Renewing the roof

The last Quinquennial Inspection in 2011 highlighted the poor condition of the stone slating on the roofs of the Nave and Chancel, and a survey in August 2015, when a sample area of slates was lifted, revealed battens in very poor condition, having split or deflected from the weight of the slates. Staining on the ceiling and suspected wet rot fungi on one of the rafters of the nave are now giving rise to serious concerns about the roofs ability to protect the building for another winter. There is now a high risk of damage occurring to the historically important decorated ceiling in the Chancel. It is proposed that the battens and tile fixings are renewed and roof re-slated with a mix of new and salvaged limestone slates to preserve the historic character of the building. This work must be carried out within the next 12 months.