In recent days, our team has been busy over at Hall Farm, which is part of the Felbrigg Hall Estate in Norfolk. The work has involved carrying out a specialist roof refurbishment on behalf of the National Trust.
The property is Grade I listed and as a result this project called for a steady hand and plenty of care. Every detail mattered - from the materials that were used to the way each section of the roof was handled. To make matters even more complex, the site is home to a colony of bats. This meant that all of the work has had to be completed under a bat mitigation licence to ensure their protection.
Working on listed buildings is never straightforward. After all, you’re not just repairing a roof, you’re preserving a piece of history. At every stage of the process we had to observe strict conservation standards and we worked closely with heritage officers to make sure that the materials and methods used were appropriate for a property of this age and importance.
The roof was carefully stripped and inspected. We then rebuilt it using techniques that were in keeping with the building’s original character - all while enhancing its long-term thermal performance.
The presence of bats added another layer of complexity. Under the guidance of an ecologist from Kepwick Ecological Services, we installed Bat Safe TLX insulation. This is a specialist product that is designed to keep roosting bats safe while helping to improve a building’s thermal efficiency. It is a clever solution that offers excellent thermal performance without blocking ventilation or interfering with wildlife. We are also building special bat access points using lead in the slates where required, under the direction of the bat ecologist.
Upgrading the insulation will make a noticeable difference to the comfort and energy efficiency of the building. It will help to keep the property warmer during the colder months and will help to drive down heating costs. As a result of this improvement, we are also able to register the project through the NFRC Competent Roofer Scheme, allowing us to issue a Building Regulations Certificate of Compliance once works are completed. This gives the National Trust assurance that the refurbishment meets all relevant Building Regulations.
This was all achieved without having to compromise on the building’s traditional appearance.
Jobs like this really show what we are all about. We bring together hands-on experience, solid technical knowledge, and a real respect for traditional craftsmanship. Over the years, we’ve worked on all kinds of listed and historic roofs across Norfolk and Suffolk, so we know how to find the right balance between keeping a building’s character and giving it the protection it needs for the future.
If you own or are responsible for maintaining a listed property or heritage building and need expert roofing advice, please get in touch. You can call us on 01603 418818 or send us an email to enquiries@roofsuk.co.uk. We will be happy to provide guidance and a free, no-obligation quote.
