Restoration of Grade A Listed Church

Building Restoration Work

Major Repointing Works with Lime Mortar

The church’s masonry spire and tower had deteriorated over time, necessitating extensive repointing works. We used lime mortar, a traditional material suitable for historic buildings, to repoint the masonry. Lime mortar is breathable and flexible, allowing for slight movements within the masonry without cracking, thus ensuring the long-term preservation of the stonework.

Timber Louvre Replacement, Repairs, and Painting

The timber louvres, critical for both aesthetic and functional purposes, were in poor condition. Our roofing team carefully removed the damaged louvres, crafted replacements using traditional carpentry techniques, and safely installed them while existing louvres that could be salvaged were repaired. All louvres were then meticulously painted, ensuring they were protected from the elements while maintaining the church’s historic appearance.

Lightning Protection Works and Testing

Ensuring the church’s safety from lightning strikes was another crucial aspect of the project. As a leading lightning protection installer, we fitted a comprehensive lightning protection system to ensure the historic church is well protected against electrical storms. This system was rigorously tested to meet modern safety standards.

Stonework Masonry Repairs

In addition to repointing, various sections of the church’s masonry required repair. Using both traditional stone masonry techniques and modern conservation methods, our building maintenance team repaired damaged stones, ensuring structural integrity without compromising on the churches historically significant design.

Project Challenges

The height and design of the church presented significant access challenges. However, as one of the leading difficult access roofing and building maintenance contractors in Scotland, we were more than equipped to handle this challenge. Steeplejack ladders and rope access techniques provided a safe and effective solution, allowing our team to perform the necessary works without extensive scaffolding.

Matching the lime mortar and replacement stones with the original materials was essential to maintain the building’s historic character. To ensure that the repairs blended seamlessly with the existing building structure, materials were careful selected and tested to ensure compatibility.

Working at height and with lime mortar, which is sensitive to weather conditions, required careful planning around weather forecasts to optimise working conditions and mortar curing times.

Despite these challenges, we successfully completed the restoration of the Grade A listed Gothic style church, ensuring its preservation for future generations. This project highlighted our expertise in using both traditional and modern techniques to address the challenges associated with historic building restoration. With over 40 years of experience servicing our customers across Scotland, our careful and respectful approach to this project not only restored the church’s structural integrity but also preserved its historical and architectural significance.

If you would like to know more about this project or similar historic building restoration projects we have completed, please contact out Glasgow head office today.