Setting a new downpipe on the church tower at Lapford

The masonry of the tower was consolidated and extensively repointed using rope access techniques. A new cast-iron down-pipe was added to the south elevation again using rigging and ropes, with ground works connecting it to the existing drains.

The south pitch of the chancel roof was re-slated using recovered slate from both pitches, while the north was repaired using new slate from the Trevillet Quarry. Due to the fragile internal ceiling, the new battens were set with stainless steel screws to minimise impact through the rafters and all lead soaker and cover flashings were replaced.

Andrew Epstein – Churchwarden

“On behalf of St. Thomas of Canterbury Church, Lapford, I am only too happy to recommend West Access for the excellent standard of workmanship, attention to detail and professional way in which they go about their work. We have used them for two major pieces of restoration work in recent years, and will be only too happy to use them again in the future.”