In 2018 we carried out a phase of external restoration to the Victoria Methodist Church in Bristol. This consisted of sympathetic and careful cleaning of the front façade and high level stonework with special attention to the front elevation windows.

The effects of car pollution and roosting birds can have quite a detrimental effect to natural stone masonry and in areas the sulphation was causing considerable damage. After the cleaning had been carried out a detailed schedule of mortar and masonry repairs was prepared and carried out along with repointing and shelter coating where needed. Several issues with the roofs leadwork and tiling were modified and addressed to ensure that the building was watertight to protect the church’s interior.

We are finding that many of the buildings we work on are having to undergo alterations to their roofs and surface drainage to cope with the heavier downpours that are becoming more frequent so as to protect them from what can be significant flood damage resulting in large insurance claims.