage Roofing in Action – Aberdeen Craftsmanship on Display
Learn how we bring traditional craft to a historic roof in Aberdeen. This video showcases the quality that goes into each step of our work from carefully installed Scottish slate to lead flashings formed by hand to complement existing roof detailing. At Greyfriars Roofing, we treat Aberdeen’s historical granite structures with care, traditional skills and great respect for the city’s architectural history.
Serving Aberdeen’s Heritage Roofing Needs – Contact Us
Based in Edinburgh, we’ve worked on heritage roofs all over Scotland including in Aberdeen. From granite townhouses in Rosemount and Ferryhill to historic villas in the West End and traditional stone-built cottages in Old Aberdeen, we can repair and maintain period properties with traditional roofing methods wherever they’re found.
Choosing the right contractor for your heritage roof in Aberdeen is a critical decision. That’s why we always offer honest advice and provide free, no-obligation quotes. We carry out thorough assessments of weathered leadwork, old slates and defective drainage systems and more than 60 years’ experience on which to base our recommendations. Sometimes we can see a quick and easy solution to avoid bigger problems and sometimes we can give straightforward guidance on the right course of action for long-term protection.
We work for homeowners, property managers and conservation professionals throughout Aberdeen who are responsible for protecting the city’s built heritage. Whether it’s a tenement roof off King Street or a listed building in Footdee, we bring award-winning craft skills and an appreciation of traditional materials such as Scottish slate, lime mortar and milled lead. Every aspect of our work is carried out to protect the building and preserve the original character of the building.
At Greyfriars Roofing, we’re honoured to play our part in ensuring Aberdeen’s built heritage is maintained. Each roof we repair and maintain is treated with care and consideration so it’s in harmony with the city’s unique granite heritage for generations to come.
Get Your Free Estimate
Our Heritage Roofing work
What Makes Heritage Roofing in Aberdeen Unique
When it comes to heritage roofing in Aberdeen, we don’t just offer maintenance and repairs – we’re committed to protecting and preserving our city’s distinctive granite architecture and historical character. From steep roofs clad with slate on Old Aberdeen cottages to ornate leadwork on the West End villas and terrace homes of Rosemount, each structure contributes to the heritage fabric of the city and needs careful treatment to keep it that way.
Specialising in traditional heritage roof restoration with proven materials and methods, Greyfriars Roofing works with natural slate, reclaimed clay pantiles, milled lead, and cast iron rainwater systems which are commonplace on Aberdeen’s heritage buildings. We have decades of hands-on experience working with the most difficult materials, along with specialist skills such as lime mortar pointing, hand-cut slate coursing, and recreating period-specific details. This enables us to deliver roofs that are not only functional and effective in protecting the building below, but are also historically accurate and in keeping with the context.
Many heritage properties in Aberdeen are designated as being within conservation areas or as listed, meaning any roof repair or replacement work must meet stringent standards and requirements. We liaise with Aberdeen City Council’s planning and conservation teams to secure listed building consent right from the outset, as well as providing advice and assistance in preparing the necessary technical documents and reports to help gain approval. We prioritise repairs over replacement whenever possible, to avoid impacting the original materials and unnecessary intervention.
Heritage roof work requires careful planning and an understanding of traditional materials and methods. Selecting the correct lead code for valleying and gutters, matching the appearance and colour of Scottish slate, or recreating the detail of original bargeboards can make the difference between a faithful reproduction and lost architectural detail. From minor roof repairs to complete re-roofing, we work with long-lasting, conservation grade materials and time-tested methods that will protect and preserve every heritage roof.
We work with property owners, architects, and conservation specialists throughout Aberdeen to provide careful and expert heritage roof restoration. Our attention to detail and understanding of the importance of accuracy in restoring heritage buildings helps us ensure Aberdeen’s architectural heritage is safeguarded, one roof at a time.
FAQs
What is heritage roofing and why is it important in Aberdeen?
Heritage roofing involves the use of traditional materials and methods to preserve and restore old roofs. In Aberdeen, where much of the city is made up of granite buildings with slate roofs, it is essential to ensure the integrity of our historic architecture and comply with conservation regulations.
How do I know if my Aberdeen property needs heritage roofing?
If your property is listed, in a conservation area or has typical roof features such as slate, lead flashings or cast iron gutters then it is likely to need heritage-specific care. Some common signs of this need include slipped slates, failing leadwork and water ingress.
What materials do you use in heritage roof repairs in Aberdeen?
We use traditional materials to match the original construction, including reclaimed Scottish slate, milled lead, handmade clay ridge tiles, lime mortar and cast iron rainwater systems to provide durability and authenticity.
Do I need listed building consent for roof work on a heritage property in Aberdeen?
Yes. If the property is listed or in a conservation area then any changes to the roof will usually require listed building consent. We work closely with Aberdeen City Council’s conservation officers and can provide assistance with documentation and approval.
Can you match the original features of my heritage roof?
Yes. We can source reclaimed materials and replicate original roof features such as slate type and colour, lead profiles, bargeboards and ridge patterns to ensure the restoration fits seamlessly with the existing features of the building.
How long does heritage roofing work take in Aberdeen?
Timeframes will vary depending on the size of the roof, the condition and the scope of work required. Minor repairs can be completed in a matter of days, while a full restoration could take a number of weeks. We will provide a clear schedule once we have conducted a thorough roof survey.
Why choose Greyfriars Roofing for heritage roofing in Aberdeen?
We have over 60 years’ experience and have won numerous awards for our traditional roofing. We are members of the NFRC and the Lead Contractors Association and have built a reputation for delivering work to high conservation standards throughout Aberdeen and beyond.
Is heritage roofing more expensive than standard roofing?
Yes, as heritage roofing will usually involve the use of more expensive specialist materials, labour and expertise as well as potentially additional compliance requirements. However, this investment protects your property’s long-term value, helps to preserve original features and ensures mistakes are not made using modern, unsuitable methods.
Free Heritage Quotes & Advice
Free Heritage Roofing Quotes & Advice
