Site – Renfrew Town Hall
Client – One Ren
Description of works – Slate Roofing, Stonework Repairs and Lead Work
As the origins of Balmore celebrates 40 years in the industry, we reflect on the exceptional projects that have defined our reputation for quality, precision, and reliability. One standout project, completed 20 years ago by our sister company Balmore Specialist Contracts, is the comprehensive renovation of the historic Renfrew Town Hall. This landmark undertaking perfectly highlights our broad range of inspection, repair and cleaning services, our commitment to quality and our ability to deliver complex building restoration projects to the highest standards.
Project Background
Renfrew Town Hall is an important historical structure in Renfrew that needed vital renovations to preserve its stunning architectural features. The lead spire and clock tower had endured decades of exposure to the Scottish weather and required urgent and meticulous restoration work to preserve a piece of the town’s heritage.
Balmore was entrusted to complete the restoration and renovation work 2 years ago when services like thermal imaging drone inspections were simply a thing of science fiction movies
Access Solutions
Due to the building’s height and complex design, full scaffolding was erected around the entire structure, a crucial step to ensure worker safety and maintain the integrity of the restoration process. The scaffolding provided comprehensive access to all areas of the building while minimising disruptions to the surrounding environment and preserving public access. Rope access services were also used to access areas of the building that did not require scaffolding.
Roof Slating
The roof of Renfrew Town Hall was in urgent need of restoration. As a leading roofing contractor in Scotland, the roofers at Balmore brought their extensive experience to bear, meticulously replacing all slates with materials that closely matched the original. This careful work not only returned the roof to its historic appearance but also enhanced its weatherproofing, ensuring the building’s longevity for years to come.
Lead Work
The spire and tower are the defining features of Renfrew Town Hall’s architecture, but years of exposure had caused the leadwork to deteriorate significantly, posing safety risks to both the structure and the public below. We took on the intricate task of removing the old, damaged lead and replacing it with new, high-quality materials. This work demanded exceptional precision to ensure the new lead was meticulously shaped and installed to endure the elements while preserving the building’s historical aesthetic. Our leadwork specialists excelled in this project, dedicating weeks to the careful crafting required for the intricate lead detailing.
Joinery Work
Beyond the external repairs, the team also addressed essential joinery work, carefully repairing and restoring the wooden elements of the structure that had suffered from rot and decay over the years.
Project Challenges
Working on a building of such historical significance presented a number of challenges. Every aspect of the project required a careful balance between modern durability and respect for the original design and materials. The high level of craftsmanship needed for the leadwork was particularly demanding, testing the team’s skills and attention to detail.
The weather conditions of Scotland also posed significant challenges. Working at height meant contending with Scotland’s unpredictable weather, including wind and rain, which had the potential to delay the project or pose safety risks. However, the team’s experience in managing similar projects enabled us to stay on schedule and deliver the work to the highest standards, despite these obstacles.
The Results and Legacy
The project was completed on time, and within budget and our team not only restored the building but also significantly improved its structural integrity.
While this project may be two decades old, it is a perfect example of our quality service as the work we carried out on the historic building still stands strong. Fast forward to today, we are ready to offer the full suite of services that we have demonstrated in the Renfrew Town Hall project, along with the added benefits of modern technologies like drone inspection and thermal imaging which enhance our ability to assess and execute restoration projects with greater precision. We look back at projects like Renfrew Town Hall with pride, knowing that our work continues to make a lasting impact.
Quotes & Enquiries
At Balmore, we offer the expertise of four decades in difficult access works including roofing, rope access, industrial cleaning and drone inspection services. Our one stop shop approach to inspection, repair and cleaning has grown through our desire to constantly exceed our clients expectations and offer a service that is far superior to our competitors.
Please fill in the form outlining your requirements and our contract team will be able to provide you with a bespoke quotation for your inspection, repair or cleaning needs.
