The Tower Project

The church is constructed from locally extracted granite and this has been used in large cut granite blocks to form the tower walling and the main church walling. The main roof has been recently repaired with new Cornish slates. The lead covered tower roof has not been repaired and is in dire need of attention.

This project will seek to repair the defective roof to the tower, which is the most dominating structure in the local area. The lead covering to the roof is heavily strained and the outlets regularly block due to    inadequate detailing.

Following a survey by our architect, the following work has been identified as being necessary to maintain the fabric of the tower:

Complete re-leading of the roof
Remedial work to the centre gullies to improve water drainage
Remedial work and potential new supports for the roofing timbers
Masonry work and repointing around the beacon turret
Repointing the main body of the tower
Replacement of the louvres

The proposed project will allow for a new lead roof covering on repaired decking and timber structure to ensure the weatherproofing of this tower continues and the historic fabric to the structure within is  maintained.  It will also ensure the internationally important bells are protected.

In addition to the roof works, the project will also improve rainwater drainage and attend to any high   level pointing works directly associated with the tower roof.

Within our last quinquennial report the works to the tower have been indicated as requiring immediate attention in relation to supporting the main beam and for attention within two years in relation to the roof.  The quinquennial report was undertaken in 2015.

Estimates expect the project to cost in the region of £200,000, of which £167,000 is for build costs, with fees  and other costs  accounting for the remainder.

Our Architect
Chris Hunter, BSc (Hons) MScCHE MRICS
CHARTERED BUILDING SURVEYOR