Location: Maldon Wycke, Essex

Property: Grade II Listed Family Home

Contractor: Shelter Essex Roofing

The Property and the People Behind It

This Grade II Listed home in Maldon Wycke is not just an old building – it’s a much-loved family home with a history stretching back more than 600 years. Originally built as barns, it has evolved over time through careful extensions and adaptations.

The owners first came across Shelter Essex Roofing after seeing one of our Facebook videos showcasing bespoke leadwork on period properties. What stood out wasn’t just the finished work, but the care, knowledge and pride taken in doing things properly.

With leaks developing and parts of the roof and chimneys clearly deteriorating, they needed a specialist they could trust with a building of this age and importance.

Part One of the Project: Bringing the Lead Bay Roofs Back to Life

What we found

Two low-level wood roll lead bay roofs had reached the end of their life. The lead had perished over time, allowing water to penetrate the structure beneath. The original deck had begun to rot, putting the building's surrounding fabric at risk.

A careful, considered approach

Every heritage project starts with understanding the building. A full site inspection was carried out, combining hands-on assessment with drone surveying to avoid unnecessary disturbance.

Because water ingress was already an issue, temporary welded lead repairs were installed straight away. This protected the property while we completed another live project and planned the permanent works properly – no rushing, no shortcuts.

When work began, the process included:

• Installing a full scaffolding platform for safe, careful access

• Removing all existing roof coverings and the damaged structural deck

• Inspecting each structural timber and replacing only what was necessary

• Installing a new 18mm OSB structural deck

• Fitting a copper strip around the full drip-edge perimeter

• Preparing abutments by chasing out mortar joints for new lead flashings

• Installing lead rolls to correctly size each bay and manage water flow

• Cutting, dressing and welding bespoke sheet lead on site

• Dressing the lead over the copper strip to create a clean drip edge and reduce wind lift

• Installing new lead cover flashings, securely lead-tagged and fixed into the prepared chases

• Applying patination oil so the lead weathers evenly and stays looking its best

The result is a lead bay roof that looks right, performs properly and should continue to do so for decades to come.

Part Two of the Project: Stabilising and Restoring the Chimney Stacks

The challenge

The property has four substantial chimney stacks, each rising around three metres above the roofline. Years of exposure had taken their toll. Cement crowns had failed, chimney pots were loose, and mortar joints had eroded badly, allowing water deep into the structure.

Two of the chimneys required a full rake-out from ground level to the very top.

Respecting the building’s original construction

Because the property is Grade II Listed, modern materials weren’t an option. The chimneys were originally built using lime mortar, which allows the structure to breathe and move naturally over time.

The repair works included:

• Removing failed cement crowns

• Securing and stabilising chimney pots

• Carefully raking out damaged mortar joints

• Repointing using lime mortar matched to the original composition

• Strengthening the structure of each stack

• Preventing further water ingress

These repairs have returned the chimneys to a safe, stable condition and will help prevent costly rebuilds in the future.

Additional Leadwork to the Parapet

Along the front of the house, we also installed bespoke lead capping details to the parapet. While the stones had originally been leaded, the detailing was upgraded using a Weltlock lead system, offering improved durability and weather resistance while remaining sympathetic to the building’s age and character.

Why This Project Mattered

Working on a building of this age is about more than fixing leaks. It’s about protecting a piece of local history and ensuring it remains safe and liveable for the family who call it home.

Every decision on this project was made with long-term preservation in mind – from using lime mortar instead of cement, to fabricating leadwork on site so it fitted the building exactly as it should. By addressing problems now, we’ve helped safeguard the property for future generations while avoiding far more disruptive, expensive repairs down the line.

The Outcome

• Total project duration: Six weeks, spread over two months

• Completed on time and on budget

• Water ingress fully resolved

• Roofs and chimneys structurally stabilised

• Conservation-appropriate materials used throughout

• Peace of mind for the homeowners

Heritage Roofing You Can Trust in Essex

This project reflects Shelter Essex Roofing’s approach to heritage roofing, bespoke leadwork and chimney repairs for listed buildings across Essex: taking the time to understand the building, respect its history, and do the job properly.

Frequently Asked Questions: Heritage Roofing & Chimney Repairs

Do you work on Grade II Listed buildings?

Yes. Shelter Essex Roofing specialises in roofing and chimney repairs for Grade II Listed and historic buildings across Essex. All works are carried out using conservation-approved materials and traditional techniques to protect the property's character and integrity.

Why is lime mortar used on listed buildings?

Lime mortar was traditionally used in historic construction because it allows buildings to breathe and accommodates natural movement. Using modern cement can trap moisture, leading to long-term damage. For listed properties, lime mortar is usually required to match the original construction and comply with conservation guidelines.

What is bespoke leadwork?

Bespoke leadwork means the lead roofing or detailing is cut, dressed and welded on site to suit the exact dimensions of the building. This approach is essential for older or irregular structures and ensures proper water runoff, expansion allowance, and long-term durability.

How long does heritage roofing work take?

Project timescales vary depending on access, weather, and the condition of the building.

Do you offer temporary repairs before full roofing work starts?

Yes. Where immediate water ingress is an issue, temporary repairs such as welded lead patches can be installed to protect the property until full works can begin. This helps prevent further damage while scaffolding and schedules are arranged.

Why use patination oil on new leadwork?

Patination oil helps prevent oxidation and the formation of a white residue known as basic lead carbonate. Applying patination oil improves the appearance of new leadwork and helps it weather evenly over time.

Can chimney repairs prevent future rebuilds?

Yes. Addressing issues such as failed mortar joints, loose pots and defective crowns early can stabilise chimney stacks and prevent collapse. Proper repairs using lime mortar can significantly extend the life of historic chimneys and avoid the need for costly full rebuilds.

Do you work across Essex?

Yes. Shelter Essex Roofing carries out heritage roofing, leadwork and chimney repairs throughout Essex, including Maldon, Chelmsford and surrounding areas.