Heritage Roof Refurbishment: Restoring a Copper Roof While Meeting Modern Fire & Insulation Standards

Heritage buildings present a unique challenge when it comes to roofing. Any refurbishment must preserve architectural character while meeting modern requirements for fire performance, insulation, and long-term waterproofing. At English Martyrs Church in Wembley, this balance was critical.

This project demonstrates how specialist roofing systems and careful detailing can protect historic structures without compromising compliance or performance.

Project Overview

Client: Diocese of Westminster

Location: Wembley, London

System Used: Langley TA-20(CF) Copper Faced Flat Roofing System

Completion Date: 2021

The church’s copper-covered roof and conical tower are defining features of the building. Years of weather exposure had led to deterioration of the original copper-faced felt system, allowing water penetration and risking damage to the underlying structure.

The objective was clear: restore the roof’s waterproof integrity while retaining its heritage appearance and upgrading the roof to current fire and insulation standards.

The Challenge: Heritage Constraints and Technical Performance

The existing roof had several key issues:

• Failing copper-faced felt allowing water ingress

• Deterioration around aprons, junctions, and complex details

• Limited tolerance for visual change due to the building’s heritage status

• The need to meet modern fire performance and insulation regulations

Standard flat roofing systems were not suitable. Any replacement needed to deliver high performance without altering the roof’s distinctive copper finish.

The Solution: A Fire-Rated Copper Roofing System

After a detailed roof survey and condition assessment, we specified Langley’s TA-20(CF) Copper Faced Flat Roofing System - the only Broof(t4)-accredited insulated copper roofing system in Europe.

This system combines modern waterproofing membranes with a copper foil cap sheet, providing:

• Long-term durability

• Fire performance compliance

• Improved thermal performance

• An authentic copper appearance suitable for heritage buildings

Installation Works Included:

• Removal of the failing copper-faced system

• Substrate repairs to ensure a stable base

• Installation of Paradiene membranes with a 3mm copper foil cap sheet

• Careful formation of drips, junctions, and complex roof details

Despite the roof’s challenging geometry, the system’s flexibility allowed precise installation while maintaining the building’s original character.

The Results

The refurbishment delivered a roof that performs to modern standards while respecting the church’s architectural heritage.

Key outcomes included:

• Full restoration of the roof’s waterproof integrity

• Preservation of the building’s copper aesthetic

• Compliance with fire performance (Broof(t4)) and insulation requirements

• Long-term protection backed by a system guarantee

• Precision workmanship praised as a “shining example” of craftsmanship

The project demonstrates how heritage roofing can be upgraded safely and sympathetically when the correct system and expertise are applied.

Lessons for Heritage & Public Buildings

This project highlights several important considerations for councils, dioceses, and building owners:

• Heritage roofs can be upgraded without visual compromise

• Fire compliance and insulation improvements are achievable on historic buildings

• Specialist systems reduce risk on complex or non-standard roofs

• Detailed planning and experienced installers are essential

Early surveys and informed system selection are key to avoiding costly reactive repairs while protecting the building’s long-term value.

Specialist Heritage Roof Refurbishments & Public Sector Buildings

At Premier Roofing & Construction Limited, we work with architects, councils, housing providers, and heritage organisations to deliver roofing solutions that balance compliance, performance, fire-compliant roofing for public sector buildings and design integrity.

From technical surveys to specialist installations, our team supports complex projects across London, Essex, and the South.

View our roof survey services