Owning a period property is a dream for some people. They’re full of unique charm and character, and are almost always set in a beautiful location.

It’s not hard to see the appeal.

Sure, it’s like living in a throwback. But for anyone who’s been in an old cottage or barn, you’ll know the feeling that old buildings evoke.

They feel grounded, permanent, and “real” – and that’s a vanishing commodity in a world of 60 second video loops of influencers dancing for likes from strangers.

But period properties also come with challenges, particularly when it comes to maintaining heritage roofing.

Heritage roofing on a period building is, of course, a vitally important structural element – but it’s also a key component in preserving the historical identity and significance of the building. Unfortunately, heritage roofing that is left without inspections or regular maintenance is susceptible to a range of issues that can compromise its functionality, aesthetics and value – if not addressed properly.

So, let’s break down the top heritage roofing issues faced by period property owners, and explore how to solve them.

What are the top roofing challenges faced by period property owners?

Charming though they may be, period properties come from a time long before building regulations. And while typically over-engineered and permanent-feeling, period buildings aren’t indestructible – or impervious to the elements.

The top challenges faced by period property owners are all kind of inter-related, but don’t necessarily stem from one singular issue.

Damp

Damp in older properties can be caused by a ton of things, and diagnosing it takes expertise. Experienced surveyors are well versed in period buildings constructed from all manner of materials – from wattle and daub to Kent peg tiling. But finding the root cause of dampness can be a challenge.

It can be from poor damp coursing at the base of the property, allowing damp to permeate through porous brick, stone – or horsehair-stuffed lathe and plaster! Or, it can be due to water ingress caused by damaged or deteriorating heritage roofing. It can be a combination of things, including unknown leaks or condensation buildup; it can even be from neighbouring properties, or linked to water table activity.

Damp is really problematic, and as hard as it is to diagnose, it’s even harder to resolve. But it really does need to be fixed as soon as possible, because damp leads to rot. And rot is devastating to old buildings.

Heritage roofing needs to be checked for signs of damp regularly, through routine inspections and maintenance.

Rot

Window frames, fascias, sills and doors are very prone to rot due to their constant exposure to rain and temperature fluctuations – and this is easy enough to spot.

But a loft space under heritage roofing is probably seldom seen. Any roofing that isn’t sufficiently breathable can cause damp to build up, causing any natural materials within to rot. A single warm, wet summer can be enough for rot to set in, slowly transforming the once mighty timber holding the roof up into soft, useless fibres.

This has potentially ruinous implications for the structure as a whole, slowly rotting every natural material from the inside out. It’s so important to make sure heritage roofing is sufficiently breathable, as well as free from leaks, to allow moisture to evaporate away.

Mould

Mould is the ugly twin of rot – a terrible health hazard, even in small pockets. Black mould is a particularly toxic species that can grow on wallpaper and plaster when it’s sufficiently damp.

Mould problems are mainly the result of a lack of ventilation and maintenance, but can also arise after renovations that inhibit the property’s natural breathability. Period properties are almost like living, breathing things in that way – and “choking” them with modern building methods can cause damp, rot and problems to spread.

Practical solutions

How can period property owners protect their heritage roofing – and the property as a whole – from these common issues? Let’s look at some practical solutions.

Inspections and maintenance

Regular inspections are a must – even if it’s a non-expert having a look. Damp and mould have a very particular smell, but hopefully, you’ll have noticed any damp by touch long before any smells.

Ideally, a trained heritage roofing specialist will be making regular trips to your property, to carry out routine maintenance. This will make sure that any potential issues are identified early on, and addressed before they become major problems.

Sticking to conservation conventions

Typically, historic buildings in England are not obligated to adhere to building regulations. But sadly, sticking to conservation guidelines is not always possible. It’s very complex, and taken on a case-by-case basis, but generally, if the property is to undergo significant renovations or a change in usage, that might trigger modern regulations to apply. 

Wherever possible, seek period-correct, conservation-grade suppliers and tradespeople – like the friendly, expert team at Tenterden Roofing.

Heritage Roofing Since 1984

Get the advice and help you need, from our experienced team of heritage roofing specialists. For a quote, contact us at [email protected].