At Orb Rope Access our involvement in heritage projects has increased significantly over the last few years. Heritage sites, including listed buildings, need to be regularly assessed to determine when maintenance work is required. We carry out these assessments and complete the maintenance work using rope access techniques.
As the divas of heritage sites, listed buildings can be rather high maintenance! Their historical and architectural significance protects them by law from certain modifications so that their character is preserved for future generations. Similarly, when it comes to maintenance work, expertise in conserving the features and integrity of the building is essential.
As the owner or custodian of a listed building, are you aware of your obligations when it comes to maintenance?
Listed building alterations and maintenance
Listed Building Consent (LBC) is required before any alterations can be made to a listed building, both interior and exterior. This can also apply to aspects of listed building maintenance if it involves the replacement or alteration of original features such as windows, roofing materials or masonry.
If the required permissions are not obtained you may be fined or issued with enforcement action which could result in having to undo the unauthorised work that has been completed.
Maintenance obligations of a listed building
Regular maintenance of a listed building is essential to avoid deterioration of its structure. Your maintenance obligations include:
- Repairs
Repairs to listed buildings must be carried out sensitively, in accordance with conservation guidelines which include using the correct materials and techniques. - Routine maintenance
Scheduled, routine maintenance keeps your listed building in a good state of repair. Typical maintenance tasks include devegetation, regularly unblocking gutters, removing guano that can cause structural, chemical and biological damage, and chimney maintenance. - Listed building conservation
Conserving a listed building’s historic identity and features is a primary obligation of the owner or custodian. Conservation work typically required on a listed building includes stonework repointing, replacing damaged roof slates or combatting water ingress.
Maintaining the safety of listed buildings
The safety of listed buildings is paramount. Particularly for tall listed buildings, it is essential that objects cannot fall from roofs or facades. The Dropped Object Prevention Scheme (DROPS) helps owners to meet these safety obligations and protect users of the building. Regular maintenance inspections can identify any materials that are loose and therefore a safety risk.
Orb Rope Access can help you meet your obligations as an owner or custodian of a listed building
- Orb Rope Access can carry out tailored conservation work, gutter and downpipe clearances, roof inspections and repairs, window cleaning, condition surveys and more.
- Rope access doesn’t require scaffolding, MEWPs (mobile elevator work platforms) and other invasive techniques that can cause damage to heritage sites. This is particularly advantageous for listed buildings and is in line with conservation principles.
- Working almost invisibly at height doesn’t alter the aesthetic of the building while maintenance is being carried out.
- Orb Rope Access can easily reach difficult spaces to conduct condition surveys and provide DROPS assessments.
- The Orb Rope Access team is extensively trained and widely experienced in working sensitively on listed buildings. This includes the choice and application of appropriate materials.
- Orb Rope Access is a member of the Heritage Trust Network, a framework committed to restoring, reusing and managing historic sites.
- Rope access is a cost-effective alternative to scaffolding and MEWPs due to the lack of additional equipment, and the speed at which the work can be carried out.
Speak to Orb Rope Access about your listed building maintenance and repair obligations
If you require assistance with repairs or maintenance of a listed building, get in touch with the Orb Rope Access team for a no-obligation chat.
