The repair and part restoration of the Wenlock Lodge Cottage was recently managed and completed by PSG on behalf of Shropshire Council. The works were part of an on-going extensive repair and maintenance scheme at the site. The historic building and joinery works were carried out and managed by PSG approved principal contractor Ian Gibbons Building Maintenance Specialist. Roofrite Ltd delivered the specialist roofing service with the ecological support provided by the consultants Churton Ecology.
The works involved the repair and recovering of the main and ancillary roofs along with the overhaul and part replacement of the cast iron rainwater installation. The original casement windows were also repaired and restored. The decorative roof barge boards on the East Elevation were beyond repair requiring total replacements; samples were taken of the original carvings and they were reproduced using modern 3D CNC carving techniques. Other modern techniques were introduced with a view to preserve the historic fabric of the building. This included the introduction of sarking felt beneath the roof tiles and lead flashings.
The main roof covering was totally stripped and the original clay tiles set aside for reuse. The lack of a sarking felt beneath the tiles had contributed to the deterioration of the original roof timbers which required significant replacements. Consequently the decision was made to introduce a modern sarking felt with a view to provide a longer term solution to preserve the historic fabric. Terminating the new sarking felt at the gable allowed the roof battens to be exposed beneath the roof verge soffit as per the original arrangement, this also provided an entry point into the roof space for the resident bats.
The existing Porch roof timbers were beyond repair, the lack of suitable lead flashings contributed to this. Subsequently all of the roof timbers required replacement. This was done using durable native timber species including Douglas fir and Oak.
The front entrance Porch completed with the new finials and decorative barge boards matching the existing elements. Supplementary lead flashing was added to protect the new roof structure.
All of the original casement windows were renovated and restored. Original mouldings were reproduced enabling rotten timber sections to be spliced or replaced.
With the external works now completed at the Lodge PSG has been commissioned to deliver a sympathetic internal repair and restoration scheme on behalf of Shropshire Council. This proposed project will enable the building to be brought back into everyday use.