Examples of Grant Funded Work

• Repair work to roof, chimneys and cast iron rainwater goods
• Repairs to windows
• Repairs to harling
• Shopfronts

Repair work to roof, chimneys and cast iron rainwater goods

Repairs to roofs in natural materials traditional to the area, normally to match the historic covering, using new materials and/or re-using sound existing material where possible are grant eligible, with up to 75% of the total cost being covered by the grant. Only Scotch or Welsh slate are acceptable roof coverings, along with red clay pantile where appropriate. Any repairs to, or replacement of, rainwater goods must match the historic material. Generally this will be cast iron, or occasionally lead. Aluminium, plastic or PVC rainwater goods are not acceptable.

Above: 'Before' photos show a damaged roof and dormer windows. Vegetation can be seen growing along gutter line and from slates; lead flashing is also in need of repair.

Below: 'After' photos show the property following the re-slating and re-leading of the front roof and two dormers; new cast iron gutters were also installed.

Repairs to windows

Existing timber sash and case windows should be retained and repaired wherever possible. Replacements, if necessary, must be matching timber sliding sash and case, and must maintain the existing, or where they are lost, restore the original astragal pattern. PVC and aluminium replacement windows are not appropriate replacements. If original windows have to be replaced, an attempt to re-use the original glass should be made.

Above: 'Before' photos show two original windows, one sash and case (on the left) and one casement (on the right), which are both in need of repair.

Below: 'After' photos show these windows following their replacement with new timber sash & case and casement windows to match the original features. In this instance, repairs to the windows were not possible but the replacement windows meet the specifications laid in the Small Grant Scheme requirements.

Original decorative windows can also be repaired and funded by the grant scheme, but as with standard windows the original glass should be re-used where possible and the original astragals should be maintained or replaced when necessary.

Below: 'Before' photos show a window prior to work being carried out. The cills and astragals are in need of repair, and some of the coloured glass panels are cracked.

Below: 'After' photos show the window following the repair of timber cills and astragals and replacement of the damaged glass with new suitable coloured glass panels.

Repairs to harling

Only traditional lime harling is acceptable, that is a wet dash harl whose final coat comprises lime coarse sand and aggregate with no more than a small gauging of Portland cement to aid initial set. The final harling may be coloured using a specialist lime wash in an appropriate historic colour in keeping with the conservation area.

Above: 'Before' photos show the previously lime harled and lime washed building has sustained damage to the wall bases, where the pigment can be seen to be discoloured. It requires the original wash to be removed and the surface prepared for a re-application of lime wash.

Below: 'After' photos show the property following the programme of works to strip off the original lime harl, reapply, and coat with a new lime wash.

Shopfronts

Victorian shopfronts, whether an integral part of a Victorian building or inserted into an older one, should be retained or restored. Applied fascias, oversize lettering, and internally illuminated letters should be eliminated. Paint work should be a dark colour, or woodwork “grained”. Lettering should be painted or in gold leaf.

Above: 'Before' photos show the shopfront with boarded up windows and damaged timber window surrounds and fascia board.

Below: 'After' photo shows the shopfront following the repairs to the timber windows surrounds and fascia board and installation of new glazing.