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"Repair…", "Restoration…"Conservation…" What do these often emotively used words mean…? And how do they apply to roofing…?

This talk is impressively illustrated with a wide range of examples covering most historic roofing types. It does not so much aim to teach to specify, but rather looks at a diverse range of case studies and examples and discusses the good, the bad, and the anachronistic in each, and weaves these conclusions through the treacherous web of conservation philosophy, functionality and primary purpose, aesthetics, cost/value

It particularly asks the question on matters of detailing… "If it was good enough for them, then surely it is good enough for us?" and suggests that actually there are few instances where the use of modern detailing or materials is appropriate. The problems of modern insulation requirements and the conflict with traditional standards of construction and ventilation.

It is biased as much to the technical as to the philosophical and aesthetic…and argues that the local vernacular tradition is in danger of subjugation to the exigencies of British Standards & Standard Specifications.

Ian Constantinides, St Blaise Ltd. Ian trained as a materials scientist with the Atomic Energy Authority before he founded St Blaise Ltd, one the country's leading firms working in Historic Building Repair and the Conservation of Architectural Works of Art. Ian lectures & teaches regularly both in the United Kingdom and abroad. He presents events in the English Heritage Master Class series & teaches on many post graduate courses in Building Conservation as well as being the founding director of St Blaise Ltd, now a part of the Stonewest Group of Companies