Sizergh Castle

Client

John Coward Architects

Duration

1 week

Location

Kendal

Sector

Heritage

The brief

In November 2020, Orb Rope Access were appointed by an architect local to Cumbria to complete slate repairs, clean gutters and carry out a downpipe inspection at Sizergh Castle in Kendal.

The building

The medieval Sizergh Castle, originally known as Sizergh Hall, was built in the early 14^th century and is now a National Trust property. The site, which is a Grade l listed building, only became known as a castle in the 19^th century. The great hall of c 1450 is still in existence, and other alterations, including the addition of two wings to the west, were carried out during the 16^th century. 

This is a heritage building that demands respect and care from any contractor that has been commissioned to work on it.

The work

Some of the areas that the Orb Rope Access team inspected were over 500 years old, so we drew on our vast experience of working on heritage buildings as we carried out the work. Extreme care was required when moving around the building to ensure that no damage was caused by the work itself.

We rigged our ropes and moved carefully around the building to complete essential slate repairs, clean gutters and carry out a downpipe inspection.

Benefits to the client

The National Trust did not want unsightly scaffolding on site for two main reasons. Firstly, they knew that erecting scaffolding could potentially damage the structure, and secondly, they wanted to avoid spoiling the aesthetics of the building and disappointing, or putting off, visitors to the gardens.

With the castle building being closed due to lockdown restrictions, it was essential that visitors were encouraged to come on site and enjoy the gardens.

By using rope access to carry out the repairs, we were able to go about our work without disturbing the general public, most of which wouldn’t have been aware that we were there, carrying out essential maintenance.

"Due to the location and status of the castle, rope access was the only feasible option for the works. Scaffolding was far to expensive and time-consuming, and a picker (MEWP) wouldn’t be able to access it where required. We love working on heritage buildings as they are never straightforward regards access and repairs/inspection, we often have to think outside the box and this is where the ORB team comes into its own. Being able to work autonomously is a great advantage while being in the amazing setting of the lake district is a bonus."

Matthew Lavery

Director, ORB Rope Access

What our clients say about us

Absolutely delighted with the outcome of the works, can't praise ORB highly enough for the all elements of the project, will certainly be using them again on any future projects.

The gutters on our building had not been cleaned for some years. In places they were choked with vegetation and this was causing water ingress into the building whenever we had heavy rain. Access, because of height was an issue. Orb Rope did a fantastic job and resolved the water ingress problem which had become a big concern. The technicians came when they said they would, carried out the work they said they would and left the area clean and tidy. The work was done promptly. We found the technicians knowledgeable and helpful. We would have no hesitation in recommending your company.

“Orb Rope Access have run several projects at Scarisbrick Hall. We have found them to be efficient, reliable and have completed their works on time and on budget. We would have no hesitation in recommending them. Well done Matt and team, keep up the good work.”

" I have worked with Matt and Orb since 2010, on many various tasks within the stadium and training ground, this includes floodlight painting and lamp changes, high level window cleaning, maintenance and repairs to various roofs to include tin, plastic and fiberglass roofs. The fitting of new high level signage and banners, and many other jobs. They helped to develop our rescue plan for our own engineers when working on the floodlights. They are always available when we have had storm damage, working well into the night to complete repairs. I would not hesitate to recommend them to any other company for any type of rope work/high level maintenance, and have done on several occasions. "

"Orb Rope Access have completed numerous projects at St Johns for the past 5 years; Including the reseal of the famous St Johns Beacon! I find them professional, reliable, and very financially competitive. They are a highly recommended contractor of mine and a joy to work with."

"Orb Rope Access were introduced to us as we required a high-level structural inspection solution. Given the nature of the project we needed a service partner who could provide excellent levels of safety coupled with knowledge and capability in delivering the standards we required. Orb didn’t fail to impress, there attention to detail and professionalism throughout the process was second to none."

"I have had the pleasure of working with Orb rope access on a few roofing projects now, and have to say that despite the difficult nature of the work that they do in terms of access they also have an ability to transfer that expertise and attention to detail to the work carried out on site. Top work from a top company!"

"Inleaf specialise in the design, installation and maintenance of living walls throughout the UK. Living walls, by their nature, often require specialist access for installation and maintenance and so we commonly work with Orb Rope Access to provide specialist advice and assistance with projects that require abseiling access. Orb Rope Access have always been friendly, straightforward and professional to deal with. We've found them to be 100% reliable and excellent at working closely with our team when on site, either following specific instructions or using their own initiative when required."

This is the second time we have used Orb for high-level work. We are very satisfied with the job done. The team arrived on site at exactly on time, kept me informed of progress and provided photographs of the completed work for my records. I would have no hesitation in using the company for future work.

Here at Liverpool Cathedral , as you can guess there is a challenge to gain access to problems at height. We have used the services of ORB for several years now and they provide us with a professional and safe service which is beyond our means.

Before ORB came to us for roof work it was very difficult to find anyone who would go on the roof. Scaffolding is very expensive. The men who come to carry out the work are polite and a pleasure to deal with and St Oswald's are so grateful for their expertise.

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Get In Touch

At Orb Rope Access we are very proud to be an IRATA Member Company and hold Safe Contractor status. If you are looking for a trusted partner to assist with projects that require working at height or confined space, please get in touch for a no-obligation quote or by calling 0781 333 9064.