Wentworth Woodhouse. Conservation and repair. Roofing and drainage. Donald Insall Associates

Publication Year

2024

Document Status

Current

Abstract

Describes the restoration of the Grade I-listed Wentworth Woodhouse, led by Donald Insall Associates for the Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust. Urgent repairs addressed the 14,000-slate roof, decorative stonework, and water ingress, with conservation principles guiding restoration over replacement. Modern upgrades, including breathable insulation, improved guttering, and rainwater management, were sensitively integrated. Failed modern copper roofs were replaced with traditionally detailed lead sheet, while Westmorland slate was carefully removed, sorted, and reinstated in diminishing courses. A warm-roof configuration with breathable wood fibre insulation was installed, alongside ventilation gaps and fire breaks, balancing historic integrity with enhanced thermal performance and moisture protection.

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