St Saviour's Church, Islington - Slate roof refurbishment
Project Overview
We were appointed to carry out a pitched roof refurbishment at St Saviour’s Church in Islington – a Victorian church of distinct architectural character and a recognised heritage asset within its local setting.
The works involved a full slate roof refurbishment using natural Spanish slate, chosen for its authenticity, longevity, and sympathetic fit with the church’s original character. The project value was £200,000, and every element of the works was carried out with the building’s heritage significance in mind.
The Challenge
Working on a Victorian church of local heritage significance calls for a very different approach to standard roofing works. The architectural character of the building had to be preserved – the choice of material, the detailing, and the visual finish all needed to be sympathetic to the original construction rather than a modern substitute.
The site itself presented additional complexity. The building’s ecclesiastical form – with elevated pitched sections and lower roof levels stepping around it – meant that a standard scaffolding solution wouldn’t work. Safe access at height had to be engineered around the fabric of the building itself, without causing any damage to a structure that had stood for over a century.
The Solution
Natural Spanish slate was specified as the roof covering — a material chosen for its authentic appearance, natural texture, and exceptional longevity. The riven surface, subtle colour variation, and honest natural finish sit comfortably against the Victorian brickwork and detailing of the church, preserving the character of the building rather than compromising it. Spanish slate also brings a durability that will outlast most alternatives, giving the church a roof that will perform for decades with minimal intervention.
The sustainability credentials of natural slate were an additional consideration. Sourced from established quarries with responsible extraction practices, it represents a low-impact material choice — appropriate for a project rooted in longevity and continuity.
Scaffold Design and Access
The scaffolding scheme was one of the defining challenges of this project. To safely anchor the scaffold, small pockets of brickwork were carefully removed to allow beams to be inserted and secured — a heritage-sensitive approach that provided the stability needed for safe working at height. The lower roof levels were tied together to form a working platform for the elevated sections above.
On completion, every removed brick was carefully reinstated, ensuring the church’s fabric was returned exactly as it had been found. Nothing was compromised, and no lasting mark was left on the building.
The Outcome
St Saviour’s Church now has a beautifully restored slate roof that respects and enhances its Victorian character – durable, weathertight, and true to the building it protects. The natural slate will continue to weather gracefully alongside the rest of the fabric, and the church stands with its heritage significance preserved for the next generation.
Heritage work of this kind is a balance – modern performance, traditional appearance, and complete respect for the building throughout. It’s work we take real pride in.
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