Complete Re-Roof Of A Chapel In St Newlyn East, Cornwall

The village of St Newlyn East sits in the heart of mid-Cornwall, and like many Cornish villages, it is home to some beautiful historic buildings that have stood for generations. When the chapel there was in need of a full re-roof, WC Roofing Ltd was called in to carry out the work, replacing the existing roof covering with a premium natural slate that complemented the character and age of the building.

The Challenge Of Re-Roofing A Period Chapel

Re-roofing any building is a significant undertaking, but working on a chapel or church brings its own particular considerations. These buildings are often larger than a typical domestic roof, with steeper pitches and more complex roof lines, and the expectation is always that the finished result will be in keeping with the building's heritage and character.

For this project in St Newlyn East, a complete strip and re-roof was the right approach, giving the team the opportunity to inspect the underlying structure, address any issues beneath the surface, and start fresh with a roofing system that will protect the building for decades to come.

Material: 500x250mm Brazilian Slates

Why Brazilian Slate?

The slate chosen for this project was 500x250mm Brazilian natural slate, a popular choice for re-roofing work on period and ecclesiastical buildings across Cornwall. Brazilian slate is well regarded in the roofing industry for its durability, its consistent colour and texture, and its suitability for use on steeply pitched roofs where a premium, natural material is called for.

At 500x250mm, these are a generous sized slate tiles. The larger format reduces the number of slates required per square metre and results in a clean, well-proportioned appearance on the roof face, with fewer horizontal joints and a strong visual rhythm across the surface. For a chapel of this character, it was a fitting choice.

Cornwall's coastal climate is one of the most demanding in the UK for roofing materials. Properties across the county are exposed to high levels of rainfall, strong Atlantic winds, and the kind of driving wet weather that puts a roof through its paces every winter.

Natural slate has been used on Cornish buildings for centuries precisely because it stands up to these conditions so well. Properly installed, a natural slate roof of this specification can be expected to last well over a century with appropriate maintenance.

The Finished Result

The completed roof is a fine example of what good slate work looks like on a period building. The Brazilian slates sit clean and level across the roof plane, with the larger format giving the chapel's roofline a solid, well-grounded appearance that complements the building's character perfectly. It was a pleasure to work on, and a project the team at WC Roofing Ltd are genuinely proud of.

Need A Re-Roofing Specialist In Cornwall?

Whether you are looking after a private property, a commercial building, or a heritage structure like this chapel in St Newlyn East, WC Roofing Ltd has the experience and expertise to carry out the work to the highest standard.