Heritage Roofing Dundee
Dundee has an enviable architectural diversity with Georgian terraces, Victorian tenements and industrial era civic buildings. Whether it’s the classical buildings in the West End or the stone-built homes of Broughty Ferry or one of the city centre conservation areas, Dundee’s roofs play a vital role in preserving the past for the future.
At Greyfriars Roofing we undertake heritage roof restorations across the city including period homes, listed buildings, churches and civic buildings. Whether we’re working on slate roofs in the Law area or stone built properties in the Perth Road, our aim is to complete each job accurately and sensitively whilst respecting the past and present.
With more than 60 years of experience between us we are able to combine traditional hand-dressed slate coursing and lime mortar repointing with modern techniques where appropriate. We can reinstate reclaimed Scottish slate or restore ornate lead detail with care and expertise to create a roof that is true to the character of the building and meets the standards of today.
We work closely with the conservation officers and planning departments of Dundee City Council to ensure that heritage roofing works meet regulations for listed buildings and conservation areas. Our understanding of local materials and architectural styles allows us to advise on the approvals process to ensure our clients make informed decisions about what is best for their restoration and which materials to choose.
Greyfriars Roofing is pleased to play a part in preserving the character of the city. With accurate and experienced roof restorations we are able to preserve the skyline of Dundee for many years to come as a statement of quality, tradition and continuity.
Award winning Heritage Roofers
Experienced Heritage Roofers
Comprehensive Heritage Roofing Services
Heritage Roofing Services in Dundee
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 Dundee Heritage Project?
As well as roofing repair, we have a rich history of heritage roofing in Dundee, restoring many beautiful properties to their former glory. From classic villas in Broughty Ferry to listed townhouses in the Hilltown area of the city, we know what it takes to restore roofs on properties built hundreds of years ago. With two generations of roofing experience, we have been restoring traditional roofs for over 60 years.
Here in Dundee, we have experience on all types of traditional roofing from the beautiful sandstone villas in the West End to terraced houses in the Hilltown and on the listed churches and civic buildings throughout the city. We are highly skilled at all elements of traditional roofing and using reclaimed Scottish slate and handmade clay tiles alongside original design and detailing.
National Awards for our Heritage Roofing
We are very proud to be awarded Scottish Roofing Contractor of the Year for Lead Roofing at the 2019 National Federation of Roofing Contractors awards. We were also finalists at the Lead Contractors Association’s Murdoch Awards in 2023 and again in 2024, with a 2023 Highly Commended and 2024 Highly Commended. This was for our work on challenging restorations and our experience with traditional roofing methods.
Professional Accreditations and Industry Membership
Greyfriars Roofing are members of the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) and the Lead Contractors Association (LCA). We are also TrustMark approved which is the government-backed scheme of high standards and reliability. As a member of the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), our employees have a thorough understanding of roof construction and we are regularly graded Excellent in recent LCA audits.
Renowned for the Detail in our Heritage Roofing Work in Dundee
We have built a great reputation for detailed and reliable work on heritage roofs. Whether repairing roof coverings on a tenement in Stobswell or lead restoration on a listed building in the grounds of Dudhope Castle, we treat each roof with respect and an appreciation of the history behind it.
Let us Restore Your Heritage Roofing in Dundee
Here at Greyfriars Roofing, we value the historical significance of every slate, every tile, and every flash and we will take every roof as seriously as the architect who built it.
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 – Dundee Craftsmanship on Display
Discover the skill and precision behind one of our completed heritage roofing projects in Dundee. This short video highlights the craftsmanship that sets our work apart—from expertly laid reclaimed Scottish slate to hand-shaped lead flashings that follow the original rooflines of historic Dundee properties. At Greyfriars Roofing, we take great pride in preserving the city’s architectural legacy with care, accuracy, and traditional expertise.
Serving Dundee’s Heritage Roofing Needs – Contact Us
Founded in Edinburgh, the heart of Scotland’s architectural heritage, our knowledge stretches to Dundee and beyond. We understand the stone-built houses of Broughty Ferry, and the terraces of 19th-century homes around Perth Road, as well as the heritage of industrial-era warehouses on the docks. We respect the past of Dundee and are committed to protecting the future through conserving the roofs that have defined it.
When choosing a roofing company for your historic property in Dundee, we believe it’s essential to know who you are hiring. That’s why we are happy to discuss your needs at length, at no obligation, to help you understand our approach and services. A roof survey of your historic building in Dundee will see a roofing team evaluate slate deterioration, lead degradation and failing rainwater gutters and drains. We will tell you what can be saved, and what needs replacing and what should be replaced. Often, we can preserve historic slate roofs by making small repairs, ensuring that we don’t waste the lives of the slate or miss a problem that could lead to significant repair. In other cases, we’ll tell you the best way forward.
Historic buildings need a partner that cares. That’s why we offer a specialist roofing service to owners of heritage properties in Dundee, to ensure their roofs last for generations. Historic slate roofs around the city are cared for by us. Whether you have a heritage home in the centre of the city, or a church out in the sticks, your roof is cared for by the roofing experts that respect and value the past.
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Our Heritage Roofing work
What Makes Heritage Roofing in Dundee Unique
Preserving heritage roofs in Dundee isn’t just about fixing problems – it’s about maintaining a sense of place. From the ashlar-fronted townhouses of the West End to the Victorian terraces of Broughty Ferry and the industrial heritage of the waterfront, Dundee’s architecture needs a special touch. Greyfriars Roofing offers sensitive and informed restoration, drawing on traditional skills and a deep understanding of the local area.
We use reclaimed slate, handmade clay pantiles, cast iron gutters and milled lead, replicating original features with lime mortar pointing and hand-cut slates in traditional patterns. Attention to detail ensures each roof looks authentic, yet protects its character and functions for the long term.
In conservation areas and listed buildings, exact compliance with planning requirements is essential. We work closely with conservation officers to ensure heritage work is approved. We can assist clients through the listed building consent process, including producing the required technical information for smooth approvals. Where possible, we opt for repair rather than replacement, protecting the building’s character and the long-term value.
For heritage roofing, accuracy and knowledge are key. Our team selects Code 5 lead for concealed box gutters and sources Scottish slate to match courses. We aim to restore the roof to its original design and purpose. Owners of historic properties in Dundee can trust Greyfriars Roofing to perform sensitive restorations that honour the building’s past and future.
FAQs
What is heritage roofing and why is it important in Dundee?
Heritage roofing is the restoration and maintenance of roofs on listed buildings and properties within conservation areas using traditional materials and methods. It’s particularly important in Dundee to preserve the fabric of historic buildings in Broughty Ferry, the West End and parts of the city centre.
Which types of property in Dundee need heritage roofing?
Listed buildings, churches, Victorian villas, tenements and former industrial buildings are all included, along with other properties that contribute to Dundee’s built heritage. Many of these are in conservation areas and have unique architectural features that need specialist care.
What materials are used in traditional roof restoration?
Traditional roof restoration materials include reclaimed Scottish slate, handmade clay pantiles, cast iron gutters and lead sheet (Code 4 or 5 for flashings and box gutters). Lime mortar is used for repointing to ensure breathability and historical accuracy.
Do I need planning permission to do heritage roofing in Dundee?
If your property is listed or in a conservation area, you may need listed building consent or planning permission. Greyfriars Roofing works regularly with the planning and conservation teams at Dundee City Council and can help with the paperwork.
How can I tell if my roof needs specialist heritage work?
Look out for signs such as displaced or cracked slate, failed lead flashings, water ingress or repairs using modern cement or synthetic materials. Assessment by a heritage roofer can help confirm the correct approach to repairs.
Can modern roofing methods be used on historic Dundee buildings?
Yes, many modern techniques can be used to enhance durability but they should never compromise on historical accuracy. A heritage roofer will use traditional craftsmanship alongside sympathetic modern methods where possible.
How long does heritage roofing work usually take?
Timeframes will vary according to the size and condition of the roof, the scale of the building and any planning permissions needed. Re-roofing with slate or leadwork restoration on a traditional property might take several weeks.
Why should I choose a specialist like Greyfriars Roofing for my Dundee property?
Heritage roofing requires an in-depth knowledge of local architecture, traditional materials and conservation standards. Greyfriars Roofing has over 60 years’ experience as a family-run business, with professional accreditation and award-winning craftsmanship.
Free Heritage Quotes & Advice
Free Heritage Roofing Quotes & Advice
