Heritage Roofing Irvine
One of the most prominent features of Irvine is the long history of architecture in the town, including the stone houses along High Street, and the older properties in the conservation area near the Rivergate. To preserve the heritage value of these buildings and to keep them in a good state of repair, they must be maintained and refurbished correctly. Heritage roofing is one of the most important elements in keeping these structures in good order and helping to preserve their historic features.
At Greyfriars Roofing we undertake all kinds of roof work on historic properties in Irvine and North Ayrshire. We have carried out work on historic homes in Dreghorn and Bourtreehill as well as ecclesiastical buildings and other properties of historic value. Every job is treated with the sensitivity needed to protect the historic character and features of the building.
Our experience extends back over 60 years in traditional roofing methods, passed down from father to son. We use reclaimed Scottish slate, milled lead, lime mortar and hand-cut methods to repair and restore period details. Combining the traditional skills with the latest technical know-how, we achieve authentic workmanship and lasting results.
We work closely with North Ayrshire Council and the local conservation officers to make sure our work complies with the necessary planning and conservation rules. We can also advise on obtaining the relevant permissions and help with supporting documents if necessary. If you have a listed building or one in a conservation area, we can help you obtain any necessary permissions and will prepare the necessary documentation.
We are pleased to be able to play a part in maintaining the historic character of Irvine. Whether it’s restoring the original slate roof on a merchants’ house or protecting the stone copes on a historic public hall, we can carry out the quality work that will help keep the historic character of the town alive.
Award winning Heritage Roofers
Experienced Heritage Roofers
Comprehensive Heritage Roofing Services
Heritage Roofing Services in Irvine
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 Irvine Heritage Project?
Preserving Irvine’s heritage rooftops requires more than simply having a roofer. Heritage roof restorations require experience and a genuine understanding of traditional roofing practices. Whether it’s Irvine’s quaint cottages along the harbourside or sandstone town hall buildings around the town centre, Irvine’s heritage buildings deserve special attention. At Greyfriars Roofing, we’ve earned a name as North Ayrshire’s premier heritage roofing specialists through years of skilled craftsmanship and approved industry accreditation.
A Family of Heritage Roofing Specialists
From the roofs of character homes in Fullarton to religious buildings in the shadow of Trinity Church, our expertise extends over 60 years of experience spanning two generations. Our heritage roofing specialists can perform and restore traditional roofing with authentic period materials and methods. That means restored properties throughout Irvine like Scottish slate that’s reclaimed from the local area and customised leadwork that mirrors the design features of the original building.
Award-Winning Roofing Excellence
At Greyfriars Roofing, we’re proud to have been recognised as an industry leader in heritage roofing. Our recognition as Lead Roofing Contractor of the Year in 2019 was earned after completing a major restoration in Bonnyrigg. Since then, we’ve gone on to be finalists in the coveted Lead Contractors Association Murdoch Awards for 2023 and 2024 – a testament to our roofing expertise across heritage restoration disciplines.
Approved Roofing Professionals
At Greyfriars Roofing, we maintain the highest standards of professionalism. As an accredited TRUSTMark member, we are committed to transparency, honest dealings, and lasting quality workmanship. We are also members of the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) and the Lead Contractors Association (LCA), and we’re registered with CITB. We were graded ‘Excellent’ in our latest LCA compliance assessment – an additional indication of our standing in the heritage roofing market.
Popular Among the Local Community
Much of our work around Irvine is a result of personal referrals. Whether we’re restoring a listed building in Dreghorn or providing support for a conservation project in Kilwinning, we provide our clients with professionalism, dependability, and unique attention to detail. Our services are valued by homeowners, churches, and institutions responsible for preserving Irvine’s historical buildings who need a trusted professional capable of meeting conservation standards.
When you choose Greyfriars Roofing, you’re not just protecting your roof. You’re protecting Irvine’s architectural heritage. With Greyfriars Roofing, your building is placed in the hands of an expert specialist who understands the value of each tile, ridge, and roll of lead.
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 – Irvine Craftsmanship on Display
See the traditional craftmanship that goes into one of our recent heritage roof restoration projects in Irvine. Reclaimed Scottish slate laid with care and traditional lead flashings formed to follow the original profile. At Greyfriars Roofing we take pride in restoring Irvine’s built heritage with accuracy, care and age old skills passed from generation to generation. Every project reflects our dedication to protecting the town’s heritage with the same level of care and precision.
Serving Irvine’s Heritage Roofing Needs – Contact Us
Though based in Edinburgh, we work throughout Scotland including the charming town of Irvine. Over the years we have undertaken a variety of restoration projects across Ayrshire including older properties close to the River Irvine as well as listed properties and some of the older buildings along Kilwinning Road and Eglinton Street. With our extensive experience we are able to provide the same level of conservation roofing standards in Irvine as anywhere else.
If you’re looking for an expert to take care of your older building in Irvine, look no further. Here at Greyfriars Roofing we can offer expert advice and a free no-obligation quote. Whether it be missing slates, corroded lead flashings or faulty rainwater goods, we’ll offer expert advice based on our hands on experience. In many cases we’re able to save clients significant expense by identifying issues at an early stage, or even reassure them that no work is required.
We have undertaken work for homeowners, church stewards and property managers throughout Irvine maintaining older buildings. Every member of our team is skilled in traditional techniques such as lime mortar repointing, reclaimed slate installation and custom leadwork detail. We take a great deal of pride in caring for each property appropriately.
Here at Greyfriars Roofing we bring a wealth of award winning standards and integrity to each project. By continuing to use traditional techniques and materials we can ensure Irvine’s built heritage remains both structurally sound and authentic for future generations.
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Our Heritage Roofing work
What Makes Heritage Roofing in Irvine Unique
Heritage roofs aren’t just maintained—they’re protected. As well as the residential sandstone townhouses along Bank Street and the cottages at Irvine Harbour, the town has a long tradition of tenement blocks. All of these roofs combine slate, clay ridge tiles, and traditional leadwork dating back centuries. Each requires careful maintenance to preserve their value to the town’s architectural history.
At Greyfriars Roofing, we’re passionate about authentic restoration using the techniques and materials that were used in the past. Reclaimed Scottish slate, hand-made lead flashings, clay pantiles, and reproduction cast iron rainwater goods are used to restore each property. We also offer lime mortar pointing, slate dressing, and precise matching of existing materials to preserve the architectural integrity of the roof.
Because so many of Irvine’s buildings are protected by local heritage regulations, much of our work takes place within designated conservation areas. This includes the old parish, as well as Eglinton Estate. We consult with the North Ayrshire Council planning and conservation officers to make sure every project meets regulations. We help clients navigate the listed building consent process and provide the technical specifications to get approvals through. We try to restore rather than replace whenever possible, which helps lower costs and preserve the historic value of the building.
The knowledge required for heritage roofing is extensive. Selecting the right grade of lead, correctly fitting traditional bargeboards, and finding matching slate are all critical parts of the process. For small patchwork repairs and full restoration projects, Irvine clients can count on durable materials and highly skilled craftsmen. Greyfriars Roofing is trusted by private owners, heritage consultants, and caretakers across Ayrshire to preserve the roofs that tell the story of the town.
FAQs
What is heritage roofing and why is it important in Irvine?
Heritage roofing refers to the maintenance and restoration of older buildings using traditional methods and materials. Heritage roofing in Irvine is particularly important in the town’s oldest buildings around the harbour, Eglinton Estate and in conservation areas.
What materials are used on heritage buildings in Irvine?
Common materials used include Scottish slate, milled lead, clay pantiles, cast iron guttering and timber bargeboards. All these represent the traditional materials used in Scottish construction and are chosen to maintain the look of the original roof as closely as possible.
Do I need planning permission for heritage roofing in Irvine?
Yes – if the property is listed or located in a conservation area. You will need to seek planning permission from North Ayrshire Council and ensure that the work complies with the guidelines. A heritage roofing expert like Greyfriars Roofing can help you through the listed building consent process.
How do I know if my property is a heritage building?
If the property is listed or situated in a conservation area, it is almost certainly a heritage building. Some older properties constructed with traditional materials or which are architecturally significant may also be heritage properties.
Can modern roofing materials be used on heritage properties?
No – in most cases. Guidelines for conservation often require the use of matching materials to maintain the character of the building. Using concrete tiles or modern equivalents is likely to cause planning problems and disrupt the balance of the roof.
How long does a traditional slate or lead roof last?
Scottish slate maintained correctly will last for more than 100 years and milled leadwork maintained to modern standards will perform well for 60-100 years. Regular inspection is vital to maintain the life of the roof.
What are some of the problems I might find on an older roof in Irvine?
Common problems include slipped or cracked slate, lead flashing wear, blocked cast iron gutters and mortar failure. The building’s coastal location increases the rate of weather damage if left unattended.
Why choose a heritage roofing expert rather than a general roofer?
Heritage roofing requires specialist knowledge of traditional methods and materials and practical experience of working on listed or historically sensitive buildings. Using a qualified heritage roofer ensures that the work is carried out safely, legally and in line with conservation expectations.
Free Heritage Quotes & Advice
Free Heritage Roofing Quotes & Advice
