The conservation and preservation of the nation’s historical and ecclesiastical buildings, including cathedrals, churches, listed buildings and monuments, is crucial in preventing their decline. The steeplejack industry represented by ATLAS and its members has an established track record in the restoration and maintenance of these highly valued, iconic buildings, to ensure that they remain safe, structurally sound and visually stunning.
Conservation at Height
Due to the age, value and public use of many heritage buildings and structures, it is essential that any work is carried out sympathetically and with as little disruption as possible. Access can often prove challenging because of the fragile building façade or intricate architecture and ATLAS members have experience in providing appropriate solutions whatever the project using a combination of traditional steeplejack methods, rope access, specialist scaffold, mobile elevated work platforms (MEWPs), mobile towers and even industrial drones. What’s more, they are also competent to undertake the full range of repair and maintenance work providing a ‘one stop shop’ which is a more efficient and cost effective option for clients than using a number of different trades to carry out the work. Using a comprehensive service also minimises the potential for logistical and/or safety issues on site and saves time.
Specialist Contractors for a Specialist Trade
The building materials used in historical and ecclesiastical buildings are often more susceptible to damage than those used in more modern structures and the skills of a Specialist Contractor are required when it comes to their repair and maintenance. Inspections are undertaken to identify any defects to the building façade which are logged and then taken into account in an on-going maintenance programme. This ensures that any defects are spotted early and repaired quickly to avoid irreparable damage, saving time and money in the long term.
By working closely with organisations such as the National Trust and English Heritage as well as architects, surveyors and facilities management companies, ATLAS members undertake a wide range of specialist repairs and maintenance to heritage buildings including:
- Masonry conservation, repairs and replacement
- Steeple, tower and spire restoration to masonry, ironwork and weather vanes
- Installation of rainwater systems
- Roof works
- Stonework and leadwork
- Restoration of wrought ironwork
- Gilding works to weather vanes and clock faces
- Repair, treatment and protection of timber structures.
The highly specialist skills possessed by ATLAS members have been passed down from one generation to the next and continuous investment in new training and qualifications ensures that they can apply the latest techniques to carry out the work safely across all heritage projects.
When you choose to use an ATLAS steeplejack, you are not dealing with an independent contractor alone. You are welcome to liaise with ATLAS in the unlikely event of needing to get any issues resolved – giving you added peace of mind. ATLAS also loves to hear from satisfied clients on the work its steeplejacks have undertaken.
ATLAS steeplejacks work on heritage and ecclesiastical buildings and structures across the UK and abroad, and ATLAS has created a poster to demonstrate a sample of its access methods and services available at these sites. If you would like to receive a copy or copies of the poster in the mail, please complete this form. Alternatively, you can download the digital file below.
