This Grade 1 listed church, the oldest parts of which date to the 12th Century, has been well-maintained over the years. However recent surveys have revealed a structural problem in the North Aisle roof, probably caused by leakage of rainwater through the lead roof guttering. Repairs are now urgently required to both the roof structure and the guttering, to restore the integrity of the roof and prevent further rainwater damage.

The following extract from the latest Quinquennial Inspection report introduces the problem:

The timber ceiling structure to the south transept is in good condition, as is the timber ceiling at the base of the tower. There is, however, some staining, rot and beetle infestation to the north aisle ceiling at the junction with the nave (towards the western end) and also on the north side at the junction with the organ chamber. An initial inspection from a ladder has identified that this appears to have been caused by some water ingress from the lead gutters above and further investigation is now recommended to ascertain the need for any timber repairs in this location.

A report from a further survey carried out to determine the exact nature of the problem gives more detail:

There is fungal growth on the main beam at the bearing end and also on the eaves beam for a distance of approximately one metre on either side. There is also evidence of wood boring beetle in these locations.

The end of the beam is soft, and it was possible to insert a screw driver into it for a distance of 125mm with minimum pressure. This indicates serious reduction in strength to the core of the beam at its bearing end. It is clear that the beam has been saturated for several months if not years. The corbel is split and distorted, suggesting that the beam has settled due to internal decay.

This settlement of the beam appears to have put stress on the adjacent purlin which has a split on the south side.

It is recommended that a structural engineer inspect and advise on the structural integrity of the rotted timber beam and split purlin and to recommend any action required. Minor strengthening, either in the form of gussets or side plates, may be all that is required.

The valley gutter immediately above the beam end has a drip joint which is below the current minimum height recommended by the Lead Sheet Association. It may have been breached by ponding water or wind driven rain. The LSA recommends a minimum drip of 50 60mm whereas the drip in question is only approximately 30-40mm high. (See LSA details in Appendix).

It is recommended that a lead specialist lift this area of lead to inspect the timber boarding below for signs of water ingress.

If water penetration is confirmed, a temporary repair should be made as soon as possible. Consideration should then be given to replacing the whole of the valley gutter with one which complies with current LSA guidance.

The structural engineers report, recommended by the architect, contains the following information regarding the structural integrity of the truss and purlin:

At the south bearing of the second truss in from the west gable, signs can be seen of heavy water ingress. The dampness has allowed death watch beetle attack of the decorative timber frieze running along the wall top between trusses. The end of the truss has holes from beetle attack and has suffered badly from wet rot.

It is clear that although the moulded softwood pieces applied to the beam remain intact, the structural heart must be very weakened.

A failure of the truss end could occur under the additional load of snow drifting in the valley gutter above. It is recommended a suitable conservation-based repair is put in hand.

A close inspection was made of the split purlin. In actual fact the split is in the timber moulding planted on the side of the structural member, and not through the beam itself. It appears that a nail or similar was knocked into this moulding during works on the roof causing the timber to split.

This is not of structural concern; the side piece can be refixed whenever suitable scaffold access is available.

A follow-up letter from the structural engineer included the following:

The rot has travelled quite a long way inside the tie beam of the truss, so any steel plates or hangers fixed from inside the church are going to look quite obtrusive.

We could design a suitable system of repair and long term support by working from above, that would be in keeping with the churchs grade 1 listed status. It would be almost invisible from the aisle below.

We propose to carry out the repair in the way suggested by the structural engineer, since this will have the least effect on the internal and external appearance of the building.

Photographs which show the problem, extracted from the various reports, can be found in the Gallery.

We have obtained a quotation from a company which specialises in roof work and this campaign seeks to raise funds to allow us to carry out the work during the summer, before the winter weather begins.