Background:
Perspective Building Consultancy Limited appointed Roofing Advisors UK Ltd to carry out the full replacement of a traditional slate roof at a tenemental residential property on behalf of 91BC Property Services Ltd.
The 605m² project involved the removal of the original coverings and installation of specified Gallegas 35 heavy by Cupa Spanish slate, supplied by SIG Roofing. The new roof was designed to remain in keeping with the historic style of the building while providing long-term performance and resilience.
The scope of works included new cast-iron rainwater goods, a bespoke cupola rooflight, and lead flashings and skews. In addition to the roofing elements, extensive masonry works were undertaken, including stonework repairs and full chimney rebuilds to restore the building’s structure and aesthetic.
Roofing Product Choice:
The roof build-up comprised a full strip of the existing concrete tiles which were failing, down to the sarking and rafters, followed by renewal using high-quality traditional materials to ensure long-term durability and visual compatibility with the surrounding conservation area.
An early CPD presentation to the Perspective Building Consultancy delivered by AccuRoof on Natural Slate and the One Warranty offered by SIG Roofing on all materials, secured the specification and ensured accurate scheduling before tender.
Materials and specifications therefore included:
- Roof Coverings: SIG Roofing Gallegas 35 Heavy (size 400 xx 250mm) by Cupa blue/grey Natural Slate selected for performance, aesthetics and compliance in accordance with BS 5534. It conforms to BS EN 12326-1:2014 – T1/S1/W1 and comes with a 100-year warranty. It also meets the requirements of NHBC Standards.
- Underlay & Ventilation: Permavent Apex Air & Vapour Permeable Membrane and Ubbink ub11 Ventilation Tile Inline Vepac Slates
- Leadwork: New code 6 and Code 4 detailing applied to gutters, valleys, flashings and dormers, fully compliant with the Lead Sheet Association (LSA Guidelines).
- Ridge & Hips: Ridge and hips were done in code 8 lead, finished with prefabricated zinc cappings, providing a durable, low-maintenance solution with a modern finish that complements the traditional slate roof.
- Rainwater Goods: New cast-iron OGEE gutters and PVCu downpipes supplied and fitted to replace original rainwater goods.
- Cupola: Fully refurbished, requiring dismantling, repairing and re-leading the cupola with Pyroshield safety glazing and timber refurbishment.
Typically, with tenements, the roof is shared by multiple property owners, so the refurbishment project requires careful planning and co-ordination. AccuRoof supported the Roofing Advisors in the co-ordination and supply of roofing materials which were delivered via the SIG Roofing branch in Uddingston, Glasgow.
AccuRoof were involved in the early stages of the project co-ordinating with building surveyors, factors, and the contractor from specification through to warranty handover, helping to ensure that the roof refurbishment was compliant and ran smoothly.
The SIG Roofing One Warranty scheme was a key part of gaining a successful specification on this project. It is a comprehensive, third-party warranty covering the performance of all the specified roofing products installed, giving complete cover for 15 years. It covers a wide range of the leading brands, so when many different products are used on one roof, it’s a simple way to ensure all products are covered on the job and can be registered in one simple process.
Challenges:
Located within the Garnethill conservation area, the tenement remained occupied throughout, with residents and businesses using the building daily. Located on a narrow one-way street in Glasgow’s city centre and adjacent to a primary school, the project presented significant logistical challenges. All scaffold access, deliveries and waste removal had to be carefully programmed to maintain public safety, school safeguarding and continuous resident access- with banksman control and timely delivery windows to avoid peak school traffic.
As the work started in June and was completed in December, delivering over the winter months meant that the weather was another key consideration. Careful sequencing was required to avoid water ingress, with temporary coverings deployed immediately as needed.
Workmanship:
The workmanship demonstrated at Renfrew Street combined modern technical standards with traditional craft.
Slating works were completed using Gallegas 35 heavy by Cupa Natural Slates. Each slate was individually holed, aligned and fixed with copper clout nails to deliver a uniform finish and ensure a long service life. Salvaged slates from the strip were reused where feasible to maintain visual continuity, reduce waste whilst maintaining aesthetic and performance standards.
This project demonstrates the combination of precision craft and modern construction standards required for such a complex city-centre refurbishment.
Summary:
Completed in December 2024, the project delivered a sympathetic and high-quality roof refurbishment that balances modern performance with heritage appearance.
The use of Gallegas 35 heavy by Cupa slates, paired with traditional detailing and materials, ensured the character of the tenement was preserved while meeting current roofing standards. The additional masonry and structural works were completed with precision, further securing the building’s future.
This project showcases the craftsmanship of Roofing Advisors UK Ltd.’s team. The business is a specialist in the refurbishment of tenemental roofing projects across Scotland’s historic residential sector.
For more details on the specialist service offered by AccuRoof, specifically on Tenement Projects check out the website at https://www.sigaslate.co.uk/knowledgebase/design-guidance/tenement-refurbishment-projects/
