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Rot in the Chancel roof |
January 10th 2003
The last architect's inspection showed that most of our roofs needed
refurbishing with new linings, checking and replacing battens and
re-hanging tiles, replacing all that have been damaged.
Also most of the rainwater goods (gutters and down-pipes) needed
replacing; the ground drainage system needs cleaning out and possibly
some replacement; the walls of the North Transept (dating back to the
XIth century) needed testing for subsidence, with the possibility of
remedial work (may include under-pinning); and anyway the North Window
needed repairs to the stonework. Also the tower roof and centre post needed repair.
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| Lathes of Northern Slope of Nave roof |
The first phase was to be the places most at risk from storm damage
and entry of damp, namely the North roof slopes of the Nave and Chancel
(see photos in Appeal), the East roof slope of the South Transept and
the Vestry roof, together with the rainwater goods and the tower roof.
Removal of the roof tiles and clearing away the accumulated debris showed
first that the ends of the roof timbers and the bearers along the tops of
the walls needed repair far beyond the contingency originally allowed by
the architect.
Then we found that the ceiling lathes had been attacked by furniture
beetle, and many of the supporting timbers had parted company with the
relevant rafters. As a result of this, together with the activity
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Photo: © 2003 Richard Stayner |
above the ceilings, we were advised that falls of plaster (and more) are
possible, so for insurance reasons we have had to close the Nave and
Chancel until some safety measures are in place.
Full repair of the ceilings is likely to be a much more expensive
process that can yet be funded, so we are having some work done to
repair the timber supports and high level safety nets inside the church.
Most of the roof work has now been completed, with lots of lovely woodwork
beautifully spliced into the old beams and joints. The target for this
is the end of January. After that work will continue to make the ceilings
safe.
Financially we have moved from a total of less than £50,000, with 80% paid
by English Heritage to nearly £100,000 with 61% paid by English Heritage.
Right now there is an extra £25,000 that we are struggling to find.
I want to help
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