Castlehead Church, Paisley
Transforming a Historic Derelict Church into Luxury Living
Location
Paisley, Renfrewshire
Type of Work
Full strip and re-slate using 13×9 Cupa Heavy 3 natural Spanish slate
Project Overview
Castlehead Church in Paisley has stood vacant for many years, with its roof and external structure deteriorating significantly over time. As the building begins a new chapter—being transformed into luxury apartments by the talented team at Cleveden Homes—we were proud to play a key role in restoring its historic character and ensuring structural integrity for generations to come.
Our work focused on a full strip and re-slate of the extensive 800m² roof, using premium natural Spanish slate and robust heritage-appropriate materials. This project demanded precision, craftsmanship, and sensitivity to the building’s architectural value.
The Challenge
The roof of Castlehead Church had been left exposed to the elements for years, resulting in significant decay, missing slates, water ingress, and failing structural elements. Working on a derelict building of this size brought its own logistical challenges, from safety considerations to navigating complex roof angles and original stone detailing.
The client required a complete roofing solution that would:
Preserve the church’s iconic appearance
Meet modern building standards
Support future residential use
Provide long-term durability and protection
Achieving this while maintaining the heritage look of the building was key to the project’s success.
Our Solution & Work Carried Out
Full Roof Strip & Re-Slate
We removed all existing roofing materials and re-slated the full 800m² roof using 13×9 Cupa Heavy 3 natural Spanish slate for a premium, long-lasting finish.
Copper Nail Fixings
Each slate was secured using corrosion-resistant copper nails, enhancing overall roof longevity and performance.
Code 6 Leadwork Installation
Installed new Code 6 lead to cap over copes, skews, and ridge areas—ensuring superior weather protection while respecting the building’s heritage detail.
27 Velux Windows Installed
Carefully integrated 27 Velux windows throughout the roof structure, providing natural light and ventilation for the new apartments.
Slate Vent Installations
Fitted slate vents to support extraction and ventilation systems, crucial for modern living standards.
Traditional-Style Aluminium Guttering
Installed aluminium guttering designed to replicate the look of the original cast style while offering improved durability and minimal maintenance.
Timber Painting & Protection
Applied three coats of high-quality paint to all exterior timberwork to enhance appearance and prevent weather damage.
Sash Window Sealing & Painting
Resealed and repainted the sash windows to improve weatherproofing and maintain the home’s traditional character.
Full Timber Renewal
Replaced all worn roof timbers, restoring the structure to modern standards and ensuring a strong, stable base for the new slate.
materials used
13×9 Cupa Heavy 3 natural Spanish slate
Copper nails
Code 6 lead for copes, skews, and ridge
Velux roof windows
Slate vents
Aluminium traditional-style gutterin