Heritage Roofing Paisley
One of the best ways to maintain the historic appearance of buildings throughout Paisley is through heritage roofing. Aesthetics aside, using the correct roofing for historic homes helps to maintain the integrity of the buildings. This preservation of historical buildings not only ensures the continued appearance of the town, but also the safety of homes for the long term.
At Greyfriars Roofing, we provide heritage roofing for properties across Paisley and Renfrewshire. Our heritage roofing projects cover a wide range of buildings, including slate clad houses in Brodie Park, period properties surrounding Paisley Abbey and listed buildings in the town centre. All our heritage roofing work is undertaken with precision, and with a respect for traditional materials and workmanship.
For over 60 years, the work has been done by the same family who have the practical experience to provide the expertise for each project. Traditional techniques are combined with modern methods to achieve authentic results for every project. Whether relaying slate roofs or recreating elaborate lead detailing, we maintain authenticity and ensure long-term durability.
Our heritage roofing service covers all aspects of period properties. Whether relaying a complex turret roof feature or replacing a damaged ridge, our expertise ensures that we can deliver work to a standard that will enhance the heritage property. We regularly consult with the planning and conservation officers at Renfrewshire Council to ensure our heritage roofing work is compliant with the local policy for listed buildings and conservation areas. This includes advising clients on planning applications and providing the necessary documentation for listed building consent. Every project is undertaken with a focus on progress and consideration of the local heritage policy.
We are proud to be a part of the continued preservation of Paisley’s unique heritage. Every project is an opportunity to preserve Paisley’s special character. With every slate re-laid or lead work restored, we continue to contribute to Paisley’s special charm – roof by roof.
Award winning Heritage Roofers
Experienced Heritage Roofers
Comprehensive Heritage Roofing Services
Heritage Roofing Services in Paisley
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 Paisley Heritage Project?
Delivering quality heritage roofing in Paisley requires experienced craftsmen and an understanding of traditional construction methods. Whether the terraced Victorians near Ferguslie or the sandstone townhouses of Oakshaw, Paisley’s architectural history demands more than standard roofing knowledge. Greyfriars Roofing provides specialised heritage roofing with professional accreditation for reliable, long-lasting heritage restoration work throughout Renfrewshire.
Expertise from Multiple Generations
We are a family-run company with over 60 years of hands-on roofing experience, bringing traditional craftsmanship to each heritage project. Our team has worked on many historic buildings throughout Paisley and the surrounding area, including listed properties near the Abbey and the characteristic late-19th-century homes in Castlehead. We have worked with authentic materials such as reclaimed Welsh and Scottish slate and traditional leadwork to repair and replace roofing that remains true to the original design.
Craftsmanship Recognised Nationally
We’ve received national recognition for our heritage roofing at the NFRC Scottish Roofing Contractor of the Year and as a finalist in the Lead Contractors Association Murdoch Awards in 2023 and 2024. Our lead detailing and heritage restoration projects have been recognised as finalists in the 2023 and 2024 Lead Contractors Association Murdoch Awards.
Certified Accreditation and Compliance
We are TrustMark certified, an accreditation demonstrating our commitment to excellent standards of workmanship and ethical business practice. We are members of the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC), the Lead Contractors Association (LCA), and participate in the CITB scheme. Our work is audited for quality and compliance regularly, and our LCA membership has been rated ‘Excellent’ for our standards of heritage leadwork.
Local Recommendation
Most of our heritage roofing work in Paisley is through client recommendation and established relationships with local property owners. We’ve completed successful restoration projects for home owners, churches, and civic institutions throughout the town and built a reputation for integrity, precision, and respect for Paisley’s built heritage.
We believe traditional roofing is more than a skill; it’s a responsibility to preserve the character and craftsmanship of Paisley’s architectural history.
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 – Paisley Craftsmanship on Display
Discover the skill and precision behind one of our completed heritage roofing projects in Paisley. This short video highlights the attention to detail that defines our craftsmanship—from expertly laid Scottish slate to hand-shaped lead flashings that follow the original contours of the roof. At Greyfriars Roofing, we take pride in restoring Paisley’s historic buildings with accuracy, respect, and traditional techniques that honour the town’s rich architectural heritage.
Serving Paisley’s Heritage Roofing Needs – Contact Us
Greyfriars Roofing has its roots in Edinburgh, but with our heritage roofing expertise, we’re happy to operate across Paisley and throughout Renfrewshire. Our work restoring period properties spans a range of properties including oakshaw sandstone villas and homes in the vicinity of Gleniffer Braes. Whether a conservation project or a private listed property, we’re well-equipped to meet the unique needs of heritage roofing. It’s our aim to safeguard Scotland’s heritage with expert, sympathetic roof restoration wherever required.
In Paisley, choosing a heritage property contractor can be a challenge of trust and experience. At Greyfriars Roofing, we offer honest advice and competitive, obligation-free quotations. When we inspect a roof, we do so thoroughly and on decades of experience. If it’s degraded lead flashings, broken slate courses or seepage around chimneys, we’re prepared. On rare occasions, we’ve even informed customers that their roof is fine, thereby saving them money.
As a Paisley heritage roofing company, we support homeowners throughout the town from the heart of its historic terraces to its edges. With long-term heritage roofing solutions that fit the structure and style of a home, our award-winning team brings meticulous attention to detail. Utilising time-honoured techniques and high quality, authentic materials, we’re dedicated to safeguarding Paisley’s heritage—ensuring that each roof remains a reliable, watertight fixture in the town’s landscape for many years to come.
Get Your Free Estimate
Our Heritage Roofing work
What Makes Heritage Roofing in Paisley Unique
It’s not just enough to maintain the roofs of heritage buildings in Paisley, they are part of the fabric of the town’s built environment. The slated roofs of the Victorian townhouses in the Oakshaw Conservation Area and the stone-built properties surrounding Paisley Abbey illustrate the town’s history and deserve care and attention. Each ridge tile, chimney detail and piece of ornamental leadwork makes up the character of Paisley’s architecture.
Heritage roof restoration is undertaken by Greyfriars Roofing using traditional methods and genuine materials including Scottish slate, clay pantiles, milled lead and cast iron rainwater goods. We combine skilled craftsmanship with the knowledge of traditional construction techniques to ensure the restored details match the originals. Lime mortar pointing and hand cut slate laying is used to achieve results that respect the design while providing long-term resilience.
Many of our heritage projects in Paisley fall under conservation areas or involve listed buildings. We work with Renfrewshire Council and heritage officers to ensure all works are compliant with local policies and conservation regulations. We help clients with listed building consent and supply all the necessary technical drawings to make the process easier. We always prioritise sympathetic repair over unnecessary replacement to protect original fabric wherever possible.
Heritage roofing demands precision, experience and in-depth material knowledge. From choosing the correct lead code for valley gutters to matching period bargeboards and slate types, each decision matters to the success of a restoration. Greyfriars Roofing uses high-quality materials and proven heritage techniques on every project in Paisley – providing lasting protection and honouring the town’s architectural history. Homeowners, architects and conservation professionals continue to trust us for reliable, conservation-led roofing expertise.
FAQs
What is a heritage roof in Paisley?
In Paisley, a heritage roof is one that is attached to a listed building or a building in a conservation area (e.g. Oakshaw or Paisley Abbey). This means that it has to be repaired using the same traditional materials and methods.
Can I repair or replace a heritage roof in Paisley without consent?
If your property is listed or in a conservation area, you will need listed building consent or planning permission from Renfrewshire Council before undertaking any significant roof works. Check with your local planning authority first.
What materials are used for heritage roofs in Paisley?
Typically this would be reclaimed Scottish slate, lead flashings, clay ridge tiles, cast iron gutters and lime mortar. All these materials help ensure that the roof is an authentic replica and structurally compatible with a heritage property.
How do you ensure that the roof repair looks identical to the original?
At Greyfriars Roofing, we will carry out a full roof survey and obtain reclaimed slates or tiles that match the existing ones in size, colour and texture. We also recreate original leadwork detailing and bargeboards using traditional methods.
What are the most common problems with heritage roofs in Paisley?
Typical problems include ageing slate, eroded lead flashings and damaged gutters. Adverse weather in Scotland can have a particularly corrosive effect on roofs that are exposed to the elements, e.g. near the centre or on higher streets like Castlehead.
Are there grants available for heritage roof repairs in Paisley?
You may be able to access funding or grant support for your heritage property from local conservation schemes or Historic Environment Scotland. We will advise you on how to apply and where to look.
How long does it take to restore a heritage roof in Paisley?
It depends on the size and complexity of the roof. A typical full restoration of a detached property in Paisley would take several weeks, especially if listed building consent is required.
Why should I use a specialist heritage roofer rather than a general roofer?
You need someone with specialist knowledge of traditional methods, listed building regulations and access to reclaimed materials. Using a roofer with experience of conservation means that the work will preserve the heritage of your property and meet council requirements.
Free Heritage Quotes & Advice
Free Heritage Roofing Quotes & Advice
