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Advice on the repair and maintenance of slate roofs, or rather, true slate roofs.
Old earth-walled buildings, now relatively scarce, are a valuable part of our architectural heritage. Consequently, it is important that surviving examples are saved and any necessary repairs undertaken using appropriate materials and techniques. .
Old metal-framed windows can be beautiful and form an intrinsic part of many historic buildings. The extent of their unnecessary replacement is still of concern to the SPAB. Even where they are apparently beyond repair, closer inspection can reveal opportunities for conservation. This article deals with problems ranging from draughts and distortion to damp and 'rust jacking'.
Clay pantiles are one of our great vernacular roofing materials, and a sound understanding of them is essential in ensuring their protection. But while they share characteristics with plain tiles, there are some important differences.
In 1877, William Morris pleaded for those entrusted with old buildings ‘to stave off decay by daily care’. This article explains why this advice still holds good.