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Roofs

Maintaining church roofs regularly helps keep our buildings open and welcoming to all.

Regular maintenance and repair are the best way to ensure our churches are open and welcoming.  Providing a good hat (roof) and boots (drainage) is a good place to start.

Provided the following conditions can be met, this work falls within List A1(9) permission. This means that no further permission is required. Please log the work on Building Management Portal.

  • The amount of associated cabling is kept to the minimum that is reasonably practicable.
  • The parochial church council’s insurers are notified of the proposals.
  • Any work to an electrical installation is carried out by a person whose work is subject to an accredited certification scheme in accordance with the Diocesan Electrical Guidelines
  • Any fixings are non-ferrous and are made into mortar joints or plain render.

This work falls within List A1(10) permission. This means that no further permission is required. Please log the work on the Building Management Portal.

Provided the following conditions can be met, this work falls within List A1(11) permission. This means that no further permission is required. Please log the work on the Building Management Portal.

  • The parochial church council’s insurers are notified of the proposals.
  • The parochial church council is satisfied that the person who is to undertake the work has the necessary skill and experience.

Provided the following conditions can be met, this work falls within List B1(9) permission. Please apply using the Building Management Portal.

  • The parochial church council’s insurers are notified of the proposals.
  • The parochial church council is satisfied that the person who is to undertake the work has the necessary skills and experience

Within the application you will need to provide the following information:-

  • Close up and context photos
  • Plan/photos showing the proposed location of the equipment
  • Quote and description of work from your contractor
  • Product information

Provided the following condition can be met, this work falls within List B1(6A) permission. Please apply using the Building Management Portal.

  • The insulation material is chosen, and the method of installing the material is decided upon after obtaining specialist advice.

Within the application you will need to provide the following information:-

  • Close up and context photos
  • Quote and description of work from your contractor
  • Details of materials to be used and justification for its use from a specialist

Provided only a handful of tiles have come away then you can replace them on a like for like basis under List A1(1)(a) permission. This means that no further permission is required. Please log the work on the Building Management Portal.

Provided the following conditions can be met, this work falls within List A1(8) permission. This means that no further permission is required. Please log the work on the Building Management Portal.

  • The original introduction of the material being replaced was authorised.
  • The installation of roof insulation is considered.
  • The parochial church council’s insurers are notified of the proposals

Provided the following conditions can be met, this work falls within List B1(6) permission. Please apply using the Building Management Portal.

  • The parochial church council’s insurers are notified of the proposals.
  • The original introduction of the material being replaced was authorised.
  • The installation of roof insulation is considered.

Within the application you will need to provide the following information:-

  • Close up and context photos
  • Quote and description of work from your contractor
  • Details of existing and new materials
  • Letter from the insurance company advising that they are aware of the work

This will require faculty permission – please refer to the ‘Major Work requiring faculty’ section here for information on working with your architect and providing statements of need and significance.

Along with the statements you will need to include the following in your application:-

  • Close up and context photos
  • Quote and specification of work
  • Detailed drawings
  • Details of existing and new materials
  • Letter from the insurance company advising that they are aware of the work
  • Supportive PCC minute

You will also need to be in touch with your Local Planning Authority to establish whether Planning Permission is required.

Useful resources

•   Theft of metal from church roofs: replacement materials
Guidance from Historic England
•   Church roof replacement using terne-coated stainless steel
Guidance from Historic England
•   Metal theft prevention
Derek Stancombe, Church Insurance Consultant, Ecclesiastical Insurance
•   Church metal theft
a church insurer’s risk management perspective, Kevin Thomas FCII, CFIRM, Ecclesiastical
•   Choosing a roof alarm, Jennie Schillig, Senior Church Buildings Officer
PDF | Video
•   Reroofing case studies
PDF
•   Benefits of lead; pros and cons of alternative roofing materials, Bryan Martin, Architect, DAC member and Conservation Officer
Video