Heritage Roofing Glasgow
Glasgow’s rooflines have defined the city’s identity since the Industrial Revolution and beyond, from Victorian terraces in the West End to tenements in Shawlands, Dennistoun and Pollokshields. Whether you are seeking the maintenance of existing terracotta, blue-grey, multi-ridged or sandstone slates, heritage roofing plays a vital role in preserving our architectural past.
As Glasgow’s traditional roofing experts, we have worked on a variety of heritage projects in the city, including listed properties, conservation area properties and historic sandstone tenements. Understanding the skills and methods required to complete these sensitive projects is a key skill and with over 60 years experience in the roofing industry, we’ve accumulated a wealth of expertise to apply to your heritage project.
As well as traditional materials and methods such as lime pointing, hand coursed slate roofing and hand lead work, we employ modern methods to provide the longest lasting solutions to your roofing problems. Whether we are relaying reclaimed Scottish slate, using reclaimed or cast iron guttering or implementing modern conservation techniques, our main priority is to preserve the authenticity of the original detailing while providing the longevity of a new roof.
Working with the Glasgow City Council’s conservation officers, we undertake all heritage projects with their knowledge and support, especially on listed buildings or properties in conservation areas. We also provide advice and guidance for clients to successfully submit a planning application and obtain listed building consent.
Heritage roofing is important to the City of Glasgow. Greyfriars Roofing is proud to play a part in keeping the rooflines in place to preserve the appearance of Glasgow’s history for generations to come.
Award winning Heritage Roofers
Experienced Heritage Roofers
Comprehensive Heritage Roofing Services
Heritage Roofing Services in Glasgow
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 Glasgow Heritage Project?
Delivering heritage roofing in Glasgow requires more than just technical know-how and proven reliability. With such a rich architectural heritage, the city of Glasgow features an eclectic mix of buildings from grand Victorian terraces in the West End to red sandstone tenements in Dennistoun to listed civic buildings in the city centre. Skilled restoration and maintenance requires more than run-of-the-mill roofing expertise. Greyfriars Roofing blends time-honoured skills and industry accreditation to make us a go-to name for heritage roofing in Glasgow.
The expertise that comes from generations of practical heritage roofing
We are a second-generation roofing company with over 60 years of practical heritage roofing experience. We have worked on a variety of historic properties in Glasgow, including Georgian houses in Pollokshields, red sandstone villas in Bearsden and listed civic buildings throughout the city. We understand all traditional roofing techniques from hand-dressed slates to leadwork to lime mortar and cast iron rainwater systems to ensure authenticity and longevity in every project.
Award-winning craftmanship in traditional roofing
Greyfriars Roofing has won accolades at local and national level for our craftmanship in heritage roofing. We won the NFRC Scottish Roofing Contractor of the Year award in 2019 for our leadwork in a traditional restoration project. Our commitment to keeping the integrity of original roof structures saw us named as finalists in the Lead Contractors Association Murdoch Awards in 2023 and 2024, one of the most sought-after awards in the industry.
Accredited standards and professional qualifications
We are members of the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) and the Lead Contractors Association (LCA). We are also TrustMark approved, which means we have passed the government-endorsed accreditation for ethical standards and quality workmanship. We regularly upskill our team through the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and have been rated ‘Excellent’ in our LCA compliance audit, demonstrating our capability to manage heritage leadwork to the highest standard.
A trusted name for heritage roofing in Glasgow
Our work in heritage roofing in Glasgow has grown organically through word of mouth recommendations and long-term relationships with owners, architects and conservation specialists. From heritage detailing in Glasgow’s decorative slate patterns in properties in Hyndland to restoring traditional detailing on buildings in the Merchant City, we have proven ourselves as the trusted contractor for precision and authenticity in architecture.
When you choose Greyfriars Roofing for your heritage roofing in Glasgow, you’re choosing a heritage roofing contractor with the skills and knowledge to care for the details in every slate, tile and lead joint.
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 – Glasgow Craftsmanship on Display
Discover the craftsmanship and attention to detail behind one of our completed heritage roofing projects in Glasgow. This short video highlights the precision that goes into every aspect of our work—from expertly laid reclaimed Scottish slate to hand-formed lead flashings shaped to match original roof profiles. At Greyfriars Roofing, we take pride in restoring Glasgow’s historic buildings with traditional methods, specialist knowledge, and a deep respect for the city’s architectural heritage.
Serving Glasgow’s Heritage Roofing Needs – Contact Us
While Greyfriars Roofing is based in Edinburgh, our heritage roofing services are regularly called upon across Glasgow. We have worked on a wide range of historic properties, from the red and blonde sandstone tenements of Dennistoun and Hyndland to period villas in Pollokshields and converted institutional buildings in the city centre. Our team brings specialist skills and experience to every project, delivering traditional roofing work wherever it’s needed to protect Glasgow’s architectural legacy.
Choosing the right contractor to care for your historic Glasgow property is an important decision. That’s why we offer honest, practical advice and free, no-obligation estimates. Our assessments are thorough, whether we’re evaluating worn lead flashings, slipped slate tiles, or ageing gutters. Drawing on over 60 years of experience, we provide clear recommendations to help you make informed decisions. In many cases, small remedial work can prevent more serious damage down the line—and occasionally, we’re able to reassure clients that their roof is still performing well.
We support homeowners, architects, and property managers across Glasgow who are responsible for maintaining heritage buildings and listed structures. Our award-winning team is known for its detailed craftsmanship, use of authentic materials such as reclaimed Scottish slate and cast iron guttering, and respect for historic roofing techniques. Greyfriars Roofing is committed to ensuring your building remains structurally sound while retaining its original character, so that Glasgow’s architectural heritage is protected for future generations.
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Our Heritage Roofing work
What Makes Heritage Roofing in Glasgow Unique
Heritage roof repair in Glasgow isn’t simply routine work, it’s about conserving the city’s architectural identity. The red and blonde sandstone tenements of Shawlands and Hyndland, the Victorian terraces of Pollokshields and the villas of the West End – all are part of the roofscape of Glasgow, and we can’t afford to lose these. Stone ridges, slate patterns and lead details aren’t simply decorative – they tell the story of Glasgow’s development over centuries and demand respectful treatment.
We at Greyfriars Roofing work with traditional roofing methods and materials to restore heritage roofs sympathetically and reliably. Our roofing materials are all reclaimed or made to order from locally sourced materials. This means our roofers are specialists in Scottish slate, handmade clay ridge tiles, milled leadwork and cast iron rainwater goods. These were the roofing materials that have been used in the city’s older properties for centuries, so we know how to repair and maintain them with traditional methods and skills.
Many of Glasgow’s older buildings are listed or are within conservation areas, so we work closely with the local authority and conservation officers to make sure all our work is compliant. We can provide detailed drawings and schedules for obtaining listed building consent and guide our clients through the process. We prioritise repair over replacement to ensure as much of the original roof as possible is retained, providing durable and reliable roofing solutions.
Heritage roofing in Glasgow requires experience and attention to detail. Getting the right match for code 5 or code 6 lead for gutters and flashings, the correct match for the types of slate used on the terraced houses of the West End and re-creating bargeboards on traditional houses are some of the many factors that must be considered to maintain a traditional look. Whatever the work – whether it’s a minor repair job or a full roof restoration – at Greyfriars Roofing we value the long-term preservation of Glasgow’s architectural history. Our work is recommended by conservation specialists and building owners alike to protect the city’s unique character roof by roof.
FAQs
What is heritage roofing and why is it important in Glasgow?
Heritage roofing is the restoration of traditional roofs using genuine materials and authentic techniques. Many of the properties in Glasgow are Victorian or Edwardian in origin and heritage roofing helps maintain their architectural heritage and meet planning regulations.
How do I know if my Glasgow property needs heritage roofing?
If you live in a conservation area, have a listed property or have traditional materials like slate, lead or clay ridge tiles then it will almost certainly need specialist heritage care. Indications that it may need specialist assessment include slipped slates, damaged lead flashings or evidence of water ingress.
What materials are used in heritage roofing in Glasgow?
The materials that we use include reclaimed Scottish slate, handmade clay ridge tiles, milled lead, lime mortar and cast iron guttering. These are often needed to replicate the original construction and allow heritage buildings in Glasgow to be maintained to their authentic appearance and heritage requirements.
Do I need listed building consent for heritage roof work in Glasgow?
Yes, you do need listed building consent if your property is listed or in a conservation area. Greyfriars Roofing have worked closely with the conservation team at Glasgow City Council and we will help you through the process of getting consent including preparing the documentation for the application.
Can you replicate the existing materials and detailing on my heritage roof?
Absolutely. We have a network of suppliers that provide us with reclaimed materials that will match your existing roof in colour, shape and detailing. We will use the same materials that were originally used to create the roof and ensure the roofing work meets heritage requirements.
How long does a typical heritage roofing project take in Glasgow?
It will depend on the size of the roof and the amount of work required. Small repairs can take a few days whereas a full restoration could take several weeks. We will always provide you with a realistic timeline following a site visit so that you know what to expect at every stage of the process.
Why choose Greyfriars Roofing for heritage projects in Glasgow?
We have been working on heritage roofing in Glasgow for over 60 years and we are trusted by private clients and architects alike. We have won industry awards and are accredited by the NFRC and the Lead Contractors Association. We have restored many heritage roofs throughout Glasgow including those in the West End and listed villas in the Southside.
Is heritage roofing more expensive than standard roof work?
Yes, heritage roofing is usually more expensive than normal roof work due to the materials, skilled labour and planning requirements. Heritage roofing ensures that your property maintains its value and protects its unique features and keeps the integrity of your property. It also avoids costly repairs caused by inappropriate modern materials and methods.
Free Heritage Quotes & Advice
Free Heritage Roofing Quotes & Advice
