{"id":44960,"date":"2025-12-23T17:09:22","date_gmt":"2025-12-23T17:09:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/newsblogs.ihbc.org.uk\/?p=44960"},"modified":"2025-12-23T17:09:22","modified_gmt":"2025-12-23T17:09:22","slug":"ihbcs-context-185-under-the-spotlight-ihbcs-accessible-cpd-for-conservation-professionals-featuring-chris-wood-on-a-code-of-practice-for-slate-and-stone-roofing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/newsblogs.ihbc.org.uk\/?p=44960","title":{"rendered":"IHBC\u2019s Context 185 under the spotlight: IHBC\u2019s accessible CPD for Conservation Professionals, featuring Chris Wood on \u2018A code of practice for slate and stone roofing\u2019"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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IHBC\u2019s new edition of its members\u2019 journal Context<\/em><\/a> is out \u2013 No. 185<\/a> \u2013and for this round we feature first for NewsBlog readers Chris Wood IHBC, IHBC\u2019s Education Secretary, on a new code of practice for slate and stone roofing from Historic England.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

IHBC writes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Historic England intends later this year to consult on a code of practice for repairing historic stone and slate roofs, and on the technical advice note that will support it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chris Wood writes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Slate and stone roofs are often the most important part of a historic building. They may contain evidence of structures and detailing going back many centuries and are usually the least altered parts of a building. But much of the subtle detailing which gives them their attractive and unique character is being lost during works which comply with modern standards and recommendations. As a result, Historic England is intending to publish a Code of Practice for Slate and Stone Roofing which aims to provide best practice advice and guidance for repairing historic stone and slate roofs. The code will be supported by a more detailed technical advice note (TAN). The draft documents are expected to be ready for consultation with heritage bodies and industry by late autumn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The need for a code of practice<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Current standards and guidance documents are mainly written by the industry and intended for new works, and inevitably champion modern methods and materials. A number of important standards and codes include recommendations that are unnecessary and positively harm the significance of historic and traditional buildings. Many roofers who work on these buildings are not trained in the use of vernacular methods and detailing and have not even used traditional materials<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The aim of the code of practice is to ensure that historic stone and slate roofs are cared for and conserved effectively. Beyond that, it is hoped that it will raise awareness of the importance of vernacular roofs and details, and encourage more recording and research so that lasting records of these important traditions are built up. In time, they may well provide irrefutable evidence that these techniques and materials do perform well and are entirely suited to modern-day living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chris Wood is chair of the IHBC education, training and standards committee. Now retired, he was formerly head of building conservation and research at Historic England. He was the main author of the Roofing volume in the English Heritage Practical Building Conservation series.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Context<\/em> <\/em>185<\/em><\/a>: CONTENTS<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Themed Articles<\/p>\n\n\n\n