1. Introduction
The Grade II Listed St Oswalds Church in Preesall was built over 4 years, completed in 1899. The church tower, a prominent feature of the building, is clad in cedar wood roof shingles. Over time, however, the cedar shingles naturally began to show signs of weathering due to prolonged exposure to the elements, leading to the need for a targeted replacement of the most severely affected areas.
2. Problem Identification
The cedar shingles on the tower had been exposed to severe weather conditions, particularly heavy rainfall and strong winds. As a result, several sections of the roof shingles were damaged, with some showing signs of splitting and warping. The aged patina is naturally discoloured, but detracts from the tower’s original appearance.
3. Objectives
The main objectives for the project were:
- To replace the deteriorating sections of cedar shingles while preserving the historical integrity of the Grade II listed building.
- A visual and tactile inspection of the shingles to identify areas of damage, including cracks, thickness and discolouration.
- A closer examination of the underlying structure of the tower to ensure no hidden damage was present behind the roof covering.
- To select a high-quality, durable cedar wood roof shingle.
- To ensure that all work was carried out with minimal disruption to the church and its congregation.
- To comply with heritage conservation guidance.
4. Selection of Materials
The highest quality cedar shingle is accepted to be No. 1 Blue Label Western Red Cedar shingle. These are heartwood and knot-free, offering maximum durability and a lifespan of 30–50+ years when properly installed.
This type of cedar is historically accurate for the church tower, offering excellent durability and weather resistance, along with an attractive natural finish. Western Red Cedar is preferred for its natural resistance to rot, decay, and insects.
5. Installation of New Shingles
Once the damaged sections were carefully removed using hand tools, the new cedar shingles were carefully fitted. Each new cedar shingle was cut to the exact measurements required for a perfect fit. The shingles were secured with stainless steel nails, ensuring that no rust or corrosion would affect the wood over time. Some lead detailing was also required at abutment joints.
6. Conclusion
The new cedar shingles provide the tower with the necessary protection against the elements, while blending the new with the existing cladding to weather in.
The replacement of the cedar shingles on St. Oswalds Church tower was completed successfully preserving the original character of the building. This project serves as an example of how Grade II listed buildings can be sympathetically restored, ensuring their preservation for future generations.
