Listed Property in Bircher
Reroofing of Outbuildings on a Listed property in Bircher
Project overview
Location: Property in Bircher, near Leominster, Herefordshire
Scope: Reroofing of traditional outbuildings (store, cart-shed, )
Works carried out: stripping of existing coverings, repair and replacement of rotten timbers, full re-felting where required, new tiling, leadwork renewal at gutters and flashings, mortar and ridge repairs, and final clean and drainage checks
Materials used: reclaimed clay tiles where appropriate, lead sheet for flashings and gutters, breathable underlay, treated timber for battens and repairs
Duration: 2 weeks on site
Client requirement: retain historic character while ensuring watertight, long-life performance
Brief history of The property ,This Property is a traditional Herefordshire residence set in the small hamlet of Bircher, with origins dating back to the late 18th century. Originally a modest farmhouse and associated agricultural buildings, the property expanded during the 19th century as local farming prospered. The outbuildings formed part of a working yard — stores for grain and tools, a cart-shed for implements and carriages, and a small barn for livestock or fodder.
Over the years the buildings retained much of their vernacular character: lime mortar, local stone walls, and pitched roofs originally covered with regional stone tiles and later supplemented with reclaimed clay tiles and slates. Conservation of these features has been a priority for successive owners, and modern repairs have sought to respect traditional materials and methods.
Heritage Roofing Contractors Ltd approach
Survey: Detailed roof inspection and photographic record before works, noting areas of timber decay, slipped or broken tiles, and previous repair history.
Matching materials: Sourcing natural slate, stone tiles and reclaimed clay tiles to blend with surviving coverings and the local vernacular.
Traditional methods: Re-laying with lime mortar where appropriate, leadwork formed to traditional profiles, and using breathable underlays to protect historic fabric.
Timber repair: Spliced-in repairs to existing rafters and replacement of rotten battens with treated timber sized to match originals.
Drainage: Renewal/lining of gutters and downpipes to prevent future water ingress and protect lower masonry.
Finalisation: Ridges and verges finished to match original detailing, all debris cleared, and client given care and maintenance advice.
Outcome The reroofing works restored the outbuildings to watertight condition while preserving their historic appearance. The use of matching materials and sympathetic techniques ensures the roofs will perform for decades while remaining in keeping with This Property’s traditional character.
For a free quotation on similar traditional reroofing or conservation work, contact Heritage Roofing Contractors Ltd — experienced slating, tiling, leadwork and stone-tiling specialists based in Hereford.