Heritage Roofing Inverness
Despite the new build homes that are slowly spreading throughout Inverness, it still retains a unique character thanks to its historical architectural variety. This includes the Edwardian townhouses, the stone churches and Victorian villas that overlook the River Ness. Many of these structures have roofs that require regular restoration to maintain their appearance and character, while also preserving their value as heritage properties.
At Greyfriars Roofing, we offer heritage roofing services in Inverness with over 60 years of experience restoring historic roofs across the city. We’ve worked on buildings in Crown, Dalneigh, Merkinch and other historic areas of the Highland capital. Alongside church roofing, we’ve worked on historic buildings and local listed properties throughout the area.
With a background in the roofing industry that goes back three generations, we are experienced in both traditional techniques and modern preservation methods. We use traditional Caithness slate and traditional detailing when restoring the roofs of Inverness’ period properties.
We liaise with planning officers and conservation officers from the Highland Council when undertaking roof work on listed buildings and conservation areas. From preparing technical drawings to sourcing reclaimed slate and period materials, we can guide clients through the process and provide the right advice to get a roof in keeping with the local area.
As roofing contractors in Inverness, we take a lot of pride in the restoration of historic roofs. We believe that heritage properties in the city should be protected to ensure that the historic skyline of the area is preserved and valued for the future, too.
Award winning Heritage Roofers
Experienced Heritage Roofers
Comprehensive Heritage Roofing Services
Heritage Roofing Services in Inverness
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 Inverness Heritage Project?
Inverness is home to many stunning heritage buildings that require traditional expertise to ensure they remain a fitting part of Highland history. This includes listed churches, Inverness landmarks, and homes built throughout the 19th century. Greyfriars Roofing has been providing heritage roofing in Inverness and throughout the Highlands for over 25 years, offering authentic and practical skills to help preserve buildings for generations.
Understanding the Details
Many buildings in Inverness have a long heritage and this requires an experienced approach to ensure authenticity. With over 60 years of collective experience, Greyfriars Roofing provides skilled labour and proven techniques to create reliable and safe roofs. As an established roofing contractor in Inverness, we have worked on projects ranging from private homes to 19th century buildings along the River Ness. Hand cutting slate, and traditional leadwork techniques are part of the service we offer to ensure new roofs blend seamlessly with existing features.
A Reputation for Heritage Roofing in Inverness
The craftsmanship of Greyfriars Roofing has been recognised in local and national awards. We were named NFRC Scottish Roofing Contractor of the Year in 2019 for our hand-crafted leadwork on a property in Bonnyrigg. We are a finalist for the Lead Contractors Association Murdoch Awards in 2023 and 2024 and our work was a finalist for a Best Overall Installation award in 2021. Our dedication to heritage roofing means we are recognised as one of the leading heritage roofing companies in Scotland.
We Meet the Highest Standards
Greyfriars Roofing is a TrustMark accredited contractor and a member of the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC). Our services meet the requirements for conservation and heritage roofing and we are also members of the Lead Contractors Association (LCA). We are audited by LCA as an excellent provider of lead roofing and each member of our team undergoes CITB training to ensure they work to best practice.
We Are Trusted in Inverness
A large portion of our business in Inverness is from recommendations and returning customers. We are trusted for our professionalism, honest approach, and attention to detail. Whether working on properties in the city centre or restoring historic church roofs or country estate roofs, we provide authentic craftsmanship with proven reliability.
As a heritage roofing company in Inverness, Greyfriars Roofing understands the importance of preserving history in Inverness and the Highlands. We are dedicated to providing a skilled service with traditional materials and methods that will keep Inverness roofs in good order.
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 – Inverness Craftsmanship on Display
See the quality workmanship on one of our finished heritage projects in Inverness.
This brief video showcases the attention to detail that goes into our work – from traditionally laid Scottish slate to handmade lead flashings replicating the existing roof design. Here at Greyfriars Roofing we take great pride in restoring Inverness’ historical buildings with care, precision and respect for traditional roofing methods.
Serving Inverness Heritage Roofing Needs – Contact Us
For such heritage properties in Inverness we believe it’s as much about experience as craftsmanship. From the villas in Crown to the terraces of Ballifeary, our knowledge of historic roofs in Inverness is built on experience. Our skillset of maintaining period buildings extends to cottages along the banks of the River Ness. We are accustomed to working on heritage roofs of traditional properties in Inverness.
As a firm of roofers for heritage buildings in Inverness, trust is important. This is why our team provides clear and honest advice supported by decades of experience. During site visits we assess slates that have weathered with time, historic flashings that have deteriorated or leadwork that needs repair. We advise owners on repair methods which retain existing material and don’t interfere with the original fabric.
For properties in conservation areas and listed buildings in Inverness, from 19th century flats in Bellfield to former churches and council houses, we offer lasting, historically sensitive roofing solutions. We use reclaimed slate, cast iron and handmade leadwork to match existing materials precisely.
We believe in preserving the heritage of Inverness through good workmanship and an appreciation of local building history. From repairing 19th century coping details to replacing roofs that retain their heritage character, our objective is to protect the building’s character while securing a roof for years to come.
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Our Heritage Roofing work
What Makes Heritage Roofing in Inverness Unique
Maintaining Inverness’ heritage roofs requires more than basic repair. When restoring older buildings, it is essential to appreciate the history of the property and to remain true to the building’s age. From the old stone villas at Crown to the Victorian terraces overlooking the River Ness, Inverness’ heritage properties demand the highest quality of restoration that respects the original form of the property. Everything from slate ridgelines to ornamental leadwork to traditional timber fascias add to the history told by the city’s rooftops.
We restore heritage roofs using traditional techniques and materials that reflect the age of the building at Greyfriars Roofing. Natural slates, hand moulded clay pantiles, milled leadwork and traditional cast iron gutters are common materials used in our work. We frequently source salvaged components and apply traditional skills such as hand lime mortar pointing and hand coursed slate to retain the history of each roof.
Many of Inverness’ heritage properties are listed or located in a conservation area. We work closely with Highland Council planning and heritage officers to ensure that all roof works comply with conservation standards. From assisting owners with consent applications to producing specification documents, we support clients throughout the restoration process. The principle is to repair where possible, maintaining original character and value while managing cost sensibly.
Heritage roofs require meticulous attention to detail and an intimate knowledge of traditional materials. Choosing the correct lead code for a valley or matching slate to an existing property can make the difference between a faithful restoration and a result that misses the mark. Whether a small repair or full restoration, our Inverness projects are built on strength, accuracy and longstanding appreciation for Highland architectural identity.
Local guardians of heritage properties, whether private owners or conservation organisations, rely on Greyfriars Roofing to deliver heritage roofing that respects craft and compliance.
FAQs
What makes a roof ‘heritage’ in Inverness?
A heritage roof is one that’s attached to a listed building or situated in a conservation area in Inverness. It will likely feature original materials such as Scottish slate, milled lead or traditional timber constructions that must be preserved in their original state.
Are there special rules for restoring heritage roofs in Inverness?
Yes. Properties that are listed or sit in conservation areas are subject to specific guidance from Highland Council. This includes any work on listed buildings that will require listed building consent or planning permission. Greyfriars Roofing liaises with the relevant council at all stages of the process.
Do I need listed building consent for small repairs?
Not necessarily. However, if the work will affect the character or material of the roof such as replacing slates, altering leadwork or changing the shape of the roof, you will probably need consent. We can help you determine the best course of action for your roof and guide you through the application process.
Can you source matching slate or roofing materials?
Yes. Greyfriars Roofing has access to reclaimed Scottish slate and other materials for use in heritage roofs in Inverness. We also restore them using traditional techniques to ensure they match and blend seamlessly with the existing roof.
What materials are commonly used in heritage roofs in Inverness?
These include natural slate (Scottish and Welsh are common) milled lead, clay pantiles, cast iron gutters and lime mortar. They are chosen because of their durability and authentic look that works well with traditional building practices.
How do I maintain my heritage roof to avoid further damage?
Prevention is the key. Slipped slates, blocked gutters or failing leadwork will only cause problems later if left unchecked. Greyfriars Roofing offers a thorough survey and a preventative maintenance plan for heritage roofs in Inverness and the wider Highland area.
Is heritage roofing more expensive than a regular roof?
There’s no avoiding the fact that it requires specialist materials and skills. However, the investment in a quality roof can add value to a property in the long term. We provide open quotations and detail our survey findings before any work starts.
Why choose Greyfriars Roofing for heritage roof repairs in Inverness?
We’ve been in the trade for over 60 years and have won national awards for our craftsmanship. We are also fully accredited and respected by conservation officers and homeowners across the Highlands.
Free Heritage Quotes & Advice
Free Heritage Roofing Quotes & Advice
